Lemongrass is a herb with a lemony scent, the leaves and the oil are used to make medicine and its strong, refreshing flavour is used in teas and cocktails. In Rwanda, some families grow lemongrass in their homestead and it’s cultivated largely in the eastern parts of the nation. It is harvested by cutting or twisting the stalk. Besides its use as a flavouring agent, lemongrass essential oils are also used for medicinal purposes, some of which are supported by scientific evidence. Health benefits When used medicinally, lemongrass may be taken by the mouth, rubbed on the skin, or inhaled as an aromatherapy treatment. When taken orally, lemongrass is often used to calm stomach discomfort and other gastrointestinal issues, including cramps and vomiting. According to USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) data, one tablespoon of fresh lemongrass provides about five calories, most of which come from carbohydrates (fibre) and protein. Rene Tabaro, a nutritionist and dietician at King Faisal Hospital, says although many rarely recognise this herb, it is essential for people to understand that it comes with lots of health benefits. For instance, he says, it is rich in minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium and iron. Lemongrass also provides certain vitamins (in very small amounts) including vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, and niacin. However, consuming lemongrass won’t have a significant impact on your daily vitamin needs. He says that lemongrass is the essential source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, B-Vitamins, folate, and vitamin C, potassium, manganese, phosphorous zinc, and iron C. Research reveals that the essential oils in lemongrass possess anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-hypercholesterolemic properties that support healthy cholesterol levels. Aside from this, Tabaro also points out that some studies have established that lemongrass may help in cleansing and flushing harmful toxic wastes from the body, because of its diuretic properties. “Detoxification helps in regulating various organs of the body, including the liver and kidneys, while also helping to lower the levels of uric acid. The diuretic effect of the herb helps in increasing the quantity and frequency of urination, which helps in maintaining digestive health and detoxifying the body,” he says. When used in tea, Tabaro says lemongrass is considered helpful in calming muscles and nerves that may aid in promoting sleep. Research has shown that lemongrass tea has sedative properties, which can help in increasing the duration of sleep. Besides this, it has also been established that lemongrass works as an antiseptic and is effective in treating infections such as ringworm, sores, Athlete’s Foot, scabies, and urinary tract infections (UTIs) because of its antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties Studies have shown that the herb exerts healing effects on dermatological infections, such as yeast infections, by inhibiting the growth of pathogens. It also provides supporting evidence that shows the efficacy of lemongrass over thyme patchouli and cedarwood oil in the treatment of various diseases such as oral or vaginal candidiasis.
