Lemongrass Health Benefits: A Complete Guide to Its Healing Power in Traditional and Modern Herbal Medicine

Lemongrass Health Benefits: A Complete Guide to Its Healing Power in Traditional and Modern Herbal Medicine

In Stock
₦5,000

Quantity

1

Free Shipping

On orders over ₦50,000

2 Year Warranty

Full coverage

30-Day Returns

Money-back guarantee

Product Features

    🌿 Lemongrass Health Benefits: A Complete Guide to Its Healing Power in Traditional and Modern Herbal Medicine

    Introduction

    Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), also known as fever grass, is one of the most widely used plants in traditional medicine across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and South America. With its lemony aroma and citrus-like flavor, it has been cherished for centuries not only as a culinary spice but also as a powerful medicinal herb.

    The popularity of lemongrass comes from its wide range of uses: from soothing digestion, detoxifying the body, reducing fever, and calming hypertension to fighting infections, improving immunity, and even supporting emotional well-being. Today, both traditional healers and modern herbalists consider lemongrass one of the most versatile herbs available.

    In this article, we will explore the complete spectrum of Lemongrass health benefits. We’ll look at its traditional applications, modern scientific findings, preparation methods, cultural names, and why this humble plant deserves a place in every household as a natural healer.

    🌱 Traditional Names and Cultural Background

    Lemongrass is known by many names depending on region and culture:

    • Yoruba (Nigeria): Ewe tea, Kooko oba
    • Hausa (Nigeria): Tsamiya masa
    • Igbo (Nigeria): Achara tea
    • Ghana: Fever grass
    • India: Nimbu ghas
    • Sri Lanka: Sera
    • Thailand: Takhrai
    • Indonesia: Sereh
    • Caribbean (Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados): Fever grass
    • Brazil: Capim-limão

    Across Africa and Asia, lemongrass is planted near homes as a household remedy for fever, malaria, colds, stomach problems, and stress. In the Caribbean, lemongrass tea is often the first line of defense against colds and infections.

    🌿 Lemongrass Health Benefits in Traditional Medicine

    1. Digestive Health and Stomach Disorders

    One of the most widely acknowledged lemongrass health benefits is its ability to soothe the digestive system. Traditionally, lemongrass tea is given to people suffering from:

    • Indigestion
    • Bloating and gas
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Stomach cramps
    • Ulcers

    Its natural oils relax the stomach muscles, stimulate digestion, and help expel gas. In African herbalism, lemongrass decoction is often combined with ginger for ulcer relief and gut cleansing.

    2. Detoxification and Cleansing

    Lemongrass is regarded as a powerful detox herb. Healers prescribe it for cleansing the blood, flushing toxins, and supporting kidney and liver functions.

    • It acts as a mild diuretic, promoting urine flow and removing excess salts from the body.
    • It helps reduce water retention and bloating.
    • In traditional detox rituals, lemongrass tea is consumed daily for 7–14 days to “purify the blood.”

    3. Fever and Malaria Relief

    This is why it is popularly called fever grass in West Africa and the Caribbean. Lemongrass tea is traditionally brewed when someone has a fever, malaria, or flu-like illness.

    • Its natural compounds help reduce high temperature.
    • It has antimicrobial activity that helps the body fight malaria and viral infections.
    • In many villages, children with malaria are bathed in warm lemongrass-infused water to help cool the body.

    4. Hypertension and Heart Health

    A key aspect of lemongrass health benefits is its role in lowering blood pressure and supporting heart health.

    • Lemongrass acts as a natural vasodilator, helping blood vessels relax.
    • Its mild diuretic effect reduces excess fluid in the blood, thereby lowering pressure.
    • In Nigeria and India, lemongrass is given to patients as a daily heart tonic tea to manage hypertension naturally.

    5. Infections and Immunity

    Lemongrass has antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, making it a natural protector against infections.

    Traditionally, it is used for:

    • Coughs, colds, and flu
    • Sore throats and bronchitis
    • Fungal infections (skin and internal)
    • Urinary tract infections

    6. Women’s Health and Fertility Support

    In African folk medicine, lemongrass tea is used to:

    • Regulate menstrual flow
    • Relieve painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
    • Support post-partum cleansing
    • Boost milk production in nursing mothers

    Some communities also consider lemongrass a fertility-enhancing herb, often combined with other plants.

    7. Skin Health and Wound Healing

    Applied externally, lemongrass leaf decoction is used for:

    • Washing wounds and cuts
    • Treating fungal infections on the skin
    • Controlling acne
    • Acting as a natural deodorant

    Its antibacterial properties make it valuable in traditional skincare remedies.

