25 amazing benefits of lemongrass for your life

Also called lemongrass and lemongrass, lemongrass is an Asian herb widely used in Brazil for therapeutic purposes.

Although many of its applications have popular origins, several beneficial effects attributed to lemongrass have already been scientifically proven.

The main example of this is the antimicrobial property of the oil of this plant against Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium that causes gastritis.

The therapeutic effects of lemongrass are due to substances such as citral, geraniol, methyleugenol, myrcene, citronellal, acetic acid and caproic acid, which are also responsible for the characteristic scent of the plant.

Want to know more about this herb? Check out the list of benefits that lemongrass can bring to your health and well-being:

Benefits for the body as a whole

Source of nutrients: it is a source of vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C, folate and minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, copper, zinc and iron;
Good compounds: this plant contains antioxidants, flavonoids and phenolic compounds, all of which are beneficial for our health (1);
Good for pain: as it has analgesic properties, lemongrass helps relieve headaches and migraines. Its phytonutrients also work on muscle cramps and spasms, back pain and sports injuries;
Strength for the immune system: it is speculated that citral, present in lemongrass, is capable of inhibiting the effects of cytokines, substances involved in inflammatory reactions. In this way, the plant helps to improve immunity (2);
Seasoning: in addition to its therapeutic use, lemongrass can also be used in cooking, being especially famous in the cuisine of Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia. The herb helps to flavor teas, curries and soups.

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Benefits for the body and mind

Combating insomnia: lemongrass tea has a sedative and hypnotic effect, helping to relax muscles and nerves and providing a better night’s sleep (3);
Good for the skin: If used as a toner, lemongrass is an excellent cleanser for oily and acne-prone skin due to its astringent and antiseptic properties (4);
Take care of your feet: due to its antibacterial and sanitizing properties, lemongrass can be added to the water to soak your feet, helping to combat bad odors;
Total revitalization: in aromatherapy, lemongrass is recognized for its effects such as revitalizing the body and mind, in addition to stimulating circulation (5, 6);

digestive benefits

Lipid control: Lemongrass has properties that help fight hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia by reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglyceride levels in the body and preventing atherosclerosis (7, 8);
It’s good for the stomach: another property of the essential oil of this plant is the prevention of gastrointestinal disorders such as ulcer, as well as helping to fight infections caused by pathogens such as Helicobacter pylori and Escherichia coli (9, 10);
Diuretic power: it helps to detoxify the body as a result of its diuretic properties, which stimulate the elimination of accumulated liquids (11);
Fluid retention: those who suffer from fluid retention find a good ally in lemongrass. It stimulates the lymph nodes and helps to reduce swelling (12);
Against obesity: citral prevents the accumulation of abdominal fat and promotes the use of stored energy, preventing weight gain and fighting obesity (13);

benefits against diseases

Cancer prevention: this plant has been shown to be effective in preventing and treating some types of cancer, such as skin, liver and breast cancer (14, 15);
DNA protection: because it contains antioxidant substances, lemongrass protects cells from damage caused by free radicals in the DNA, which cause aging and increase the chances of the emergence of cancer;
Fights bacterial infections: lemongrass essential oil fights the formation of biofilm and is beneficial in the treatment of infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (16);
Combating infections: as it has antibacterial and antifungal properties, lemongrass has healing power in some infections caused by these microorganisms (17);
Respiratory Problems: In Ayurvedic medicine, lemongrass has been used to treat coughs and colds. It also offers relief from nasal congestion, flu, and asthma (18);
Against fever: still in Ayurvedic medicine, lemongrass is used to reduce fever due to its antipyretic and sweat-inducing properties (19);
Antifungal: its antiseptic properties make lemongrass effective in the treatment of infections such as mycoses and oral and vaginal candidiasis (20, 21);
Nervous System: This herb stimulates the mind and helps fight seizures, nervousness, vertigo and even neuronal disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases;
Type 2 diabetes: One of the substances present in lemongrass, citral, helps to maintain regular levels of insulin in the body, increasing glucose tolerance. In this way, the plant is a complement in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (22);
Relief from rheumatism: people who suffer from rheumatism can also benefit from lemongrass, as it relieves the pain and discomfort of the disease (23);
Insect-borne diseases: as an insect repellent, lemongrass helps prevent diseases such as malaria, dengue and Lyme (24);

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Despite all these beneficial effects, lemongrass can cause allergic reactions in some people. If this is your case, stop using the plant immediately.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, always consult a doctor before using this plant (and any other!) for therapeutic purposes, okay?

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.