Lemongrass or Cymbopogon citratus
Lemongrass is a tropical, aromatic herb known for its fresh, citrusy scent and numerous culinary and medicinal uses. It belongs to the grass family (Poaceae) and is widely used in Asian cuisine, herbal medicine, and aromatherapy.
Scientific Name: Cymbopogon citratus (West Indian Lemongrass) or Cymbopogon flexuosus (East Indian Lemongrass)
Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
Native To: Southeast Asia, India, and Africa
Growth: Tall, grassy plant with long, slender leaves and a strong lemon fragrance
Lemongrass has a stingy, citrus flavour (different to sourness) and has many health benefits, including affecting weight loss and managing blood pressure.
Lemograss Health Benefits
Might help to lose weight
Lemongrass acts as a mild diuretic, helping to reduce water retention and bloating. Rich in antioxidants and citral, lemongrass may support fat breakdown and improve digestion, which can support your weight management efforts. Drinking lemongrass tea can also help curb cravings and promote hydration, which might up your weight loss game.
The herb is rich in tannins and flavonoids, which may support overall gut health and reduce stress-related weight gain.
While lemongrass can be a number one component of your favourite weight loss drink, it works best when you combine it with exercises and diets.
May relieve anxiety and insomnia
Lemongrass is commonly used as a natural remedy for insomnia and anxiety due to its calming properties. Components of its essential oil like citral and b-myrcene act on the level of the central nervous system, improving sleep quality and reducing excitatory neurotransmitters.
Drinking lemongrass tea before bed can reduce stress and anxiety by lowering cortisol levels and soothing the nervous system.
Additionally, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties would bring down muscle sores and cramps.
Aromatherapy with lemongrass essential oil can also enhance relaxation and create a peaceful sleep environment.
Helps to manage blood pressure
Mild diuretic effects of a lemongrass reduce water and sodium retention, contributing to the blood pressure management.
The antioxidant-rich herb lowers the levels of bad cholesterol, preventing the damage of the endothelium, the inner layer of the blood vessels. Endothelium damage plays a significant role in the tightening of arteries (vasospasm). Scientists believe lemongrass might have a potential in relaxing the smooth muscles, improving peripheral circulation, and lowering the BP. Main component of its essential oil, citral, might stimulate the release of a nitric oxide, responsible for relaxation of the blood vessel’s muscular walls.
Where can I buy Lemongrass products
You can find Lemongrass in these places:
- Garden centers and nurseries – Live plants and seeds, especially in spring
- Health food stores – Tinctures, capsules, tablets, and teas
- Herbal specialty shops – High-quality dried herbs and professionally prepared extracts
- Online retailers – Both live plants/seeds and medicinal preparations (Amazon, Etsy, Mountain Rose Herbs)
- Farmers markets – From local growers during growing season
- Pharmacies and drugstores – Standardized supplements in the herbal remedy section
- Botanical gardens – Some sell plants during their seasonal plant sales
- Seed catalogs – Companies like Johnny’s Selected Seeds, Baker Creek, and Seed Savers Exchange
- Specialty herb farms – Some offer mail-order plants or products
- Local herbalists – May sell their own preparations or guide you to quality sources
For medicinal use, look for products specifying which part of the plant is used (roots, leaves, flowers)
Top Echinacea purpurea products
- Lemongrass Essential Oil 16 oz – excellent for Aromatherapy.
- Plantlife Lemongrass & Lavender Bar Soap Bundle of 2 – top skin care product, calms inflammatory and irritated skin
- Dried Lemongrass – good for a tea.