Benefits of Lemongrass Tea And Its Side Effects
Last Updated: Dec 20, 2024
The health benefits of lemongrass tea include relief from stomach disorders, insomnia, respiratory disorders, fever, aches, infections, rheumatism, and edema. The defensive antioxidant activity of the lemongrass herb protects against antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and helps in maintaining optimum cholesterol levels, cellular health, nervous system, healthy skin and immune system. It is also effective in treating type 2 diabetes, cancer, and obesity, while also aiding in detoxification. It is extensively used in aromatherapy and helps to combat fatigue, anxiety, and body-odor.
Lemongrass Tea
Lemongrass, also known as Cymbopogon citratus is an herb which belongs to the grass family of Poaceae. It is well known and utilized for its distinct lemon flavor and citrusy aroma. Lemongrass is used not only to make tea and as culinary flavoring, but they have medicinal properties as well. Traditionally consumed as an herbal tea, lemongrass has been recommended by practitioners of traditional medicine for many different ailments.
Nutritional Value of Lemongrass Tea
Lemongrass tea is a very refreshing beverage that is rich in Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B1, as well as minerals having antioxidant properties that help prevent many diseases. Lemongrass tea contains a substantial number of calories, but no fats or cholesterol. The chief chemical component in lemongrass herb is citral or lemonal, an aldehyde responsible for its unique lemon odor. Citral also has strong antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Lemongrass also contains other essential oils such as myrcene, citronellol, methyl heptanone, di pentene, geraniol, limonene and geranyl acetate.
Health Benefits of Lemongrass Tea
Helps lower cholesterol levels
Lemongrass tea has anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-hypercholesterolemic properties that support healthy cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that regular consumption of lemongrass tea has shown significant helps in sustaining healthy levels of triglycerides and reducing the LDL cholesterol in the body. This helps in preventing the accumulation of lipids in the blood vessels and promotes an unobstructed flow of blood in the arteries, and prevents various cardiac disorders such as atherosclerosis.
Detoxifies the body
Lemongrass tea helps in cleansing and flushing harmful toxic wastes out of the body, as a result of its diuretic properties. Detoxification helps in regulation of various organs of the body, including the liver and kidney, while also helping to lower the levels of uric acid. The diuretic effect of lemongrass tea helps in increasing the quantity and frequency of urination, which helps in maintaining digestive health, eliminating accrued fats, and assisting in maintaining a clean system.
Helps prevent cancer
Lemongrass tea is effective in treating various types of cancers without affecting the healthy normal cells of the body. Studies have shown that a certain component, citral, which is present in lemongrass, helps in inhibiting the growth of hepatic cancer cells during the initial phase and prevents any further production of cancerous cells.
Treats stomach disorders
Research has shown that lemongrass tea contains anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties which help in fighting the infections caused by various pathogens such as Helicobacter pylori and Escherichia coli. It is beneficial in the prevention of gastrointestinal disorders such as gastric ulcers, and it also helps in stimulating the bowel function, and improves digestion. The anti-inflammatory property of lemongrass tea is beneficial for treating constipation, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, nausea and stomach aches.
Treats respiratory disorders
Treats infections
Lemongrass works as an antiseptic and is effective in treating infections such as ringworm, sores, Athlete’s Foot, scabies, and urinary tract infections because of its antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties. Studies have shown that lemongrass exerts healing effects on dermatological infections, such as yeast infections, by inhibiting the growth of pathogens.
Effectively aids the nervous system
Lemongrass is a nervine and has been proven to be a tonic for the nervous system. Lemongrass tea stimulates the mind and helps in combating convulsions, nervousness, vertigo, and various neuronal disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. It is used in therapeutic baths, which assist in calming the nerves and alleviates the symptoms of anxiety and fatigue caused by stress.
Helps control diabetes
Lemongrass tea has been proven very beneficial in treating Type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that the citral present in it help to maintain optimum levels of insulin and improve the tolerance of glucose in the body.
