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Lemongrass Health Benefits and Medicinal Properties

By Diane Hanson

I love the sweet citrus fragrance of lemon grass in Tom Yum soup, but I didn't know of its analgesic properties until I mentioned a nagging lower back pain to a Thai friend.

She said that to relieve back pain, boil four handfuls of lemon grass leaves in 4 cups water for 5 minutes. Add to a bathtub of lukewarm water, and soak yourself in it. True enough, the herbal bath worked wonders and I felt a lot better the next morning.

My experience got me interested in discovering more about the health benefits and healing properties of lemongrass, and how to use it to make herbal home remedies.

Interestingly enough, lemon grass offers a widespread of life-enhancing benefits – antimicrobial, analgesic, antipyretic, antioxidant, antiseptic and anti-fungal.

Medicinal Uses of Lemon Grass

Hypertension

Lemongrass tea is a natural and effective anti-inflammatory and anti hypertensive medicine. To prepare lemon grass tea, steep 1-2 teaspoon lemongrass leaves (fresh or dried) in 1 cup boiling water for 10-15 minutes, and then strain. Take the lemongrass tea several times a day.

Headaches

When it comes to relieving headaches and migraines, lemongrass may work like an aspirin. A few stalks of lemongrass in a pot of warm water releases a pleasant aroma that relaxes and soothes headaches. Lemon grass is also believed to bring about a calming effect in relieving insomnia, depression and stress.

Digestion

Lemongrass is a potent cleanser and is useful for detoxifying the liver, kidneys, bladder, pancreas and digestive system. It is also known to improve digestion, lower bad cholesterol, uric acid and cut down excess fats in the body. Additionally, the herb is an effective remedy for stomachaches, diarrhea, gas, bowel spasms, vomiting.

Cancer

The Science and Technology Department's Food and Nutrition Research Institute has shown that the antioxidants found in lemon grass may help prevent cancer, as well as being an effective treatment for eye infections that cause burning or blurring of vision.

Menstrual Disorders

An infusion of lemongrass and black pepper helps manage painful and difficult menstruation.

Ringworm

A paste of lemon grass leaves made with buttermilk acts as a powerful anti-fungal medication, and is used to treat ringworm as well as athlete's foot.

Acne

Lemongrass is also useful in improving the texture of the skin by clearing skin conditions such as acne and pimples. Mixing 1-2 drops lemongrass essential oil in ½ cup warm water, and dab it onto acne or pimples to conrol breakouts.

Circulatory Disorders

To treat circulation problems and improve blood flow, rub a few drops of lemongrass oil on the affected area to get immediate relief. This herbal remedy is also good for sprains, tendinitis, neuralgia, and rheumatism.

Mouthwash

Lemon grass is also an excellent mouthwash. Soak 2 tablespoonfuls of chopped lemongrass in a glass of hot water for 30 minutes, and then strain. Use the herbal infusion as mouthwash.

Insect Repellent

With its strong lemony scent, lemon grass works like magic to repel mosquitoes, biting flies and fleas. It is used in candles, oils and lotions as an insect repellent under the name of citronella.

Lemongrass is generally safe for use in moderation, but young children, pregnant women, and people with kidney or liver disease should avoid the herb.

Lemongrass is truly an amazing herb. With its many health benefits and powerful medicinal properties, you might want to use them more often in your cooking.

lemongrass health and medicinal benefits

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