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Lemongrass, known as Cymbopogon citrates in medical terms, is a simple herb with many benefits and uses. The herb grows extensively in India and Srilanka. It is widely used in the kitchens of most south-east Asian countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, and is gaining a vast popularity in Indian homes as well.
Lemongrass is grown commercially in many places across the globe for its medicinal value and benefits. It also has a longer shelf like that makes it a key ingredient in certain perfumes and other fragrant products. What drives the cultivation and extensive use of this herb is it’s medicinal, nutritional and health benefits.Medicinal and Health Benefits of Lemongrass Oil:
Lemongrass has been in use in various medicines, for home remedies and homeopathic treatments for a long time, thanks to its many advantages. Some of the most common medicinal lemongrass oil benefits are listed below:
1. Lemongrass oil and lemongrass itself has many anti-oxidant properties. It helps prevent various diseases with its many vital nutrients and proteins.
2. Lemongrass has almost no cholesterol, which means that its oil is loaded with good calories, but does not result in any heart problems.
3. Lemon grass oil can be used as an antiseptic, anti-fungal, insecticidal and counter-irritant, due to its many constituent oils like mycrene, nerol, limonene, geranoil, dipentene, citronellol, and methyl heptenone.
4. Its stems and leaves are rich in folic acid, a protein that is crucial and vital to DNA synthesis and important for cell division.
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5. If used during the pre-conception stage, lemongrass oil can help prevent any neural tube defects in the unborn baby.
6. Lemongrass, fresh, dried or in any other unadulterated form, and even its oil, is rich in zinc, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron, all of which are important for the blood. It also helps the heart to function properly and manage blood pressure within set limits.
7. Lemongrass oil is a constituent on some of the medicines that are used to treat indigestion, colitis and gastroenteritis diseases and other related problems.
8. Lemongrass oils are extensively used in aromatherapy treatments, massages and spa treatments, as they help revitalize and relieve symptoms of body-ache, exhaustion, headache and stress.
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9. Lemongrass oil is used for treating throat and nasal problem or allergies.
The Constituents and Nutritional Value
- Lemongrass has a balanced mix and composition of many essential and vital nutrients that are beneficial to the human body and aid its many functions.
- Lemongrass is rich in carbohydrates, has high energy content, protein and very little fat and zero cholesterol. It is also rich in some of the vital vitamins like Niacin, Folates, Pyridoxine, Riboflavin, Thiamin, Vitamin A and C.
- It is rich in sodium and potassium, two of the most important electrolytes that are important for proper blood pressure in the human body.
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Nutritional Chart of Lemongrass:
| Lemongrass (citronella), freshNutritive value per 100 g.(Source: USDA National Nutrient data base) | ||
| Principle | Nutrient Value | Percentage of RDA |
| Energy | 99 Kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 25.31 g | 19% |
| Protein | 1.82 g | 3% |
| Total Fat | 0.49 g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 75 µg | 19% |
| Niacin | 1.101 mg | 7% |
| Pyridoxine | 0.080 mg | 6% |
| Riboflavin | 0.135 mg | 10.50% |
| Thiamin | 0.065 mg | 5.50% |
| Vitamin A | 6 mg | <1% |
| Vitamin C | 2.6 mg | 4% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 6 mg | <1% |
| Potassium | 723 mg | 15% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 65 mg | 6.50% |
| Copper | 0.266 mg | 29% |
| Iron | 8.17 mg | 102% |
| Magnesium | 60 mg | 15% |
| Manganese | 5.244 mg | 228% |
| Selenium | 0.7 µg | 1% |
| Zinc | 2.23 mg | 20% |
Culinary and home remedies with Lemongrass
The leaf buds and stems of lemongrass are used in cooking, mainly because of the refreshing aroma it adds to various dishes, as well as in pickles. Along with the refreshing taste and fragrance, its many nutritional properties are also beneficial to the human body. Lemongrass is also used in preparation of herbal and masala tea for its fragrance and many health benefits.
Lemongrass, in any form, is a good way to connect to good health. Anyone can use it without worrying about any side effects. Very few people have been known to have shown an allergic reaction to lemongrass, so if you’re using it for the first time, you don’t really need to worry about any side effects.
Lemongrass is an herb that is easily available and is high in its many nutrients and constituents. Include it as part of your regular diet and see the difference it makes to your health, body and mind.
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