Nozaina: Lemongrass is also known as citronella. It has a citrus flavor and a fresh lemony aroma. In addition to flavoring agents, lemongrass and its essential oil are also used for medicinal purposes. Lemongrass is a rich source of carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins B, A, and C that repair damaged tissues, strengthen the immune system, and promote cell division. It contains minerals (iron, manganese, calcium, potassium, and magnesium) which play a significant role in the body. Lemongrass also contains selenium, which is effective for fertility and cognitive functions. Magnesium plays a substantial role in glycolysis, muscle activity, and protein synthesis. Lemongrass possesses antifungal, analgesic, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiseptic, and anti-nociceptive properties.  It helps with common diseases such as insomnia, anxiety, colds, fever, and inflammation. When taken orally, it calms gastrointestinal issues and stomach discomfort and treats gastric ulcers by protecting the stomach lining. Lemongrass may be inhaled as an aromatherapy treatment, taken by mouth, or rubbed on the skin. It treats musculoskeletal pain and headaches. Lemongrass may also treat cough, diabetes, fever, rheumatism, epilepsy, anxiety, common cold, hypertension, and sleeplessness. According to the research, lemongrass essential oil manages inflammatory skin conditions and decreases dandruff due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It inhibits the growth of fungi related to dandruff.

According to USDA, one tablespoon of fresh lemongrass provides approximately five calories. Most of the calories come from carbohydrates and protein.

• A study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry revealed that lemongrass has numerous antioxidants that help to scavenge free radicals that cause diseases in the body. Antioxidants are isoorientin and chlorogenic acid, which may help prevent the dysfunction of cells inside coronary arteries.
• Lemongrass possesses antimicrobial properties. It may help to treat cavities and oral infections. In 2012, the National Institute of Health revealed that lemongrass essential oil has antimicrobial potential against bacteria responsible for tooth decay.
• It has anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is responsible for several conditions, including stroke and heart disease. According to research, geranial and citral are the main compounds responsible for the anti-inflammatory potential of lemongrass. These compounds stop the release of inflammation-causing markers in the body.
• The citral in lemongrass possesses strong anticancer properties against some cancer cell lines. Numerous other components of lemongrass also help to fight cancer, either by boosting the immune system or causing direct cell death. Therefore, the body can better fight cancer cells. Lemongrass tea is used as an adjuvant therapy during radiation and chemotherapy. It must be used under the guidance of healthcare professionals.
• Lemongrass tea possesses anxiety-relieving properties. Several people find sipping hot lemongrass tea relaxing. According to research, smelling lemongrass may help people with anxiety. People inhale lemongrass essential oil to relieve anxiety and stress.
• According to research, lemongrass may have infection-preventing abilities. This herb decreases the chances of thrush, a fungal infection that affects people with weak immune systems.
• In many countries, people chew lemongrass stalks to improve dental health. These findings have been confirmed by the Journal of Food Chemistry. As compared to other herbs, lemongrass extract is the most potent inhibitor of bacterial growth.
• A study reveals that lemongrass may help to block pain. Lemongrass tea might help to prevent a person from sensing pain. A 2015 study concluded that daily consumption of lemongrass tea for 30 days may increase red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, and packed cell volume. Researchers took blood tests of 105 human subjects at the start and then at 10 and 30 days into the study. They revealed that lemongrass tea boosts red blood cell formation.
• The intake of lemongrass tea might have diuretic effects. It stimulates the kidney to release more urine than usual. A study published in the Journal of Renal Nutrition revealed that lemongrass tea increases urine output more than other beverages. The diuretic effect of lemongrass tea might be helpful in those cases where water retention leads to bloating. Lemongrass acts as a diuretic that makes you urinate more often and helps to remove excess sodium and fluid from the body. Diuretics are for those patients who have the issue of edema, heart failure, and renal failure. A study assessed the effect of lemongrass tea in rats. The results revealed that lemongrass diuretic activity is similar to green tea without affecting any organ or causing other side effects. Lemongrass tea was given to rats for six weeks.
• A cup of lemongrass tea is effective for stomach cramping, upset stomach, and other digestive problems. A study on rodents showed that lemongrass is also effective against gastric ulcers. The study found that lemongrass essential oil can help to protect the lining of the stomach against the damage of ethanol and aspirin. Aspirin’s regular consumption causes gastric ulcers.
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• According to the Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology and Research, lemongrass lowers the level of cholesterol. High levels of cholesterol increase the possibility of stroke and heart attack. Lemongrass tea is used as a detox tea to kick-start metabolism and help to lose weight. It’s a natural diuretic, and daily use of lemongrass tea helps to drop some pounds. Replacing sugar-sweetened drinks and soft drinks in your diet with herbal tea like lemongrass helps to reach weight loss goals.
• Lemongrass essential oil may also help to regulate cholesterol. A study published in the Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research revealed that lemongrass oil extract lowers the level of cholesterol in animals. The reduction in the level of cholesterol was dependent on the dose. Another research on mice confirmed the safety of up to 100 mg/day of lemongrass essential oil.
• Lemongrass may help to reduce high SBP (systolic blood pressure). The effect of green tea and lemongrass tea was observed in 72 males. Males who drank lemongrass tea experienced a mild rise in DBP (diastolic blood pressure) and a moderate drop in SBP (systolic blood pressure). They also had a substantially lower heart rate. Researchers revealed that people with heart problems should use lemongrass in moderation. It might help to avoid an increase in diastolic blood pressure and a dangerous decline in heart rate.