Is Cymbopogon the same as lemongrass?
Lemongrass is the common name for the plant Cymbopogon citratus in the Poaceae family, a tall perennial grass that can reach a height of 2m, and looks like Miscanthus sinensis (Japanese pampas grass) but has fragrant leaves and stalks. Lemongrass tea can be beneficial for health, but it is not suitable for everyone. Pregnant women, people with low blood pressure, people suffering from kidney and liver problems, people taking medicines, and people suffering from allergies should be cautious before consuming it.The anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-septic properties of lemongrass reduce infections of the digestive tract; aid the regrowth of the good bacteria in the intestines. It combats acidity, heartburn, gas, bloating, diarrhea, cramps, vomiting, and gastroenteritis.One of the most common ways to use lemongrass is in tisanes, which are often called herbal teas. Fresh or dried lemongrass can be steeped or boiled to make an herbal infusion or decoction. You can chop the fresh leaves or simply break up dried leaves.It should also not be taken by children under 18 years of age, nor by anyone with a history of heart disease, liver disease or kidney disease. People who use relaxant medications or blood pressure medication should also speak to their doctor before taking lemongrass.It is claimed to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression and remedy digestive ailments. However, there is little high quality research supporting these claims. Lemongrass is a tropical, grassy plant used in cooking and herbal medicine. Its oil, extracted from the leaves and stalks, has a powerful citrus scent.
What are the benefits of lemongrass extract?
Lemongrass is rich in antioxidants, like limonene and geraniol, which help to fight free radicals and prevent fat cell oxygenation. This can help to reduce LDL cholesterol levels as well as triglyceride levels, and can prevent conditions like heart attack, stroke and atherosclerosis. Lemongrass tea is a natural detoxifier. If you consume it on an empty stomach in the morning, it helps in flushing out the toxins present in the body. It also helps in cleaning your blood.Lemongrass contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help soothe respiratory discomfort and promote better lung function.Lemongrass tea is generally a safe and healthy herbal drink. Lemongrass is easy to grow or find at most natural food stores. Animal and laboratory research has shown that lemongrass has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties.Citral is the major component in lemongrass oil. Lemongrass oil reduced CYP1A1 and 3A activities and lowered oxidative stress in the liver. Citral may be the major component in lemongrass oil responsible for lowering CYP enzyme activity and oxidative stress in the liver.Lemongrass has antiseptic properties and is known to prevent and treat infections such as ringworm, scabies, Athlete’s Foot, urinary tract infection, sores, etc.
Who should not use lemongrass?
Pregnancy: Lemongrass is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. Lemongrass can stimulate the uterus and menstrual flow, which might cause a miscarriage. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if lemongrass is safe to use when breast-feeding. Oral: Dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, excess urination, and increased appetite. In high doses, lemongrass essential oil can damage liver and stomach mucous membranes. Excessive intake of lemongrass tea may also affect kidney function.Lemongrass contains quercetin, a flavonoid known for having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Quercetin reduces inflammation, which inhibits cancer cell growth and prevents heart disease. Lemongrass is used in Africa as a treatment for coronary heart disease.Due to its potential to influence hormone levels, lemongrass might affect individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions. It is important to use lemongrass in moderation and consult a healthcare provider if you have any existing health conditions or are taking medications.In both healthy and hypertensive animals, the acute administration of lemongrass results in a decrease in blood pressure, sometimes accompanied by a compensatory increase in heart rate. Similarly, in healthy and hypertensive human subjects, the consumption of lemongrass tea decreases blood pressure.