Lemon grass

Lemongrass, also called Cymbopogon citratus, is aplant that belongs to the family Gramineae or Poaceae. In Greek, ‘Cymbopogon’ means boat-beard. It is a fragrant, long-living plant that is native to Sri Lanka and South India. Today, it widely grows throughout Asia and tropical America. Freshly cut and slightly dried lemongrass leaves are used to extract essential oils that are further used for medicinal purposes.

Botanical Name-Cymbopogon citratus

Family-Poaceae

Synonyms-

Morphology-Perinial grass growing to height of 5 to 7 feet

Chemical constituents-Flavinoida,

phenolic compunds

Terpinoids

Rasa-kattu,Tikta

Guna -Rukshya, laghu,Tikshna

Virya-Ushna

Part used-whole plant,oil Indication-krimi,kasa, Sleshma

aamaya,Santapa nashana. Bhutagrahavesha

Dosage-3-6gm and oil-1/2 to 3 drops Formulation-chandrakala lepa

Nutritional Value of Lemongrass:

Nutrient	Amount/100 g
Carbohydrates	25.3 g
Proteins	1.82 g
Fats	0.49 g
Energy	99 kcal
Iron	8.17 mg
Calcium	65 mg
Sodium	6 mg
Potassium	723 mg
Phosphorus	101 mg
Magnesium	60 mg
Manganese	5.22 mg
Copper	0.266 mg
Zinc	2.23 mg
Selenium	0.7  µg
Vitamin A	6 IU
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	0.065 mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	0.135 mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)	1.1 mg
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)	0.05 mg
Vitamin B6	0.08 mg
Vitamin B9 (Folate)	75  µg
Vitamin C	2.6 mg

The many properties of lemongrass are as follows:

• It may show anti-inflammatory property
• It may sow antioxidant property
• It may show antihypertensive (blood pressure lowering) property
• It may show anti-obesity property
• It may show anti-bacterial property (kills bacteria)
• It may show anti-fungal property (kills fungi)
• It may show analgesic property (pain killer)3
• It may show anti-diarrhoeal property   
• It may   help with malaria4
• It may help lower skin damage)
• It may show anti-helmintic property (kills parasitic worms)
• It may show caricidal property (kills ticks and mites)1
• It may show anticancer property5

Potential Uses of lemongrass for infection

Anti-bacterial property: Lemongrass exhibited anti-bacterial properties in a lab study. Some compounds in lemongrass were identified to show anti-bacterial properties against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Anti-fungal property: Lemongrass was found to have anti-fungal properties. It could inhibit the growth of fungi that secretes mycotoxins (a toxic substance produced by fungus) in food products and grains.3

Potential uses of lemongrass for heart and obesity

Several studies have tested lemongrass as a hypoglycaemic (lowering blood sugar level) and hypolipidemic (lowering lipid in the blood) agent to reduce the risk of obesity and hypertension.3 It was found to lower high cholesterol levels in humans, thus showing heart-protecting activity. It was also found to help lose excess weight in overweight patients.5 However, if you experience any heart problems or want to lose weight, contact your healthcare provider and follow the doctor’s advice.

Potential uses of lemongrass for inflammation

Tissue inflammation is considered one of the leading causes of serious health problems. It is found to be linked with diseases like diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular (related to heart and blood vessels) disorders and rheumatoid arthritis. Several researchers reported that lemongrass contains polyphenols that may show anti-inflammatory properties and reduce inflammation.3 However, before using lemongrass or other herbal remedies for health benefits, you should talk to a doctor or healthcare provider.

Potential uses of lemongrass for anxiety

Many researchers have studied the anti-anxiety effects of lemongrass tea. An experiment found that the lemongrass decoction (concentrated solution) and lemongrass tea could show anti-anxiety effects when given to animals during a trial.3 However, if you struggle with anxiety, talk to a psychiatrist about your symptoms.  

Potential uses of lemongrass for stomach

The boiled and concentrated solution of lemongrass leaf stalk may be used to manage diarrhoea.4 Lemongrass tea might be used to manage indigestion, stomach pain, and gastric ulcers by protecting the linings of the stomach.5 If you experience stomach problems, consult your healthcare provider before using lemongrass to aid your symptoms. Using herbal remedies without a doctor’s consultation can worsen the situation.

Potential uses of lemongrass for the liver

The leaf extract of lemongrass was tested for its liver activity. It was found to be helpful for managing disorders or diseases of the liver.4 However, if you are suffering from liver diseases, using any herb without consulting a doctor can damage the liver. Therefore, talk to your healthcare provider before using lemongrass.