Lemongrass {herbs that heal}

Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a super-herb with amazing healing properties.
Its been used for many hundreds of years in Asia and Africa and now in the western hemisphere too. Today, it is one of the most popular medicinal plants in Brazil for treating the nerves and stomach.
This healthy grass is often used as a tea to treat numerous health conditions, such as nervous disorders, stomach problems, fevers, arthritis, menstrual problems and even cancer.
This plant was used by the ancient Chinese to help treat the flu, colds, gas, cramps, pain and as a digestive aid.
Used externally, this plant can improve blood flow and may be used for the treatment of athlete’s foot, cuts, tendinitis, sprains and joint pain.
Lemongrass tea is a refreshing, citrus drink which can improve your health in many ways. Some of the many benefits of lemongrass are listed below.

Cancer Fighting

A component in lemongrass called citral is being investigated for its potential role in fighting cancer.
In 2006, in Israel, Dr. Rivka Ofir and Professor Yakov Weinstein, of Ben Gurion University discovered that the citral in lemongrass has the ability to kill cancer cells in vitro, while not harming normal healthy cells.
Their findings indicate that Citral causes cancer cells to self-destruct through a mechanism they call programmed cell death.
Furthermore, a drink containing only one gram of lemongrass can cause apoptosis, or cell suicide of cancer cells in a test tube.
While there is still much research to be done, this is very promising news for those suffering with cancer.
If you do have cancer, talk to your doctor before trying this or any herbal remedy, as even natural remedies may interfere with chemotherapy or other traditional cancer treatments.

Vision

A study performed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology indicates that consuming lemongrass may be helpful in treating keratomycosis (inflammation of cornea) which can lead to blurred vision. The plant is also rich in beta-carotene which is important for eye health.

Detox

Lemongrass has a diuretic effect on the body and is a wonderful addition to any detox diet. It cleanses the organs, such as the pancreas, bladder, kidneys, liver and digestive tract. It has the ability to expel toxins like cholesterol and uric acid from the body, while stimulating blood circulation and digestion.

Nervous System

This plant has a history of use in Brazil for treating nervous disorders. Tea made from lemongrass is used to strengthen the nerves and keep them healthy. Many people drink this tea to treat conditions such as shaky limbs, vertigo, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Drinking this tea on a regular basis may also help to ward off these conditions. More research is needed in this area.

Weight Loss

Since lemongrass tea possesses diuretic properties, it is good for those trying to lose weight. Frequent urination helps the body rid itself of fat and water weight. This tea aids the digestion and detoxifies the body as well. All of these are an important part of any weight loss plan.

Fever

Lemongrass is also known as fevergrass, as it is often used for bringing down fever. It has the ability to increase perspiration which helps to cool the body.

Skin

Lemongrass is great for the skin. Drinking a cup of lemongrass tea each day will help to keep your skin clear and healthy looking. It keeps pimples and acne away when used regularly, as it helps rid the body of toxins.
The escential oil of lemongrass has anti-microbial properties and when used externally, can ward off bacterial infection on the skin’s surface.
Lemongrass is often used in skin care products, lip balm, soaps and cosmetics. It is a very effective cleanser and possesses moisturizing properties.
This grass has antiseptic, antimicrobial and antifungal properties which make it an effective astringent. It protects the skin while shrinking the pores, helping to keep the skin smooth and well hydrated.

Digestive System

Lemongrass promotes good digestion and brings relief from diarrhea, bloating, nausea, stomach ache and gastroenteritis. It allows the abdominal muscles to relax and release gas.

Insomnia

Tea made from this grass is great for insomnia. It calms the body and mind and reduces feelings of tension. It helps one get to sleep more easily.

Stress and Anxiety

Lemongrass is often used as a calmative. The people of the Amazon use it as a natural sedative on a regular basis. Tea made from this grass has the ability to calm the nerves and help a person to relax.

Infection

Oil of lemongrass is antiseptic, antimicrobial and antibacterial. A solution of the oil and some water is good for cleaning cuts and wounds, as it can stop bacterial growth. It also works as an analgesic and alleviates pain and inflammation.
A test tube study published in the medical journal “Microbios” in 1996 demonstrated that lemongrass was effective against 12 types of fungi and 22 strains of bacteria.
Research published in the “Letters of Applied Microbiology” in April 2009 showed that lemongrass vapors could inhibit the growth of airborne bacteria.

Cholesterol

The citral in lemongrass helps remove cholesterol, toxins, fats and uric acid from the body. It also stimulates blood circulation.
Research conducted in 1989 at the University of Wisconsin found that the 22 subjects treated with 140mg of lemongrass oil daily had their cholesterol lowered from 310 to 294 on average. Many participants of the study also experienced a significant decrease in blood fats.
This study was published in the August 1989 issue of the medical journal “Lipids”.

Headache

Research conducted by Professor Lyn Griffiths, Dr Darren Grice and Dr Kelly Rogers suggests that the lemongrass plant is just as effective as aspirin for treating headaches.

Depression

Researchers in Israel at Ben Gurion University have found that a daily intake of 1 gram of citral helps battle depression. This grass also activates the release of serotonin. A lack of serotonin can cause one to feel depressed.

Vitamins and Minerals

Lemongrass contains many vitamins and minerals. They are vitamin C, A, B1, B5, B6, folic acid, calcium, manganese, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper and phosphorous.

Antioxidant

Lemongrass contains antioxidants such as beta-carotene, Vitamin C and A.

Insect Repellent

Lemongrass is similar to citronella grass. It can be crushed and rubbed onto the skin to keep bugs away.

Lemongrass Uses:

• Treat cancer
• Treat depression
• Treat anxiety
• Treat high cholesterol
• Improve vision
• Treat headache
• Treat pain
• Treat cold & sore throats
• Treat type 2 diabetes
• Protect nervous system
• Insect repellent
• Improve digestion
• Treat high fever
• Weight loss
• Treat rough, dry skin
• Treat colitis
• Source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants
• Treat acne
• Treat constipation
• Detoxification
• Prevent infection
• Treat insomnia
• For relaxation

Lemongrass Leaves

How It Works

It is believed that the plant’s citral content is what gives it many of its healing properties.

How It’s Used

Lemongrass is usually taken as hot tea. The oil of the plant can be used externally.

Precautions and Side Effects:

Lemongrass should NOT be taken if pregnant since it has uterine stimulating properties. Always talk to your doctor before taking any herbal supplements.

Description and History Of Lemongrass

Lemongrass is an aromatic tropical plant with long, slender green and white blades that can grow up to five feet tall. The plant can be identified by its tall, striped leaves and fresh lemon-citrus fragrance.
The essential oil of this plant has been used for hundreds of years in India, especially for treating fever. It is also known as fever grass.


Original Article from: http://www.herbslist.net/lemongrass.html