Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

In Ayurveda, lemongrass is known as Bhutrin.^(HR/1)

It is frequently used as a flavouring additive in the food sector. Lemongrass’ antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics aid to maintain blood cholesterol levels by decreasing bad cholesterol and controlling blood pressure. Lemongrass tea (kadha) is beneficial for weight loss since it eliminates toxins from the body and boosts metabolism. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, using Lemongrass oil to the skin in combination with a carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil will help relieve pain and swelling. Because of its antifungal properties, this medication can also be used to treat dandruff when applied to the scalp.To avoid irritation and allergies, lemongrass oil should always be used diluted with a carrier oil such as almond, coconut, or olive oil.

Lemongrass is also known as :- Cymbopogon citratus, Bhutrin, Bhutik, Chatra, Hari chai, Agni ghass, Majigehulu, Purahalihulla, Oilcha, Lilacha, Lilicha, Karpurappilu, Chippagaddi, Nimmagaddi, Khawi, Gandhabena, Shambharapulla, Gandhabena, Shambharapula, Mirvacha, West Indian Lemongrass, Melissa grass, Hirvacha, Haona, Chae kashmiri, Jazar masalaam

Lemongrass is obtained from :- Plant

Uses and benefits of Lemongrass:-

As per several scientific studies, uses and benefits of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) are mentioned as per below^(HR/2)

