Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), with its vibrant citrus aroma and bright flavor, has long been a staple in both the culinary and medicinal worlds. Revered for its versatility, lemongrass is used in everything from teas and soups to essential oils and herbal remedies. Its numerous health benefits have been recognized in traditional practices like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Nutrient Profile of Lemongrass
Lemongrass is rich in essential nutrients and bioactive compounds that contribute to its wide range of health benefits:
Citral: A compound responsible for lemongrass’ distinct citrusy smell and powerful antimicrobial properties.
Limonene: An antioxidant that supports immune function and detoxification.
Vitamins: Lemongrass contains vitamins A, C, and B6, which are important for maintaining healthy skin, boosting immunity, and supporting overall well-being.
Minerals: It’s also rich in iron, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which contribute to its ability to promote circulation, bone health, and electrolyte balance.
Oral Medicinal Uses of Lemongrass
Lemongrass has been used internally for centuries to address a variety of ailments, particularly those related to digestion, inflammation, and infections.
Digestive Health
Improved Digestion: Lemongrass tea is often used to stimulate digestion and relieve bloating and gas. Its antimicrobial properties help cleanse the digestive tract and maintain gut health by reducing harmful bacteria.
Relief from Stomach Pain: Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, lemongrass is effective in relieving stomach pain, cramps, and indigestion. It soothes the digestive system and supports healthy bowel movements.
Detoxification
Lemongrass is a natural diuretic, meaning it helps the body eliminate excess fluids and toxins. Drinking lemongrass tea can assist with detoxification by promoting kidney function and improving urine output, which helps flush out toxins and reduce water retention.
Fever Reduction and Flu Treatment
Known as “fever grass” in many traditional cultures, lemongrass has been used for centuries to reduce fevers. Its cooling properties help lower body temperature and relieve symptoms associated with the flu, colds, and other respiratory infections. It can also ease symptoms like coughs, sore throats, and nasal congestion due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Antioxidant and Immune Boosting
Lemongrass is rich in antioxidants, which protect the body from oxidative stress and support the immune system. Drinking lemongrass tea or using lemongrass in cooking can boost your body’s defenses against infections, promote healthy cell function, and reduce inflammation.
Regulating Cholesterol and Blood Sugar
Research suggests that lemongrass may help reduce cholesterol levels and improve blood circulation. It can also help balance blood sugar levels, making it a helpful herb for those managing diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
Topical Uses of Lemongrass
Lemongrass is also highly effective when used topically for a variety of skin and hair conditions. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a popular choice for natural skincare and healing remedies.
Acne Treatment
Lemongrass essential oil is a natural antiseptic, making it ideal for treating acne and other skin infections. When diluted with a carrier oil, it can be applied to the skin to cleanse pores, reduce inflammation, and prevent breakouts. Its astringent properties help control oil production, making it especially beneficial for oily skin.
Anti-Aging and Skin Repair
Rich in antioxidants, lemongrass helps protect the skin from environmental damage and free radicals, which can accelerate aging. Regular use of lemongrass-infused products can improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and promote a youthful glow.
Wound Healing
Lemongrass’ antimicrobial properties make it an excellent remedy for treating cuts, scrapes, and minor wounds. Applying a diluted lemongrass essential oil solution can help prevent infection, speed up healing, and reduce scarring.
Hair Health
Lemongrass is known to strengthen hair follicles, reduce dandruff, and promote hair growth. Massaging lemongrass oil into the scalp can improve circulation, nourish hair follicles, and help maintain a healthy scalp, which in turn supports healthy hair growth. Its natural antifungal properties also help combat dandruff and scalp infections.
Insect Repellent
Lemongrass essential oil is commonly used as a natural insect repellent. The strong citrus aroma repels mosquitoes, ticks, and other pests, making it a safe alternative to chemical-based repellents. You can apply it directly to the skin in diluted form or use it in diffusers and sprays to keep insects at bay.
Lemongrass in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), lemongrass is valued for its ability to balance the body’s Qi (energy) and clear Dampness and Heat, which are associated with various ailments.
