What diseases can lemongrass treat?

SKĐS - Besides its use as a spice, lemongrass also has many health benefits. So, what diseases can these benefits treat, and how can we maximize the advantages of this medicinal herb?

1. Benefits of lemongrass

Content

• 1. Benefits of lemongrass
• 2. Some ways to use lemongrass for good health.
• 3. Notes on using lemongrass

In Vietnam, there are four very common varieties of lemongrass that not everyone knows about: Java lemongrass, rose lemongrass, Indian lemongrass, and lemon lemongrass. Among them, lemon lemongrass has a white-green or slightly pale purple stem at the base, bright green leaves, and a mild, sweet aroma. It is often used as a spice, in teas, and as a medicinal herb in remedies for colds and digestive problems.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, lemongrass has a pungent taste, warm nature, and fragrant aroma. It enters the lung, spleen, and stomach meridians, and has the effects of relieving external symptoms and inducing sweating, dispelling wind and cold, promoting qi circulation and digestion, clearing meridians, relieving pain, killing bacteria and reducing inflammation, and promoting diuresis.

Lemongrass is not only used as a folk medicine but also has many uses documented in traditional Eastern medicine texts. Lemongrass is commonly used in the treatment and supportive treatment of conditions such as:

• Treating common colds caused by wind and cold: Used in steam inhalation remedies (often combined with pomelo leaves, lemon leaves, basil, etc.) or decoctions for oral consumption to treat fever, headache, and lack of sweating.
• Treatment of gastrointestinal disorders: Treatment of bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and indigestion.
• Treatment of rheumatism and pain: Used to treat bone and joint pain, fatigue in the limbs, or injuries causing swelling and pain.
• Cough treatment: Treats coughs caused by colds and flu, and coughs with phlegm.
• Diuretic, reduces edema: Treats edema in the limbs, scanty urination, and frequent urination.
• Prevention: Plant them around the house to repel insects and purify the environment.

Lemongrass has a spicy taste and warming properties, and it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects...

In addition, when lemongrass is crushed, it releases a lemon-like aroma, and its essential oil contains myrcene along with many monoterpenes such as geraniol, linalool, limonene, citronellal, etc.

Besides essential oils, lemongrass also contains flavonoids and phenolic acids, which are important bioactive compounds, along with minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6. Lemongrass also contains many other beneficial compounds in lower concentrations, such as saponins, tannins, alkaloids, and anthraquinones.

Lemongrass has been scientifically proven to have many health benefits, such as:

• Antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic effects.
• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
• It has sedative, anxiolytic, and analgesic effects.
• Hypolipidemia, hypoglycemia.
• Diuretic, lowers blood pressure.
• It helps relieve spasms and protects the gastric mucosa.

Some recent in-tube studies have also shown that citral, found in lemongrass, has the ability to activate the self-destruction process of cancer cells, especially liver cancer, breast cancer, and leukemia, without causing significant harm to healthy cells.

2. Some ways to use lemongrass for good health.

2.1 Steam inhalation with lemongrass and lime to relieve colds

This is a very common way to use lemongrass to treat colds, fevers without sweating, and body aches.

Ingredients: 5-7 stalks of lemongrass (both leaves and bulbs), pomelo leaves, bamboo leaves, basil, perilla, and mint, a handful of each.

• 

Making:

• Wash the leaves thoroughly, then crush the lemongrass.
• Put all the ingredients into a pot, cover with water, and close the lid tightly.
• Boil it, then let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the essential oils to be released.
• The patient sits in front of a pot of water, covered completely with a blanket, and slightly opens the lid to allow the steam to escape gradually, inducing sweating. They steam for about 10-15 minutes, then dry themselves and avoid drafts.

2.2 Lemongrass, ginger, and honey drink

This drink helps boost immunity, aids digestion, warms the stomach, and reduces symptoms of bloating and nausea.

Ingredients: 3-5 stalks of lemongrass, 1 small ginger root, 1-2 tablespoons of honey, 1 liter of water.

Making:

• Wash the lemongrass, crush it, and cut it into pieces; wash the ginger and slice it thinly.
• Add lemongrass and ginger to a pot of water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Let the water cool down (to about 40-50°C) before mixing in the honey. Drink it warm throughout the day.

2.3 Soak your feet in lemongrass and lime water.

Soaking your feet in lemongrass and lime water helps to clear energy blockages, improve blood circulation, reduce foot pain, and soothe the nerves before sleep.

Ingredients: 3-5 stalks of lemongrass, 1 teaspoon of coarse salt (sea salt), warm water (about 40-45°C).

Making:

• Crush the lemongrass and put it in a pot with water, then boil it for about 5 minutes to allow the essential oils to dissolve.
• Pour water into a basin, add cold water until the temperature is comfortable, then add coarse salt and stir until dissolved.
• Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes, and while soaking, you can gently massage the acupressure points on your feet to enhance the effect.

Lemongrass is also used to boil water for foot baths.

3. Notes on using lemongrass

Lemongrass has many health benefits, but there are some things to keep in mind when using it:

• To ensure safety, only 10g - 20g of fresh lemongrass should be used per day.
• People with yin deficiency and internal heat (internal heat, constipation) or those who sweat excessively should not use lemongrass because its spicy and warming properties deplete body fluids.
• Pregnant women should limit the use of high doses or concentrated essential oils as they may stimulate uterine contractions.
• People with severe stomach ulcers should be cautious when drinking high-concentration lemongrass tea.
• Stop use immediately if you experience a rash, itching, or difficulty breathing after use.

Source: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/cu-sa-chua-benh-gi-169260224154029991.htm