Most people know lemongrass as an herb most commonly used in Thai cooking, but lemongrass is also used by herbalists for its many healing effects. For centuries, lemongrass has been used as a treatment for stomach cramps and indigestion, yeast infections, colds and flu, hypertension and diabetes. It is also used in many skin care products, perfumes, deodorants and insecticides. The plant can be ingested or served as tea, though much of the herb's potency comes from its oils, which are extracted from the stem.
Hypotensive Effect
In Cuban folk medicine, lemongrass leaves are used to lower high-blood pressure and as an anti-inflammatory. At the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology in Havana's National Center for Scientific Research, the leaves were tested on rats and the results revealed that the lemongrass leaves had a hypotensive effect when given intravenously and an anti-inflammatory effect when consumed.
Sedation
In Brazilian folk medicine, lemongrass is used to treat nervous disturbances and can be used as a sedative and relaxant.
Blood Sugar Lowering Effect
Because lemongrass essential oil contains a substance similar to insulin, it is often used by herbalists to control high blood sugar levels in diabetics.
Muscle Relaxant Effect
An effective muscle relaxant, when massaged onto tired muscles, lemongrass oil's analgesic and sedative properties help to ease tension. Lemongrass oil also has a beneficial effect on headaches, migraines, jet lag, stress and menstrual cramps.
Diuretic Effect
Lemongrass oil can help edema and water retention.
Carminative Effects
Lemongrass helps your intestines to expel gas and relieves acidity.
Improved Bowel Movement
Ingesting lemongrass oil helps aid digestion, prevents constipation and helps to promote regular bowel movement.
Antipyretic Effect
If you have a fever, lemongrass oil can help lower your body temperature.
Lemongrass oil has antipyretic properties that help bring down temperature.
Anti-bacterial Effect
Lemongrass oil is a fungicide and has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. This makes it a good herb for treating both internal and external infections.
Blood Clotting Effect
When applied to fresh wounds and cuts, lemongrass oil, with its astringent properties helps blood clot quicker, thus speeding up the time it takes for the injury to heal.
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