Boosts immunity
Lemongrass tea helps in restoring the vital systems which are operational in the body, including digestion, respiration, excretion and nervous system. This assists in the better absorption of nutrient and strengthens the immune and defense mechanism of the body. Lemongrass extracts have a beneficial effect on the inflammatory actions of cytokines, which are the signaling molecules through which the cells communicate and respond to the body.
Maintains cellular health
Lemongrass tea is rich in antioxidants, which help in protecting the body cells from the oxygen-derived free radicals. It also helps in the cleansing of blood and strengthening the spleen to discard the tarnished red blood cells. It supports the function of the thymus glands which helps to produce white blood cells. It helps in stimulating regeneration of cells. The folate and potassium content in the stem and leaves of lemongrass aids in DNA synthesis and promotes cell division.
Checks obesity
Lemongrass tea contains citral compounds, which have been proven very effective in combatting obesity. Lemongrass tea helps prevent he accumulation of abdominal fat and promotes the use of stored energy, which helps in preventing diet-induced weight gain. It also aids in healthy metabolism and enhances the oxidation of fatty acids in the body.
Used in skin care
Lemongrass has been treasured as a skin tonic over thousands of years. It has powerful astringent and antiseptic qualities, which makes it an effective cleanser for oily or acne-prone skin. It helps in strengthening the skin tissues and toning up the pores while also sterilizing them. Care should be taken while using lemongrass products, as the undiluted application might lead to dermal irritation in some cases.
Uses of Lemongrass Tea
Lemongrass contains antioxidants, flavonoids and phenolic compounds such as luteolin, glycosides, quercetin, kaempferol, elimicin, catecol, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid, all of which help in providing an impressive range of medicinal aids. The main component of lemongrass is lemonal or citral, which has anti-fungal and antimicrobial qualities, while also providing a distinct lemony smell. Lemongrass possesses anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-hypercholesterolemic properties that support healthy cholesterol levels. Lemongrass tea also helps in flushing out harmful wastes and toxins from the body. The diuretic effect of lemongrass helps in increasing the quantity and frequency of urination, which helps in maintaining digestive health, eliminating accrued fats, and assisting in maintaining a clean system.
Side-Effects & Allergies of Lemongrass Tea
Though lemongrass tea is packed with many health benefits, but it can also occasionally have some side effects. People who are prone to food allergy, may experience allergies like itchy skin rash or hives on the skin, after drinking lemongrass tea. Lemongrass seems to be able to begin menstrual flow and thus there is a concern that it might cause a miscarriage in pregnant women. Patients suffering from liver and kidney diseases should avoid drinking lemongrass tea.
Cultivation of Lemongrass Tea
Lemongrass has its origins in South East Asia and Africa, to which the herb is native. Lemon grass started being distilled for export as early as the 17th century in the Philippines. The first samples of the closely related citronella oil were displayed at the World’s Fair at London’s Crystal Palace in 1951. Lemongrass soon grew hugely in popularity in India and began to be produced en masse there. Later, over the years, its popularity grew all over the world. Lemongrass grows well in tropical as well as subtropical climates. Ideal conditions for growing lemongrass are a warm and humid climate with a sufficient amount of rainfall and plenty of sunshine.
References
- Olorunnisola SK, Hammed AM, Simsek S. Biological properties of lemongrass: An overview. International Food Research Journal. 2014 Apr 1;21(2). [Cited 25 June 2019]. Available from:
- Lorenzetti BB, Souza GE, Sarti SJ, Santos Filho D, Ferreira SH. Myrcene mimics the peripheral analgesic activity of lemongrass tea. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 1991 Aug 1;34(1):43-8. [Cited 25 June 2019]. Available from:
- Skaria BP, Joy PP, Mathew S, Mathew G. Lemongrass. InHandbook of herbs and spices 2006 Jan 1 (pp. 400-419). Woodhead Publishing. [Cited 25 June 2019]. Available from:
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