Lemongrass has a spicy, warm taste. When distilled, can it help lower blood sugar and treat diabetes in the elderly? (Minh, 40 years old, Hanoi ).
Reply:
There are two common types of lemongrass. One type has small, short leaves, often grown as a spice, the bulb (the part close to the root) is used to cook dog meat; the leaves are used as a steam bath to relieve colds or to wash hair. This type has little essential oil. The second type has large, long, smooth green leaves, grown on some farms, and has a higher essential oil content.
In Oriental medicine, lemongrass has a spicy taste, warm properties, antiseptic, expectorant, gas-reducing, antiseptic, diuretic effects, treats flu, malaria, boosts immunity, helps improve sleep, and relieves pain. This is a safe and versatile medicinal herb.
However, there is no research to prove that lemongrass can cure diabetes. Never use lemongrass to self-treat any health condition or use lemongrass as a substitute for prescription drugs without a doctor's advice.
In addition, lemongrass is not a medicinal herb suitable for everyone. If you are taking prescription diuretics, have a low heart rate, have low potassium levels or are pregnant, you should absolutely not use lemongrass. Some people may be allergic to lemongrass and should not use it. Some side effects that may occur when using too much lemongrass are dizziness, dry mouth, frequent urination, fatigue...
If you experience symptoms such as rash, itching, difficulty breathing, or rapid heartbeat after using lemongrass, stop using it and go to a medical facility for treatment.
Physician Bui Dac Sang
Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi Oriental Medicine Association
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