“Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), belongs to poaceae Family of grasses. Lemongrass is a Perennial grass herbaceous plant, and it grows and can spread 1-2m wide
By Zargul Shahzad, Kainat, Ahmad, Nuzhat, Athar Mahmood
Introduction:
Cymbopogon citratus is commonly known as cochin grass, Malabar or citronella grass is a genus of grass Family, is originated and grown in South-east Asia, South Asia, Australia, India, Burma, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Indonesia. It is the grass of robust habit that is native to southern India. India is the uppermost producer of the lemongrass which are producing this herb over 2 million pounds per year, and it is cultivated in the mountain ranges of western Ghats and in the mountain of Himalayan. Lemongrass can be traced back to ancient Greek and Roman times. For many Asian countries lemongrass is used as flavouring agent in food, drinks and for its ability to cure numerous diseases. Besides many medicinal qualities, this herb is used in essential oils to aid in relaxation, shampoo and soaps, that is also source of an aromatic essential oil. The botanical name is Cymbopogon citratus
How to Grows
Lemongrass has red base stems and can grows up to 10 feet, with a frost blanket or heavy layer of straw mulch over the soil, plant has good chance of returning year after year, lemongrass flourishes in full sun, even in hot southern locations. Give this herb well-drained soi which have a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. to ready for the process of harvest it takes about 100 days and sometime takes 4-8 months. Lemongrass needs the soil that is heavy with compost or rotted manure for the drainage and ability to grow and improves its fertility. To improve fertility and enhance the soil ability to hold water, improve the soil by mixing manure
Lemongrass medicinal uses:
Lemongrass is used to cure many diseases like stomach-ache, high blood pressure, cough, vomiting, fever, common cold, stress, depression and anxiety. Lemongrass is used for antibacterial and antifungal issues as well as reduce chronic inflammation for arthritis and cardiovascular disease
Cure Rheumatoid arthritis:
Early research suggests that applying lemongrass oil to the skin can disease pain in adults with Rheumatoid arthritis
Cure yeast infection in mouth:
Lemongrass might help to prevent the growth of some bacteria and yeast. Yeast infection in the mouth (thrush), researcher suggests that by drinking lemongrass tea reduce symptoms of thrush in people with HIV/AIDS
Control blood pressure:
Lemongrass is high in potassium and helps to increase production of urine in body. In turn, lower blood pressure and enhance blood circulation. According to study lemongrass is effective in controlling blood pressure
Lemongrass for lungs:
Lemongrasses contain many nutrients and vitamin that are calcium, iron and vitamin c, these are the essential components specially Iron that have Haemoglobin a substance that transfers the oxygen from the lungs to our blood
Lemongrass for liver:
Lemongrass oil decreased or slow down the 3A activities and keep low the oxidative stress on the liver. In lemongrass oil citral may be the main component that is responsible for lowering the CYP enzyme activities and also lowering the oxidative stress
Use lemongrass as herbal medicine tea:
Many people find sipping hot tea to be relaxing, lemongrass tea may offer anxiety-reducing properties, lowering cholesterol, preventing infection, boosting oral health, relieving pain, relieving bloating and boosting red blood cell levels. People can take following steps to brew their tea:
- Boil cup of water
- Cut lemongrass stalks into 1-2 pieces and pour in the hot water
- Leave stalks in water for 5 minutes
- Strain the liquid and pour into a cup
Lemongrass prevents the bacteria and yeast growth. It has some special type of substances that helps to prevent the pain and reduce the level of fever also. This tea can be a delicious beverage that offers health benefits
Lemongrass tea is the best to take it in sleepy times, because it gives lots of benefits and calming effect on the nerves. It has many antioxidants, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties. It also reduces the risks of cancer. It promotes the process of digestion. It may help to decrease the blood pressure. It helps to maintain the cholesterol level, help in lose weight. We can also store it in a tea bag
Side effects:
- Dry mouth
- Enhance the hunger
- Enhance the production of more urine
- Sleepiness or dizziness
- Tiredness
Side effects of lemongrass oil:
Lemongrass oils cause a rash or irritation of skin when it is applied to the skin. There have been some toxic side effects, such as fatal poisoning after a child swallowed oil-based insect repellent and lung problems after inhaling lemongrass, also cause allergic reactions, increased bilirubin and amylase
- They have damaged the skin
- They have not to dilute the oil first
- It causes the skin allergies like as eczema
Lemongrass oil also cause of the skin dryness and the stinging around the eyes, mouth and ears, because this oil is not to use on the face area
Warnings and precautions for Lemongrass:
Warnings:
- Keep it away out of the range of children. If in case of taking of overdose, quickly contact to the poison control Centres or immediately take the medical help
- Avoid the overdose of Lemongrass herb in a tea
- If you are allergic to lemongrass containing medicine or drug, then stay away from these drugs
- Women must avoid the use of the lemongrass during the duration of pregnancy or breastfeeding because it is able to start the menstrual flow, that might cause the miscarriage
Dosing:
The dosage of lemongrass is depending upon the several factors like health, age and many others. Always know that all natural things are not necessarily safe for health, its dosage is more important. Be sure about the product labels and must consult with the doctor or pharmacist before it uses
Cautions:
- None