Lemongrass

Cymbopogon citratus

Antibacterial, Oral, Anti-fungal, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-pyretic, Digestive Aid, Calming, Antispasmodic, Antiseptic and Astringent, Repellent, Fragrance

Antibacterial – Oral health – chew on leaves for bacterial cavities, gingivitis; cold, cough

Anti-fungal – yeast and thrush (drink tea for 10 days)

Anti-inflammatory – blocks sensation of pain such as arthritic pain, headache, stomachache, abdominal pain, muscle pain (topically diluted in carrier oil; aromatherapy)

Anti-pyretic – also called fever grass – helps cool down the body and lowers fever, increases sweating

Digestive Aid -relaxes muscles of the stomach and gut, relieves cramping pain, flatulence, nausea, vomiting 

Antispasmodic – stomach and intestinal spasms (pain) slows peristalsis (helps with diarrhea), convulsions

Calming – stress reliever, anti-anxiety

Stimulate the uterus and menstrual flow – PMS, hot flashes, menstrual cramps

Repellent – mosquitos

Lemongrass can aid with exhaustion by stimulating production of red blood cells. It can lower cholesterol. It is a diuretic that flushes kidneys, therefore one should not take it if he or she is on diuretic medication (risk of loosing potassium). In a study, back in 2012, lemongrass lowered systolic blood pressure and heart rate, increased diastolic blood pressure. Lemongrass is used in many soaps and cosmetics for its wonderful citrusy smell.

Contraindication: pregnancy (promotes uterine contractions, which can lead to miscarriage), if you take diuretics or have low potassium levels, if you have low heart rate.