Clearing Dampness
Lemongrass is often used in TCM to treat conditions caused by Dampness, a state where moisture accumulates in the body and leads to sluggishness, digestive issues, and bloating. Lemongrass’ diuretic properties help eliminate excess water, improve circulation, and expel Dampness from the body.
Relieving Heat and Fever
Lemongrass is also known for its cooling properties, which help reduce internal Heat. This makes it particularly useful for treating fevers, headaches, and irritability caused by Heat imbalances in the body. Its use in fever-reducing teas and tonics is a common practice in TCM to alleviate symptoms of heat-related conditions.
Improving Digestion and Qi Flow
In TCM, lemongrass is believed to promote the flow of Qi, particularly in the digestive system. By improving the movement of energy in the digestive tract, lemongrass helps relieve bloating, indigestion, and stagnation of food, which can cause discomfort and poor nutrient absorption.
Lemongrass in Ayurvedic Medicine
Lemongrass is highly regarded in Ayurveda for its ability to balance the Kapha and Pitta doshas, and its stimulating properties make it effective for treating digestive, respiratory, and inflammatory conditions.
Digestive Support
In Ayurveda, lemongrass is used to ignite Agni (digestive fire), which improves digestion and helps prevent the accumulation of toxins in the body. Its warming and pungent properties stimulate the digestive system, making it a valuable remedy for indigestion, bloating, and sluggish metabolism.
Respiratory Health
Lemongrass is often used in Ayurveda to treat respiratory issues, particularly those caused by an excess of Kapha, such as colds, coughs, and congestion. Its warming properties help clear mucus from the lungs and respiratory tract, making it easier to breathe and reducing symptoms of colds and sinus congestion.
Detoxification and Cleansing
Lemongrass is known for its detoxifying effects in Ayurveda, where it is used to cleanse the body of accumulated toxins (or Ama). It helps flush out impurities, reduce water retention, and purify the blood, which in turn supports overall health and vitality.
Balancing Doshas
Lemongrass is especially beneficial for balancing Kapha, which tends to cause sluggishness, lethargy, and water retention when out of balance. Its warming and stimulating properties help energize the body and mind, making it a perfect herb for reducing excess Kapha. It also cools and pacifies Pitta, helping to relieve inflammation, fever, and digestive discomfort associated with excess heat.
Culinary Uses of Lemongrass
Lemongrass is widely used in Southeast Asian and Indian cuisines to impart a fresh, citrusy flavor to a variety of dishes.
Flavoring Soups and Curries
Lemongrass is a key ingredient in Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian dishes, where it adds a bright, zesty note to soups, curries, and stir-fries. Its strong flavor pairs well with coconut milk, chili, garlic, and ginger, making it an essential component of dishes like Tom Yum soup and Thai curry.
Lemongrass Tea
One of the simplest and most popular ways to consume lemongrass is in tea form. Steeping fresh or dried lemongrass in hot water creates a refreshing and soothing beverage that can aid digestion, reduce stress, and support immune health. It’s often combined with honey and lemon for added flavor and benefits.

Marinades and Sauces
Lemongrass is frequently used in marinades and sauces for meats, seafood, and vegetables. Its natural acidity helps tenderize meat, while its bright flavor enhances the overall taste of dishes. It is commonly used in Vietnamese and Thai grilling recipes for a light, citrusy punch.
How to Use Lemongrass
Lemongrass Tea: Steep 1-2 stalks of fresh lemongrass in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Add honey and lemon to taste for a refreshing and detoxifying tea.
Lemongrass Oil: Mix lemongrass essential oil with a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba) and use it for massages, hair treatments, or as a skin toner.
Lemongrass Compress: Brew lemongrass tea and soak a cloth in the solution. Apply the compress to sore muscles or joints to reduce inflammation and pain.
Lemongrass is a potent herb that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat everything from digestive issues and fevers to skin infections and respiratory conditions. Its oral and topical applications, combined with its presence in culinary traditions, make it a versatile and valuable herb for holistic health. Whether you’re sipping a cup of lemongrass tea, using lemongrass oil to clear your skin, or enjoying it in your favorite dishes, this vibrant herb offers a wealth of benefits for both body and mind.
Comments