Lemongrass is a versatile plant that can be used as a topical application, taken orally (with supervision), or inhaled (i.e, aromatherapy) as a simple remedy for treating medical conditions. The tropical herb has a calming effect on people suffering from stress, insomnia, can help relieve fever, body aches, and cold. It also helps manage cholesterol levels and improve blood circulation throughout the body. The viability of its use depends on the condition to be treated ranging from simple joint pain to even some forms of cancer.
Here are some of the suggested applications of various compounds extracted from lemongrass to manage and treat the condition:
1. Lemongrass for gout care
Gout results of the formation of urate crystals due to high levels of uric acid in the body. The crystals accumulate in the joints can affect one’s knees, ankles, elbows, wrists or even the fingers causing intense joint pain. One of the unusual applications of lemongrass can be seen in its use for managing pain and discomfort associated with gout. Lemongrass is loaded with essential nutrients and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, magnesium, manganese, calcium, phosphorous, potassium, copper, and iron. This versatile ingredient can be incorporated in medical tea recipes or can be processed to extract lemongrass oil for topical remedies. Lemongrass tea helps cleanse the kidneys, liver, pancreas, and the digestive tract to rid the body of toxic substances while simultaneously helping lower uric acid levels. Regular consumption reduces the risk of the formation of the crystal in the joints thus proving to be an effective gout relief home remedy.
2. Lemongrass for arthritis joint pain
Joint pain is one of the leading discomforts caused due to arthritis. Essential oils help manage the pain to a significant extent and lemongrass oil is one of the more popular options to manage pain caused due to arthritis. The plant has high levels of citronellal content that provides relief from pain by interfering with the pain signals sent back and forth by the brain. Lemongrass is also rich in analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties to control swelling and inflammation caused due to different forms of arthritis. Arthritis patients may also suffer from depression and anxiety in addition to intense joint pain. Lemongrass oil can help relax the patients by way of inhalation and has proven to be an effective stress-reducing remedy to counter anxiety and depression to some level.
3. Lemongrass for breast cancer
Citral is a compound used in anti-cancer medications and treatments. The compound is extracted from the lemongrass plant. Citral compounds are used to manufacture nanostructured lipid carriers to deliver cancer-combating medications without toxic effects on the body. The compound has proven to help maintain healthy breast cell health in comparison to existing treatment options. It also helps combat the rapid spread of cancer cells before and after metastasis. The remedy is still in trial phase and is not a mainstream option for treating or managing breast cancer. However, in comparison to current alternatives, lemongrass compounds show better promise for future applications against breast cancer.
