LEMONGRASS - The Wonder Herb

Essential Oil Fever Grass Herb LemonGrass

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.


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  • Harvey on

    Thank you, Elaine. I believe that the consistently sunny weather in Jamaica, most of the year, creates the ideal climate for growing the “best” lemongrass or Fever Grass. Hence, the richness of the tea and essential oil derived from this very popular herb.

  • Elaine Allison on

    Great research on lemongrass. The usage and likely health properties are endless. I personally use house of nature lemongrass oil in my infuser throughout the winter months.
    An excellent product from a beautiful place on my island, Jamaica.
    Thank you!

  • Harvey on

    Thank you, Jr., for your questions. I believe the answer to your first question is “yes”. Many persons do not fully appreciate how effective lemongrass can be for their health and well-being. The main reason for this is that people lack scientific knowledge about the health benefits of the herb. However, a great deal of research is has been, and is been, done to identify, and isolate the active ingredients that contribute to human health. For your second question, I believe that the promising results from numerous scientific studies will create a potentially bright future in the realm of alternative medicine for lemongrass.

  • Junior Reid on

    Interesting article and more importantly great to understand the benefits of lemon grass as well.

    In your opinion is lemon grass misunderstood in regards to how effective it can be for health and well being?

    Also where do you see the future of lemon grass and the benefits to the wider society?



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