LEMONGRASS – The Wonder Herb
OVERVIEW
Lemongrass is a tropical plant in the grass family. There are different species, e.g., Cymbopogon flexuosus (commonly found in India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Burma and Thailand); Cymbopogon citratus, the West Indian variety (grown in Maritime South East Asia), and cymbopogon nardus (native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia). The first two varieties are found in abundance in The West Indies, particularly in Jamaica. C. flexuosus is a more robust plant than C. citrtus, the former growing as tall as 6 feet; whereas the latter can grow up to about 2 foot 6 inches. The aroma from C. citratus is much lighter and subtler than that of C. flexuosus. Each country has a local name for its lemongrass, for example, in Jamaica, it is known (by everyone) as fever grass.
Lemongrass is often referred to as a “wonder herb”! This is due to its numerous beneficial characteristics, such as ease of establishment, low maintenance (no weeding, no manure, no insecticide application), long crop duration, frequent harvest potential, highly tolerant to grazing by animals. Fortunately, unlike for other crops, there has been no report of lemongrass being stolen!
For centuries, lemongrass has been used for both its commercial and health benefits.
USES
Lemongrass is normally taken orally as a spice in cooking or as a beverage (Tea), or applied topically, and inhaled as in Aromatherapy. The essential Oil derived from lemongrass is highly favoured in the production of a wide range of cosmetic products. Lemongrass essential oil is one of the ten most popular essential oils currently in use. Pure essential Oil of lemongrass is produced by the process of Steam Distillation, which is considered the Gold Standard technique.
CONTENTS/COMPOSITION:
The “secret” of lemongrass resides in the composition of its essential oil. For example, it contains Citronella Oil – used as an Insect Repellent, Geraniol and Cirtonellol – used as Antiseptics; hence their use in Soaps and Household Disinfectants. Lemongrass essential oil also contains a host of medicinal compounds, such as myrcene, limonene, citral, and dipentene. Each of these compounds are known to exert one or more specific medicinal benefit.
PROPERTIES AND BENEFITS OF LEMONGRASS
Lemongrass, in general, has been known to provide a long list of health benefits. The majority of these have been handed down by folklore. However, recent scientific studies, mostly in animals, have strongly suggested that lemongrass has enormous medical potentials. The following table summarizes some of the reported benefits of lemongrass:
|
# |
PROPERTY |
BENEFIT |
|
1 |
Antimicrobial |
Kills bacteria, virus, and fungi. |
|
2 |
Analgesic |
Reduces pain and inflammation. |
|
3 |
Antipyretic |
Reduces high fever (hence the name, “fever grass”). |
|
4 |
Antiseptic |
An effective application for internal and external wounds. |
|
5 |
Anticancer |
Destroys cancer cells, while leaving healthy cells intact. |
|
6 |
Insecticidal |
Effectively inhibits bacterial and fungal growth. Acts as a natural mosquito repellent. |
|
7 |
Sedative |
Perhaps one of the most appreciated medicinal properties. Has a potent sedating, calming, and soothing effect on the mind. Helps to relief tension and anxiety. Good for insomnia (difficulty sleeping). |
|
8 |
Diuretic |
Increases urination, both in frequency and quantity. |
|
9 |
Carminative |
Minimizes gas formation in the stomach and lower intestinal tract, and helps to propel gas downwards. |
| 10 | Tonic | Lemongrass tones up most of the systems of the body. |
| 11 | Supplement |
Lemongrass leaves are a rich source of trace elements, e.g., iron, magnesium, manganese, selenium, zinc, and calcium. |
| 12 | Deodorant | Lemongrass essential oil acts as a natural and effective deodorant without any side effect. |
SIDE EFFCTS
Lemongrass is likely safe in the majority of persons when used in moderate amounts. Also, it is possibly safe when consumed (e.g., as a tea or spice in the diet), applied to the skin or inhaled, as in aromatherapy. There are limited side effects reported from the “natural” use of lemongrass. However, the most common side effect reported in the literature is a skin irritation in some sensitive individuals. This may be because of a natural allergy or misuse of the essential oil.
DOSAGE
The use of lemongrass, as an herb, like all other natural herbs is unregulated. Therefore, there are no stipulated dosage. Generally, the common use is based on years of experience, passed on by folklore.
PRECAUTIONS
It is likely to irritate the skin in sensitive individuals and produce additional types of irritations. It is advisable that pregnant women, and mothers breast-feeding consult their doctor or care giver before using lemongrass.
INTERACTIONS – To date, there are no available data for lemongrass interactions.
Anything with lemongrass in it … I’m a fan! From the lovely fragrance to the health benefits, you can’t lose. The hand sanitizer and the lotion are the products I use most frequently, they always leave me with a pleasant scent and feeling very moisturized!
what is lemongrass not good for ? wrong question……
LEMONGRASS is GOOD for everything – externally, internally, body, soul and mind
I was introduced to Lemongrass in 2016 – and lemongrass became my go-to first, if anything is ailing me (drink the tea), hair to look better (shampoo/conditioner) , skin to look ,feel & smell nice (lotion) – tried and true – bless the day I met lemongrass
The Wonder Grass/Herb, very informative. I did not know lemon grass was such an important plant. I was pleasantly surprised to lear that so many products could come from one plant. I have used many of these products from House Of Nature and found them to be very useful and do what they say on the packages.
Hi Michelle, your question is very important. Essential oils should NEVER be applied directly to the skin because they are highly concentrated compounds, which can cause serious irritation to the area of contact. It is advisable to mix the essential oil with a Carrier Oil, such as Coconut Oil or Sweet Almond Oil, before applying it to the skin. A general rule of thumb is to add between 3 and 5 drops of essential oil to 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of carrier oil, and mix thoroughly. It is also best to test your sensitivity to the mixture by doing what is called a “patch test”. If there is any adverse reaction such as redness, swollen or itchy bumps (wheals), it is an indication that you are sensitive to the particular essential, and should, therefore, reconsider using it.
Thanks for your feedback, Dean.