LEMON GRASS - HEALTH BENEFITS

Lemon grass , botanically known as Cymbopogon schoenanthus L, belons to family Graminae. It contains an essential oil . This oil is sherry colored with a pungent taste and lemon like odor with citral as the principal constituent. The contents of this oil varies with the age of the grass. Fresh lemon grass contains an essential oil which has substantial amount of citral.

The grass is stimulant, tonic, aromatic, anti spasmodic and a mild counter irritant. It increases secretion  and discharge of urine. Oil distilled from its leaves is used for medicinal purposes

MEDICINAL USES

Stomach disorders- Lemon grass is useful for strengthening the function of stomach and promoting its functions . It is effective in the treatment of indigestion. Lemon grass oil also treats spasmodic affections of the bowels, gastric irritability and cholera

Fever and cold- The grass induces copious perspiration and brings down temperature . It also produces a feeling of coolness. Raw juice or a decoction of the grass can also be taken

Flatulence- Lemon grass and its oil are carminative , valuable in relieving flatulence. It can be given with sugar as an emulsion . The emulsion is prepared by mixing common lemon grass oil with sugar

Menstrual disorders- An infusion of the grass, mixed with black pepper, is given in painful and difficult menstruation. Raw juice or a decoction of the grass may be taken in such a condition

Rheumatism-The grass is used locally over rheumatic joints, lumbago and sprain. Lemon grass oil mixed with coconut oil is a stimulating oil for rheumatism, lumbago, neuralgia, sprains and other painful affections. In chronic cases the undiluted oil may be used for better results. It can also be taken internally in the manner for fevers

Ringworm-Leaves  of lemon grass are useful in treating ringworm as a local application . a paste of the leaves made with buttermilk should be applied on the affected part

Nerves- Some sources suggest that lemongrass has antidepressant properties and is thus beneficial for nervous and stress-related conditions. It is said to be helpful in alleviating anxiety and depressive symptoms. It helps to strengthen the nervous system and may thus be useful for conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.

Skin- The presence of Vitamin A in lemongrass makes it helpful for skin issues such as acne pimples. It helps to brighten the skin and eyes and clear up oily skin thus improving acne. Its antibacterial property is also valuable for skin infections. Lemongrass may improve poor body odor by controlling excessive sweating.

Cancer- One research conducted at the Ben Gurion University in Israel has found possible benefits of the citral found in lemongrass on cancer. It reveals that this compound may contribute to the death of cancer cells with no noted negative effect on normal cells.