Lemongrass is actually a genus, AKA Cymbopogon, in the grass family. The big culinary (and health-benefit-containing) species is C. citratus (1) hailing from the islands of Southeast Asia. Before colonial times, it spread to mainland Asia and, after World War I, Madagascar, Central America, and South America. Like the name, it has lemon-like flavor without the pucker. Stems and leaves are used in meat dishes, other Asian dishes, and in teas(2).
Lemongrass (essential) oil has tons of neat properties. The substance citronellol also found in C. winterianus and Lippia alba "has been shown to lower blood pressure in rats by a direct effect on the vascular smooth muscle."(2) There are plenty of antioxidants in lemongrass oil as well, which help fight free radicals, increase collagen production, fight disease, and prevent cells from going cancerous. Studies also demonstrate inflammation-relieving, cholesterol-lowering, antibacterial, and antifungal qualities as well as effectiveness against stomach ulcers in lemongrass oil(1).
Asian cultures know lemongrass as "fever grass" for, you guessed it, fever-reducing qualities - used as a tea or even in a foot bath. Traditional or ancient medicine also used lemongrass oil to help restore digestive balance, calming nerves(1), and relieve pain. In Brazil, lemongrass is used as an anticonvulsant(2). There are a number of other uses.
Source:
1. Hills, Jenny. "Lemongrass Essential Oil Uses and Benefits - Ultimate Guide." Healthy and Natural World, Healthy and Natural World. Web 18 November 2019. https://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/lemongrass-essential-oil-uses-and-benefits/.
2. Wikipedia contributors. "Cymbopogon citratus." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 1 Nov. 2019. Web 19 Nov. 2019. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cymbopogon_citratus.
Lemongrass (essential) oil has tons of neat properties. The substance citronellol also found in C. winterianus and Lippia alba "has been shown to lower blood pressure in rats by a direct effect on the vascular smooth muscle."(2) There are plenty of antioxidants in lemongrass oil as well, which help fight free radicals, increase collagen production, fight disease, and prevent cells from going cancerous. Studies also demonstrate inflammation-relieving, cholesterol-lowering, antibacterial, and antifungal qualities as well as effectiveness against stomach ulcers in lemongrass oil(1).
Asian cultures know lemongrass as "fever grass" for, you guessed it, fever-reducing qualities - used as a tea or even in a foot bath. Traditional or ancient medicine also used lemongrass oil to help restore digestive balance, calming nerves(1), and relieve pain. In Brazil, lemongrass is used as an anticonvulsant(2). There are a number of other uses.
Source:
1. Hills, Jenny. "Lemongrass Essential Oil Uses and Benefits - Ultimate Guide." Healthy and Natural World, Healthy and Natural World. Web 18 November 2019. https://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/lemongrass-essential-oil-uses-and-benefits/.
2. Wikipedia contributors. "Cymbopogon citratus." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 1 Nov. 2019. Web 19 Nov. 2019. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cymbopogon_citratus.
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