9 Health Benefits of Lemongrass

Lemongrass adds a delightful, fresh citrus-y note to many Asian dishes, from soups to curries, but it isn’t just great in cooking, it is also potent medicine against many ailments and offers a wide range of health benefits.

Here are some of the many health benefits of lemongrass:

ANTI-CANCER REMEDY

Research in the International Journal of Oncology found that lemongrass essential oil demonstrated anti-cancer effectiveness against lung cancer, when used on its own or in conjunction with other oncology treatments.

URINARY TRACT SOOTHER

Lemongrass is widely used by herbalists and natural health practitioners for its urinary tract healing capacities. While I’m not aware of any research on its ability to break down kidney stones, it is traditionally used for this purpose. Brew a pot of lemongrass tea by chopping one to 2 stalks of lemongrass and adding it to a quart of water and bringing to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and allow to simmer for at least 45 minutes. Strain and drink three cups daily to address urinary tract infections or as part of a larger strategy for kidney stones. 

MOSQUITO REPELLENT

While most people love the fragrant aroma of lemongrass, mosquitoes hate the stuff. Lemongrass is an effective mosquito repellent properties. According to a study published in the Journal of Vector Ecology, researchers found that lemongrass essential oil was highly effective against the species of mosquitoes it was tested against.

ANTIBACTERIAL

According to research published in the journal Applied Microbiology and Biotechnologylemongrass essential oil was found to be highly antibacterial, even against some drug-resistant strains of bacteria. Drug-resistant strains of bacteria are those in which antibiotic drugs no longer work or have reduced efficacy. As antibiotic resistance becomes an increasing issue against bacteria and the infections they cause, it is increasingly important to know natural options that may work.

BLOOD PRESSURE REGULATOR

Lemongrass is used by many herbalists to help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol, and to boost heart health. For this purpose drink 3 cups of lemongrass tea daily as mentioned above.

CONNECTIVE TISSUE HEALER

Lemongrass essential oil is used by aromatherapists to tone the connective tissues and can be especially helpful when the tendons no longer hold the joints with precision. For this purpose, dilute in few drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil and apply to the affected tissues.

FIBROMYALGIA FIX

Lemongrass oil is useful for muscle aches and pains like those in fibromyalgia. Lemongrass also helps tone the connective tissues and can be helpful when the tendons no longer hold the joints with precision. Be sure to conduct a skin test first as this oil can irritate those with highly sensitive skin.

ARTHRITIS PAIN

Because lemongrass essential oil has anti-pain properties, it can be used in the treatment of arthritis or sore joints. For this purpose, dilute 3 to 4 drops of a single oil or combination of two or three oils of your choice in a teaspoon of carrier oil like sweet almond, grapeseed or coconut oil and rub on affected areas.

ANTIVIRAL AID

Research in the Journal of Food Protection found that lemongrass essential oil demonstrated antiviral properties and was effective at inhibiting the virus known as norovirus. Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea.

You can diffuse lemongrass essential oil in an essential oil diffuser to reap some of its effects. Make sure you select high quality, pure, undiluted essential oils. While you may end up diluting the oils yourself, most of the oils on the market are diluted in less-than-desirable oils. High quality oils cost more than the cheap varieties on the market but are worth the increased price. Many cheap varieties can also contain synthetic versions of the oils, which offer no therapeutic value and may actually be harmful. But, worse than that, many cheap oils are adulterated with solvents used during the extraction process or toxic pesticides used in the growing process of the herbs from which the oils are extracted.

After diluting the oil in carrier oil, always conduct a 48-hour patch test on a small inconspicuous part of your skin to determine whether you have any sensitivity to the essential oils. Do not discontinue any prescribed medications without the guidance of your physician.