Lemongrass is one of the most popular plant medicines in Brazil, where it is
used to treat nervous disorders and stomach problems. In the
Amazon, lemongrass is highly regarded as a sedative tea.
When taken internally, lemongrass has been recommended for
stomachaches, diarrhea, gas, bowel spasms, vomiting, fever, the
flu, and headaches and other types of pain. The herb (or its
essential oil) may be applied externally to help treat acne,
athlete’s foot, lower back pain, sciatica, sprains, tendinitis,
neuralgia, and rheumatism. To treat circulatory disorders, some
authorities recommend rubbing a few drops of lemongrass oil on the
skin of affected areas; it is believed to work by improving blood
flow. Like many essential oils, lemongrass is also used in
aromatherapy.
The link between lemongrass and cholesterol was investigated by
researchers from the Department of Nutritional Sciences, University
of Wisconsin, who published their findings in the medical journal
Lipids in 1989. They conducted a clinical trial involving 22 people
with high cholesterol who took 140-mg capsules of lemongrass oil
daily. While cholesterol levels were only slightly affected in some
of the participants—cholesterol was lowered from 310 to 294 on
average—other people in the study experienced a significant
decrease in blood fats. The latter group, characterized as
responders, experienced a 25-point drop in cholesterol after one
month, and this positive trend continued over the course of the
short study. After three months, cholesterol levels among the
responders had decreased by a significant 38 points. Once the
responders stopped taking lemongrass, their cholesterol returned to
previous levels. It should be noted that this study did not involve
a placebo group, which is usually used to help measure the effects
of the agent being studied (in this case, lemongrass oil).
Considered an antiseptic and astringent, essential oil of
lemongrass is also used by some people to cleanse oily skin and
help close pores. Some herbalists recommend mixing a few drops of
lemongrass with a normal portion of mild shampoo to combat greasy
hair. Lemongrass essential oil can also be used as a deodorant to
curb perspiration.
Last but not least, the herb has a strong reputation as an
insect repellent. It is an important
ingredient in several products designed to keep bugs at bay. Some
authorities recommend rubbing the crushed herb directly on exposed
areas of skin to avoid insect bites when enjoying the great
outdoors.
