Lemongrass, also known as Cymbopogon citrates in medical terms, is a simple herb with many benefits and uses. The herb grows extensively in India and Sri Lanka. It is widely used in the kitchens of most south-east Asian countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, and is rapidly gaining entrance to Indian homes as well.
Lemongrass is grown commercially in many places across the globe for its medicinal value and benefits. It also has a long shelf life that. Lemongrass has an appealing fragrance, which makes it an ideal ingredient in certain perfumes and other scented products. What drives the cultivation and extensive use of this herb is its numerous medicinal, nutritional and health benefits.
Medicinal And Health Benefits Of Lemongrass Oil:
Lemongrass has been used in various medicines for home remedies and homeopathic treatments for a long time, thanks to its many advantages. Some of the most useful medicinal lemongrass oil benefits are listed below:
- Lemongrass oil has many anti-oxidant properties. It helps prevent several kinds of diseases with its many vital nutrients and proteins.
- Lemongrass oil is loaded with calories that are beneficial for the human body. However, unlike most of the other oils, consumption of this oil does not result in heart problems as it has almost zero cholesterol.
- Lemon grass oil can be used as an antiseptic, anti-fungal, insecticidal and counter-irritant, due to its many constituent oils like mycrene, nerol, limonene, geranoil, dipentene, citronellol and methyl heptenone.
- Its stems and leaves are rich in folic acid, a protein that is crucial and vital to DNA synthesis and important for cell division.
- If used during the pre-conception stage, lemongrass oil can help prevent neural tube defects in the unborn baby.
- Lemongrass – fresh, dried or in any other unadulterated form, as well as its oil – is rich in zinc, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron, all of which are important for the blood. It also helps the heart to function properly and keeps blood pressure within set limits.
- Lemongrass oil is a constituent of some of the medicines that are used to treat indigestion, colitis and gastroenteritis diseases and other related problems.
- Lemongrass oils are extensively used in aromatherapy treatments, massages and spa treatments, as they help revitalize and relieve symptoms of body-ache, exhaustion, headache and stress.
- Lemongrass oil is used for treating throat and nasal problems or allergies.
The Constituents And Nutritional Value:
- Lemongrass has a balanced mix of many essential and vital nutrients that are beneficial to the human body and aid its many functions.
- Lemongrass is rich in carbohydrates and has high energy content, protein and very little fat and zero cholesterol. It is also rich in some of the vital vitamins like Niacin, Folates, Pyridoxine, Riboflavin, Thiamin, and Vitamins A and C.
- It is rich in sodium and potassium, two of the most important electrolytes that are important for maintaining blood pressure levels.
Nutritional Chart Of Lemongrass:
Lemongrass (citronella), freshNutritive value per 100 g.(Source: USDA National Nutrient data base)
PrincipleNutrient ValuePercentage of RDAEnergy99 Kcal5%Carbohydrates25.31 g19%Protein1.82 g3%Total Fat0.49 g2%Cholesterol0 mg0%
VitaminsFolates75 µg19%Niacin1.101 mg7%Pyridoxine0.080 mg6%Riboflavin0.135 mg10.50%Thiamin0.065 mg5.50%Vitamin A6 mg<1%Vitamin C2.6 mg4%
ElectrolytesSodium6 mg<1%Potassium723 mg15%
MineralsCalcium65 mg6.50%Copper0.266 mg29%Iron8.17 mg102%Magnesium60 mg15%Manganese5.244 mg228%Selenium0.7 µg1%Zinc2.23 mg20%
Culinary And Home Remedies With Lemongrass:
The leaf buds and stems of lemongrass are used in cooking, mainly because of the refreshing aroma it adds to various dishes. It is also used as an ingredient in pickles. Along with the refreshing taste and fragrance, its many nutritional properties are also beneficial to the human body. Lemongrass is also used in preparation of herbal and masala tea for its fragrance and many health benefits.
Lemongrass, in any form, is a good for health. Anyone can use it without worrying about side effects. Very few people have been known to have shown an allergic reaction to lemongrass, so if you are planning on using it, you don’t really need to worry about any side effects.
Lemongrass is an amazing herb that is easily available and highly nutritious. Include it as part of your regular diet and see the difference it makes to your health, body and mind. So are you ready to experience these extensive lemongrass oil uses? Leave a comment below!
