Lemongrass is not just an aromatic herb—it’s really a natural plant utilized for medicinal as well as culinary purposes. Although it’s widely grown in Asia, specifically India and Sri Lanka where it originally occurred, lemongrass has found its way into homes all over the globe—yes, even in Nigeria. Famous for its vibrant citrus aroma, the health benefits of lemon grass goes beyond the body, this super herb is now commonly used in herbal teas, cosmetics, and traditional medicine. Steeped in boiling water or added to food, lemongrass offers an inexpensive and easy way of boosting your health naturally.
Key Insights
Lemongrass is rich in antioxidants that help fight inflammation and support immunity.
It’s commonly used in Nigeria as a natural remedy for fever, digestive issues, and stress.
The herb is affordable, easy to grow, and widely available in Nigerian markets.
Its benefits are recognized in both traditional medicine and modern wellness practices.
What is Lemon Grass?
Botanically known as Cymbopogon, lemongrass is a perennial grass with silky or oily head features. It is a tropical herb plant from the Poaceae family. According to the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), this plant is described to be stout and aromatic. It is about 2 meters or higher in height.
Nutritional Value of Lemon Grass
Lemongrass contains several vitamins and minerals that have good benefits for the body. The key minerals include iron, zinc, and magnesium. According to research, a cup of raw lemongrass has the following nutritional value:
- Calories: 66.3
- Protein: 1.22 g
- Fat: 0.33 g
- Sodium: 4.02 milligrams (mg)
- Iron: 5.47 mg, or 30% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Zinc: 1.49 mg, or 14% of the DV
- Folate: 50.2 micrograms (µg), or 13% of the DV
- Magnesium: 40.2 mg, or 10% of the DV
- Potassium: 484 mg, or 10% of the DV
8 Incredible Health Benefits of Lemon grass
1. Aids Digestion
When used as a tea, lemongrass aids digestion. It potentially relieves stomach issues like nausea, constipation, bloating, and aches. It usually helps protect your stomach lining. Having a cup of lemongrass tea is a remedy for all stomach upsets, and other forms of digestive problems.
2. Improves Your Heart
Some research on lemongrass has found it may potentially play a role in promoting heart health. One study found that lemongrass might protect against hypertension (high blood pressure). Others suggest that lemongrass could reduce the risk of heart disease and lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol levels.
3. Help with Weight Loss
When in tea form, lemongrass is used as a detox tea which helps kickstart your metabolism and aids weight loss. Its diuretic components have also shown that having a cup of lemongrass tea removes accumulated or excess fluid which also results in reducing bloating or constipation. It is, however, advisable to avoid drinking lemongrass tea without complementing it with either water or other unsweetened drinks.
4. Relieves Pain
Because it contains myrcene and citral (which are bioactive compounds with analgesic properties), lemongrass can be used as a complement to the treatment of headaches, muscular pain, stomach aches, and rheumatism.
5. It Reduces Anxiety and Insomnia
Many people find sipping hot tea relaxing, but lemongrass tea may offer further anxiety-reducing properties. Some sources suggest that inhaling lemongrass essential oil may have a calming effect and relieve anxiety. Similarly, a 2020 study investigating the effects of lemongrass tea on rats with social defeat stress found that it significantly reduced anxiety and depressive-like symptoms.
6. Works for Bad Breath
In many countries where lemongrass plants are native to the area, people will chew on lemongrass stalks. They claim this improves dental health and keeps the mouth feeling clean. Some study findings appear to support this claim. For example, a 2021 NIH Source found lemongrass oil mouthwash had more effective anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis properties in children than chlorhexidine mouthwash.
7. It Helps Fight Germs
The antimicrobial properties of lemongrass may help fight off various disease-causing microbes, including bacterial oral infections that may lead to cavities or other mouth issues. When used topically, studies have shown that lemongrass may be beneficial in helping fungal infections caused by Candida (a common type of yeast).
8. Lowers Blood Pressure
According to National Institute of Health, various animal and human studies point to lemongrass having anti-hypertensive properties. Researchers believe that the compound citral, which is found in lemongrass, helps to lower blood pressure by three main actions:
- Vasodilation: It helps widen blood vessels, improve blood flow, and reduce blood pressure.
- Calming effects: It can calm the nervous system, lowering heart rate and anxiety.
- Increased urination: It can promote the elimination of excess fluid from the body.
How to Incorporate Lemon Grass into Your Daily Routine
Lemongrass is a versatile herb that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine for its refreshing citrus flavor and health benefits. Here are some ways to use it in your drinks, food, wellness and lifestyle:
1. Drinks & Beverages
- Tea: Boil fresh or dried lemongrass stalks in water for a soothing herbal tea. Add honey or ginger for extra flavor.
- Lemongrass-Infused Water: Add some handful of crushed lemongrass stalks to a pitcher of water and let it sit overnight for a refreshing detox drink.
- Smoothies: you may choose to blend some fresh lemongrass with fruits like pineapple, mango, or citrus for a tropical twist smoothie.
- Cocktails & Mocktails: Lemongrass syrup can be used in drinks like mojitos or lemonades.
2. Cooking
- Soups & Curries: you can add lemongrass stalks to your chicken broths or meat stock. to give an aromatic flavor into your meal.
- Stir-Fries & Rice Dishes: you can choose to chop or bruise your lemongrass and mix it into stir-fries or rice for a zesty touch.
- Marinades & Dressings: Blend lemongrass with garlic, lime, and chili for a tangy marinade for meats, seafood, or tofu.
- Baked Goods & Desserts: Infuse lemongrass into syrups for cakes or cookies to add a subtle citrus flavor.
3. Aromatherapy & Wellness
- Essential Oil Diffusion: Use lemongrass essential oil in a diffuser for a refreshing, stress-relieving aroma.
- Massage & Bath Oil: Mix lemongrass oil with a carrier oil for a relaxing massage or add a few drops to your bath.
- DIY Skincare: Add a few drops of lemongrass oil to homemade face masks, scrubs, or soaps for its antibacterial properties.
4. Home & Lifestyle
- Natural Insect Repellent: Use lemongrass essential oil or fresh stalks to repel mosquitoes.
- Potpourri & Air Freshener: Dry lemongrass and mix it with other herbs for a homemade potpourri.
- Cleaning Spray: Add lemongrass oil to homemade cleaning solutions for a fresh, citrusy scent.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is widely used in Nigeria for its medicinal, culinary, and aromatic properties. It has traditional applications in herbal medicine and is gaining modern popularity in wellness, food, and even beauty products.
Lemongrass Medicinal Uses
- Treatment for Malaria & Fever: Lemongrass tea is used to reduce fever and treat malaria symptoms. It is often combined with other herbs like neem and papaya leaves.
- Digestive Aid: Used as a natural remedy for bloating, indigestion, and stomach cramps.
- Cold & Flu Relief: A common ingredient in herbal teas to clear congestion, soothe coughs, and boost immunity.
- Pain Relief: Lemongrass-infused water is used to relieve headaches, joint pain, and menstrual cramps.
- Detoxification: Consumed as a cleansing tea to flush out toxins from the body.
- Aromatherapy: Lemongrass essential oil is popular in spas for relaxation and stress relief.
- Massage Therapy: Used in body oils for muscle relaxation and improved circulation.
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Conclusion
Lemongrass remains a staple in Nigerian traditional medicine and is now a key ingredient in modern health, beauty, and food industries. It is valued for its health benefits, pleasant fragrance, and natural healing properties. Whether it is added to tea or into skincare, this super herb remains to prove itself in everyday well-being.
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