Sep
04
2017
8 Popular Uses for Lemongrass
Lemongrass is more than just a plant, and can be used for more than just cooking. Cultivated around the world for a variety of reasons, most people know lemongrass because of its culinary use in Asian cuisines, or medicinal use in places such as India. In particular, lemongrass has become increasingly popular for its varied beneficial properties. Lemongrass oils are widely used for things such as vitamin A supplements, perfumes, insect spray and cosmetics. Lemongrass essential oil can also be used in healing techniques, as well as internally to help with the digestive system.
In terms of preparing lemongrass for its various uses, it is too tough to work with or eat without some preparation. It must be minced, finely sliced or infused as an oil.
Here are 8 popular uses for lemongrass.
1. Digestion
There are a huge range of medicinal uses for lemongrass, one of which is that it helps with digestion. Lemongrass contains antiseptic compounds that kill bad bacteria and parasites in the digestive tract. It also helps to repopulate the good bacteria in the colon. As a result, pain caused by digestive health problems such as indigestion, constipation, bloating, vomiting and cramps, can be alleviated.
This is best done by drinking lemongrass tea on a regular basis. Additionally, a couple of drops of essential oil massaged into the abdomen will help with indigestion.
2. Pain relief
Many essential oils can be used as pain relief. Lemongrass helps with headaches, stomach aches, muscular pain and can even help reduce a fever. Allergy-related headaches are especially receptive to lemongrass. While peppermint is generally recommended for such headaches, lemongrass is a fantastic alternative or complementary oil, especially for those who are allergic to the former. In terms of headaches, lemongrass is best administered by massaging diluted lemongrass oil onto the temples.
For aching muscles, lemongrass works wonders for spasms, backaches, sprains and cramps. Just rub some diluted oil onto the spot where the pain is. It works particularly well on spasms and cramps that come on suddenly, as it’s generally immediate relief.
3. Cleaning products
Making your own cleaning products is a great way to help the environment. Alternatively, there are environmentally-friendly cleaning products on the market that you can purchase. bio-home cleaning products all contain lemongrass because it’s a fantastic way to fight bacteria in your home. And as an added bonus, they smell delicious!
4. Bug repellant
The high acidity content of citrus, as well as evidence of the anti-malarial and anti-protozoan properties of lemongrass means it’s perfect as a natural insect repellant, especially against mosquitoes. In fact, it helps prevent diseases such as malaria, dengue and Lyme disease. What’s great is that the smell is quite mild, so you won’t mind having it on you all day, and because it’s natural, it’s fine to spray or rub on your skin. As an added bonus, it’s also a great repellant for your pet against fleas.
5. Detox
Used in several countries as a detoxifier, lemongrass works as a diuretic to help with the liver, kidneys, bladder and pancreas. It works by flushing out the harmful toxins in your body. Detoxing also helps lower the level of uric acid in your system which can help prevent infections such as gout and kidney disease. You can detox by drinking lemongrass tea or adding lemongrass oil to your soups.
6. Cholesterol
A study has found that lemongrass oil extract given to animals resulted in significantly lower levels of cholesterol. This has been supported by a study done in the late eighties, which found that people who took lemongrass capsules daily noticed a reduction in cholesterol levels. Consuming lemongrass oil has been found to reduce the bad cholesterol in the body and sustain healthy levels of triglycerides. Of course, this helps with helping the blood flow through the arteries, preventing cardiac disorders.
7. Hair health
Lemongrass oil has been found to strengthen hair follicles, helping with hair loss and irritated scalps. Simply massage some lemongrass oil into your scalp for a couple of minutes and then rinse. Alternatively, mix some through your shampoo.
The bacteria-killing properties of lemongrass also help to leave your hair silky and shiny.
8. Stress reduction and promotion of sleep
Because of its mild smell, lemongrass often helps with alleviating anxiety, irritability and insomnia. The herb also has sedative properties, so it can help with the duration and quality of sleep. The best way to use lemongrass as a stress reliever is via aromatherapy. Simply use a diffuser or pop some drops in your palm and inhale. Alternatively, to help with stress as you drift off to sleep, or to help the sleep process and combat insomnia, put some oil on your pillow or apply the oil to the bottom of your feet at night.
Ultimately lemongrass has many beneficial properties, so why not choose a plant-based cleaning product that uses these amazing properties such as bio-home?