• High cholesterol : Lemongrass aids in the control of excessive cholesterol levels. It reduces the amount of harmful cholesterol in the body. It contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. As a result, the risk of cholesterol-related problems is reduced.
  An imbalance of Pachak Agni causes high cholesterol (digestive fire). Ama is produced when tissue digestion is hampered (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This leads to the buildup of harmful cholesterol and the occlusion of blood arteries. Lemongrass aids in the improvement of Agni (digestive fire) and the reduction of Ama. This is owing to its Deepan (appetiser) and Pachan (digestive) characteristics, which help to remove harmful cholesterol buildup and maintain a healthy cholesterol level. Lemongrass tea, when consumed on a daily basis, can help lower cholesterol levels. Tips: 1. Tea with lemongrass 2. Fill a cup halfway with boiling water. 3. Add 1/4-1/2 teaspoons powdered Lemongrass leaves, fresh or dried. 4. Wait 5-10 minutes before filtering. 5. Take once or twice a day to help with high cholesterol.
• Hypertension (high blood pressure) : Lemongrass has been shown to help with high blood pressure management. It aids in the production of nitric oxide. This aids in the relaxation of blood vessels. It also protects blood vessels from damage due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Diabetes mellitus (Type 1 & Type 2) : Lemongrass has been shown to help in diabetes management. It lowers blood glucose levels that are too high. It contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It lowers the chances of acquiring diabetes problems.
  Diabetes, also known as Madhumeha, is caused by a Vata imbalance and poor digestion. Impaired digestion causes an accumulation of Ama (toxic waste left in the body as a result of faulty digestion) in the pancreatic cells, impairing insulin activity. Lemongrass’ Deepan (appetiser) and Pachan (digestive) characteristics aid in the correction of poor digestion. This lowers Ama and enhances insulin action. Lemongrass has a Tikta (bitter) flavour that helps to keep blood sugar levels in check. Tips: 1. Tea with lemongrass a. Fill a cup halfway with hot water. c. Add 1/4-1/2 tablespoons powdered Lemongrass leaves, fresh or dried. c. Wait 5-10 minutes before filtering. d. For diabetic management, take this once or twice a day.
• Cough : Lemongrass is a useful herb for cough and cold relief. Lemongrass suppresses coughing, clears mucus from the airways, and allows the patient to breathe easily. This is due to its ability to balance the Kapha dosha. If you have a cough or cold, drink a cup of Lemongrass tea every day. 1. Lemongrass tea a. Pour 1 cup of hot water into a teapot. c. Add 1/4-1/2 tablespoons powdered Lemongrass leaves, fresh or dried. c. Wait 5-10 minutes before filtering. d. Take once or twice a day to relieve cough and cold symptoms.
• Flatulence (gas formation) : Lemongrass may be useful in the treatment of stomach pain.
  Lemongrass relieves stomach aches such as gas and flatulence. An imbalance of Vata and Pitta dosha causes flatulence or gas. Low digestive fire due to low Pitta dosha and increased Vata dosha impairs digestion. Gas production or flatulence occurs as a result of poor digestion, causing stomach pain. Lemongrass tea improves digestive fire and prevents gas, providing relief from stomach aches caused by gas. Tips: 1. Lemongrass tea a. Pour 1 cup of hot water into a teapot. c. Add 1/4-1/2 tablespoons powdered Lemongrass leaves, fresh or dried. c. Wait 5-10 minutes before filtering. b. Take once or twice daily to relieve stomach pain.
• Rheumatoid arthritis : Rheumatoid arthritis may benefit from the use of lemongrass essential oil. It contains analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It relieves joint pain and inflammation.
• Dandruff : Lemongrass oil could be helpful in the treatment of dandruff. It has a strong antifungal effect.
  Lemongrass oil is anti-fungal and anti-dandruff. It cleans the scalp without causing irritation. It’s very effective at treating chronic dandruff caused by significant scalp dryness. Applying Lemongrass oil on the scalp relieves dryness and reduces dandruff. This is due to the fact that it is Snigdha (oily). 1. Add 2-5 drops of Lemongrass oil to your palms or as needed. 2. Add 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil to the mixture. 3. Massage the product into the scalp well. 4. Repeat once a week to keep dandruff at bay.
• Fungal infections of mouth (Thrush) : Lemongrass essential oil may be useful in the treatment of oral yeast infections (thrush). It has antifungal properties. It causes the fungus that causes the illness to die, so alleviating the symptoms of thrush.
  When applied to the affected area, lemongrass oil helps to reduce yeast infections in the mouth. This is due to its Ropan (healing) feature, which helps to speed up the healing process. 1. Add 2-5 drops of Lemongrass oil to your palms or as needed. 2. Add 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil to the mixture. 3. To treat a fungal infection in the mouth, apply to the affected area.
• Swelling : Lemongrass oil has been shown to help with pain and edoema management.
  When applied to the affected area, lemongrass oil helps to relieve pain and swelling, particularly bone and joint pain. The bones and joints are considered a Vata location in the body, according to Ayurveda. Vata imbalance is the primary cause of joint pain. Due to its Vata balancing properties, a massage using Lemongrass oil blended with coconut oil helps to alleviate joint pain. Tips: 1. Add 2-5 drops Lemongrass oil on your palms or as needed. 2. Add 1-2 teaspoons of sesame oil to the mixture. 3. Apply to the affected area for pain and swelling alleviation.
• Headache : Lemongrass oil has been shown to help in headache relief.
  When applied topically, lemongrass can assist to relieve a stress-induced headache. Lemongrass oil applied to the forehead relieves stress, exhaustion, and tight muscles, which helps to relieve headaches. This is due to its ability to balance Vata. Tips: 1. Add 2-5 drops of Lemongrass oil to your palms or as needed. 2. Add 1-2 teaspoons of almond oil to the mixture. 3. To relieve a headache, apply to the affected area.

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Precautions to be taken while using Lemongrass:-

As per several scientific studies, below precautions should to be taken while taking Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)^(HR/3)

Special precautions to be taken while taking Lemongrass:-

As per several scientific studies, below special precautions should to be taken while taking Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)^(HR/4)

• Breastfeeding : There isn’t enough data to support the usage of Lemongrass when breastfeeding. As a result, it is best to avoid Lemongrass when breastfeeding or consult your doctor beforehand.
• Pregnancy : Lemongrass should be avoided during pregnancy, despite the lack of scientific proof, as it may cause bleeding and the loss of the foetus. It may potentially have a negative impact on the foetus. As a result, it is best to avoid Lemongrass during pregnancy or visit your doctor first.
• Allergy : Before using Lemongrass oil to the skin, dilute it with another oil such as coconut, almond, or olive oil. Its Ushna (hot) potency is the reason for this.