    8. Stress, Sleep, and Mental Wellness

    Another major contribution of lemongrass health benefits is in emotional and mental well-being.

    • Lemongrass tea calms the nervous system.
    • It helps relieve stress, anxiety, and depression.
    • Traditionally, it is given as a night drink to induce restful sleep.

    9. Diabetes Management

    Traditional healers use lemongrass tea to lower blood sugar levels. Scientific studies support its potential as an anti-diabetic herb, showing that it improves insulin sensitivity.

    10. Respiratory Health

    Inhalation of lemongrass steam or drinking lemongrass tea helps clear:

    • Congested chest
    • Asthma attacks
    • Bronchitis symptoms

    Its anti-inflammatory oils soothe the respiratory system.

    🍵 Traditional Recipes with Lemongrass

    1. Lemongrass Tea (Most Popular)

    • Ingredients: 3–4 fresh lemongrass stalks, water, optional ginger and honey.
    • Preparation: Wash and chop stalks. Boil in 3 cups water for 10–15 minutes. Strain and drink warm.

    2. Lemongrass Decoction for Fever and Malaria

    • Ingredients: A handful of lemongrass leaves, lime juice.
    • Preparation: Boil together for 15 minutes. Drink ½ cup every 6 hours.

    3. Lemongrass Detox Drink

    • Ingredients: Lemongrass, ginger, cucumber, lemon.
    • Preparation: Blend ingredients into water. Refrigerate and sip throughout the day.

    4. Lemongrass Powder for Cooking and Medicine

    • Dry leaves under shade, grind into powder.
    • Use as spice in soups and teas.
    • Traditional healers give ½ teaspoon in warm water daily for digestive issues.

    ⚖️ Dosage and Preparation: Adults vs. Children

    Adults:

    • Tea: 1 cup, 2–3 times daily.
    • Decoction: ½–1 cup every 6–8 hours during illness.
    • Powder: ½–1 teaspoon daily.

    Children:

    • Tea: ½ cup, 1–2 times daily.
    • Decoction: ¼–½ cup every 8 hours.
    • External use: Safe as bath water infusion for fever.

    ⚠️ Note: Pregnant women should use with caution as lemongrass may stimulate uterine contractions.

    🔬 Scientific Backing for Lemongrass Health Benefits

    Modern studies confirm many traditional uses:

    • Digestive Health: Lemongrass oil protects against stomach ulcers.
    • Antimicrobial: Extracts kill bacteria such as E. coli and Staphylococcus.
    • Hypertension: Lemongrass tea lowers systolic blood pressure.
    • Diabetes: Improves insulin function and lowers glucose levels.
    • Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce joint pain and swelling.

    ❓ FAQ on Lemongrass Health Benefits

    Q1. Can I drink lemongrass tea daily? Yes. Many people safely drink 1–2 cups daily for general wellness.

    Q2. Is lemongrass good for high blood pressure? Yes. Its mild diuretic and relaxing effect make it a natural support for hypertension.

    Q3. Can children take lemongrass? Yes, but in smaller amounts. Tea should be half the adult dosage.

    Q4. Does lemongrass help with sleep? Yes. Its calming properties make it a natural herbal cure for insomnia.

    Q5. Are there side effects? Overuse may cause stomach irritation or dizziness in sensitive people. Pregnant women should consult a doctor.

    📚 References / Citations

    1. Ekpenyong, C. E., Akpan, E. E., & Daniel, N. E. (2014). Phytochemical constituents, therapeutic applications, and toxicological profile of Cymbopogon citratus. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine.
    2. Shah, G., et al. (2011). Therapeutic potential of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus): An overview. Journal of Pharmaceutical Research.
    3. Onyenekwe, P. C., et al. (1999). Antimicrobial and phytochemical properties of lemongrass. Fitoterapia.
    4. Nambiar, V. S., et al. (2010). Protective role of lemongrass in gastric ulcer. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology.
    5. Adewoyin, A., et al. (2018). Antihypertensive effects of lemongrass tea. Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice.

    🌿 Conclusion

    From digestion and detox to fever relief, hypertension, infections, diabetes, and mental wellness, lemongrass stands as one of the most versatile herbs in traditional and modern healing.

    The wide range of Lemongrass health benefits explains why it has been loved across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean for centuries. Whether taken as tea, decoction, or powder, lemongrass remains a natural ally for maintaining wellness and preventing disease.

    👉 If you want a simple yet powerful herb to keep in your home, lemongrass deserves a permanent place in your garden and kitchen.