How to take Lemongrass:-

As per several scientific studies, Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) can be taken into the methods mentioned as per below^(HR/5)

• Lemongrass stalk-for cooking : Peel away the dried external layers of the Lemongrass stalk. Cut the bottom root end and also the top woody part of the stalks. Use the five to six inch stalk left for food preparation.
• Lemongrass powder : Take one mug of hot water. Add one fourth to one half teaspoons of fresh or dried out powdered Lemongrass leaves. Wait for five to ten minutes and also filter. Take this one or two times a day.
• Lemongrass Tea : Take one cup of steamed water. Put one tea bag of lemongrass. Allow to make two to three minutes. Add natural sugar like honey. Have it once or twice a day.
• Lemongrass oil(for Skin) : Take two to five drops of Lemongrass oil or as per your requirement. Mix with a couple of drops of Almond or Coconut oil. Apply on the skin and massage therapy for some time till the oil obtains taken in.
• Lemongrass oil(for Achy feet) : Add two declines of Lemongrass crucial oil to a bathtub of hot water. Add two teaspoons of Epsom salts. Soak your feet in it for regarding ten to fifteen minutes to obtain relief from pain in the feet.
• Lemongrass oil(for Hair) : Take a few drops of Lemongrass oil as well as thin down with a few declines of Almond or Coconut oil. Apply on the scalp as well as hair as well as massage for some timeLeave it for at the very least one hour. Rinse it off with shampoo and water.

How much Lemongrass should be taken:-

As per several scientific studies, Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) should be taken into the amounts mentioned as per below^(HR/6)

• Lemongrass Powder : One fourth to half teaspoon twice a day, or, One fourth to half teaspoon as per your requirement.
• Lemongrass Capsule : One to two capsule twice a day.
• Lemongrass Tea : One or two times a day.
• Lemongrass Oil : Two to five drops teaspoon a day or as per your requirement.

Side effects of Lemongrass:-

As per several scientific studies, below side effects need to be taken into consideration while taking Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)^(HR/7)

• There is not enough scientific data available about side effects of this herb yet.

Questions asked frequently Related to the Lemongrass:-

Question. What is Lemongrass good for?

Answer. Lemongrass has a slew of health advantages. It can help with gastrointestinal problems, sleeplessness, respiratory problems, fever, pains, infections, joint inflammation, and edoema. Lemongrass is high in antioxidants, which aid in the prevention of bacterial infections as well as the maintenance of healthy cholesterol levels, cellular, and neurological systems. It aids in the maintenance of good skin and the enhancement of the immune system. Lemongrass may also help with type 2 diabetes, cancer, and obesity management, as well as detoxification. It’s widely used in aromatherapy to treat weariness, anxiety, and bad breath.

Question. How do I use fresh Lemongrass?

Answer. Lemongrass, especially fresh lemongrass, can be used in cooking, particularly Asian cuisine. Curries, soups, salads, and meats can all benefit from it. Instead of the leaves, the woody stalks at the plant’s base are utilised for cooking. To cook using lemongrass stalks, follow these instructions: Remove any dry and papery layers off the stalks, as well as the bottom end of the root and the top woody part, until you have approximately 5-6 inches of stalk left. This is the only portion that is used in the kitchen. Lemongrass can now be chopped or minced and added to the cuisines. Lemongrass can also be used to make a delightful tea with a variety of health advantages.

Question. What part of Lemongrass do you eat?

Answer. Chop off the bottom root end and the top woody part of the stalk to eat Lemongrass (or smash the top part to release the aromatic oils). After that, you may either use the whole stalk or chop or mince it before cooking with it.

Question. Does Lemongrass tea contain caffeine?

Answer. Lemongrass tea is entirely herbal; it contains no caffeine or tannins.

Question. How do I cut Lemongrass?

Answer. To begin, peel away any dry or papery layers off the stalks and cut away the bottom end of the root as well as the top woody section of the stalk until you have approximately 5-6 inches of stalk remaining. The only component that may be eaten is this.

Question. Is Lemongrass easy to grow?

Answer. Lemongrass is a tropical plant that grows well in full light, even in the hottest parts of the South. It needs rich, well-drained soil, and adding composted manure improves the soil’s fertility and ability to hold water. Lemongrass growing tips: 1. Maintain a consistent supply of moisture and do not allow the roots to dry out for optimal growth. 2. If you’re going to put numerous Lemongrass plants in a planting bed, make sure they’re 24 inches apart. 3. If you live in a colder climate, bring Lemongrass indoors and nurture it in a bright area with the soil just moist.

Question. Is Citronella grass the same as Lemon grass?

Answer. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus) and Citronella (Cymbopogon Nardus) are cousins in nature. They have a similar appearance and grow in the same way. To obtain essential oils, they are likewise treated in the same way. Citronella, on the other hand, should not be consumed, although Lemongrass can be consumed or used as a herbal tea. To tell the difference, remember that Citronella has scarlet pseudostems (false stems), whereas Lemongrass stalks are green.

Question. How do you use Lemongrass to marinate?

Answer. To make a basic Lemongrass marinade, follow these steps: 1. In a food processor, combine 3 lemongrass stalks (chopped bottom, white portion only), 2 garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon chilli sauce (optional) until a fine paste forms. 2. Toss the paste with 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 2 teaspoons sugar, 14 teaspoon salt, and 3 tablespoons soya oil (or olive oil). 3. Set aside the marinade for 1-2 minutes. 4. Thoroughly coat the meat (12-1 kg) in the marinade. 5. Let it sit for at least 4 hours or overnight before cooking. 6. You may also freeze the marinade and keep it in the fridge until you need it.

Question. Can you eat raw Lemongrass?

Answer. Yes, Lemongrass can be eaten raw, but remove off the outer covering of dried leaves off the stalk before doing so. Before rinsing off the bottom bulb, cut the dry top of the stalk as well. Lemongrass can be eaten entire, including the stalk. The stalk, on the other hand, is tough and difficult to eat. As a result, before eating raw Lemongrass, you may want to remove the stalk.

Question. How to make Lemongrass powder?

Answer. 1. Dry the Lemongrass leaves. 2. Grind the leaves after that. 3. This powder can be used to season food or tea.

Question. Does Lemongrass treat insomnia?

Answer. Yes, Lemongrass has been shown to help with insomnia. Lemongrass has calming and anxiolytic (anxiety-relieving) properties on the central nervous system, which may aid with sleeping difficulties.

Lemongrass aids in the treatment of insomnia and promotes restful sleep. An exacerbated Vata dosha, according to Ayurveda, renders the nervous system sensitive, resulting in Anidra (insomnia). Lemongrass tea soothes an irritated Vata and aids sleep.

Question. Does Lemongrass cause miscarriage?

Answer. Lemongrass may cause uterine haemorrhage and pregnancy loss, despite the lack of sufficient scientific proof. As a result, it is best to avoid Lemongrass during pregnancy or visit your doctor first.

Question. Does Lemongrass cause heartburn?

Answer. Lemongrass does not usually cause heartburn, but its Ushna (hot) nature might create gastrointestinal difficulties if consumed in large quantities.

Question. Is Lemongrass tea good for weight loss and how can I make it?

Answer. Weak digestion causes weight gain, which leads to the accumulation of excess fat. Due to its Deepana (appetiser) and Pachana (digestion) characteristics, lemongrass tea is beneficial for weight loss. It aids in the normal digestion of extra fat and boosts metabolism.

Question. Does Lemongrass have a role in dental caries?

Answer. Lemongrass oil does play a function in the prevention of dental cavities. It possesses antimicrobial properties that prevent oral infections from growing. It prevents the production of bacterial biofilms on the teeth. It contains anti-inflammatory properties and helps to avoid gum inflammation.

Question. Is Lemongrass good for the skin?

Answer. Lemongrass oil is beneficial to the skin. It aids in the reduction of inflammation and the speeding up of the healing process. This is owing to the fact that it has a Ropan (healing) property.

Question. Can you apply Lemongrass oil directly to skin?

Answer. No, Lemongrass oil should be diluted with another oil such as coconut, almond, or olive oil before application to the skin.

SUMMARY

It is frequently used as a flavouring additive in the food sector. Lemongrass’ antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics aid to maintain blood cholesterol levels by decreasing bad cholesterol and controlling blood pressure.