🌿 Lemongrass — The Aromatic Botanical for Digestive Comfort and Cellular Defense

Introduction: A Zesty Tropical Powerhouse for Gastrointestinal and Metabolic Health

Lemongrass, (Lemongrass, (Cymbopogon), is a tall perennial stalked grass indigenous to the tropical regions of South and Southeast Asia. For centuries, lemongrass has been used in traditional Ayurvedic and East Asian medicine as an aromatic and therapeutic remedy. The plant contains essential oils, minerals, and micronutrients that contribute to the body’s physiological functions.

Besides the characteristic tangy flavor, lemongrass contains citral, geraniol, and chlorogenic acid, which reduce inflammation, relax smooth muscles in the alimentary canal, and protect the body from oxidative stress. This herb is particularly beneficial for contemporary consumers due to its high bioavailability. The human body can easily absorb and utilize the various volatile terpenes and polyphenols present in lemongrass to detoxify the gastrointestinal tract and modulate the immune system.

Natural Dietary Sources of Lemongrass

Almost all parts of the lemongrass plant are edible. The most common varieties used for culinary and medicinal purposes are:

• Fresh Inner Stalks — The aromatic part of the lemongrass stalk is usually minced and added to curries, stir-fry meals, and herbal teas.

• Dried Lemongrass Tea — This is a popular herbal beverage made by steeping the leaves and stalks of the lemongrass plant. It is a perfect remedy for bloating and tension.
• Pure Essential Oil — The concentrated essence of lemongrass contains high levels of citral. It is used as an essential oil to lower stress levels.
• Herbal Extracts — These are standardized preparations with a defined concentration of water-soluble polyphenols used to make capsules or tinctures.

Since lemongrass has antimicrobial and carminative properties, it is often used to make dietary supplements that help with indigestion. An average consumer can use 1-2 cups of lemongrass tea or add fresh stalks to their meals to gain access to the benefits of this herb.

Key Mechanisms of Action

1. Anti-inflammatory Effects

The anti-inflammatory effects of lemongrass are mainly attributed to the high concentration of citral and geraniol found in the plant. These compounds work by:

• Suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, such as IL-1β and TNF-α.
• Reducing the synthesis of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which is involved in inflammatory responses.
• Additionally, lemongrass extract prevents gastric ulcers and protects the mucous membrane from inflammatory damage.

2. Regulation of Gastrointestinal Spasms and Microbiome

The compounds found in lemongrass relax the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and reduce the production of gas, thus eliminating stomach cramps and bloating. Preliminary studies indicate that lemongrass has antimicrobial properties that prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, such as Helicobacter pylori, while promoting the proliferation of the good bacteria.

3. Reduction of Oxidative Stress and Lipid Levels

The chlorogenic acid and flavonoids in lemongrass reduce oxidative stress by eliminating free radicals in the body. Furthermore, lemongrass helps the liver to remove excess cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and improving blood circulation.

Bioavailability & Practical Use

The flavonoids and volatile terpenes found in lemongrass are hydrophilic, which makes them bioavailable. Therefore, the body can easily absorb the antioxidants and utilize them to reduce inflammation and detoxify the body. Some preparation pointers when using lemongrass are:

• Steeping: It is essential to cover the cup or pot with a lid while steeping lemongrass tea to retain the volatile oils in the liquid.
• Heat: Although lemongrass contains heat-stable antioxidants, it is advisable to avoid boiling fresh lemongrass for an extended period of time.
• Storage: To maintain the potency of lemongrass, it is recommended to store it in a cool and dry place in an airtight container.

The standard dosage for lemongrass is 2000-5000 mg (2-5 grams) of dried leaves steeped in a cup of hot water daily. However, the dosage may vary depending on the form and strength of lemongrass being used. For example, the fresh stalks can be used as a culinary herb in daily meals.

Dosing Guide & Practical Recommendations

• Maintenance / Digestive Aid: 1 cup of lemongrass tea (1-2 tsp. of dried lemongrass steeped in 1 cup of hot water) per day – a perfect way to maintain antioxidant levels and promote healthy digestion.
• Therapeutic / Lipid and Inflammatory Reduction: 2-3 cups of lemongrass tea or 500-1000 mg of lemongrass extract per day – a standard dose for reducing oxidative stress and balancing lipid levels in the body.
• Topical Application: 2-3 drops of lemongrass essential oil diluted in a tablespoon of a carrier oil can be used to reduce muscle pain and tension.

Practical Tips

• Taste: Lemongrass has a delicious tangy, fresh flavor with a slight pepperiness and herbal aftertaste. It goes well with ginger, mint, green tea, and honey.
• Consistency: To maximize the therapeutic potential of lemongrass, it is better to use it frequently in small doses as a regular dietary supplement rather than taking large doses occasionally.
• Quality: Make sure to buy lemongrass from organic farms to avoid harmful pesticide residues.

Potential Interactions, Cautions & Who Should Consult a Doctor

• Blood Pressure Drugs: Since lemongrass has mild diuretic properties, it is advisable to avoid the herb when taking blood pressure medications.
• Blood Sugar Medications: Lemongrass has anti-diabetic properties that help the body utilize insulin better. Therefore, it is not recommended to take lemongrass supplements alongside diabetes medications, such as metformin.
• Chemotherapy Drugs: Preliminary studies suggest that lemongrass essential oil may interfere with the action of certain cancer drugs. Speak to your oncologist about the potential interactions before using lemongrass supplements.
• Pregnant or Nursing Women: Although lemongrass is generally safe for culinary use, it is better to avoid lemongrass supplements and essential oils during pregnancy due to their abortive properties.

Note: Always consult your doctor before using lemongrass if you are on other medications or have a chronic illness. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.

Conclusion & Future Directions

Lemongrass is a versatile herb that provides a wide range of health benefits, from reducing inflammation to promoting healthy digestion. This plant is a rich source of antioxidants, smooth muscle relaxants, and volatile compounds that detoxify the body. Lemongrass is a safe and effective dietary supplement that can be used to manage indigestion, bloating, oxidative stress, and high cholesterol.

Further studies are needed to elucidate the neuroprotective effects of lemongrass and its potential use in managing lipid metabolism disorders.

📚 References (Lemongrass / Citral / Digestive & Metabolic Support)

1. Shah G, Shri R, Panchal V, et al. Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Cymbopogon citratus, stapf (Lemon grass). Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research. 2011;2(1):3-8. doi:10.4103/2231-4040.79796
2. Figueirinha A, Paranhos A, Pérez-Alonso JJ, et al. Cymbopogon citratus leaves: Characterization of flavonoids and phenolic acids and evaluation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2008;56(15):6389-6395. doi:10.1021/jf801019a
3. Takisa WA, Ortiz C, et al. Antimicrobial activity of citral and geraniol isolated from lemongrass against gastrointestinal pathogens. Phytomedicine. 2015;22(9):823-829. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2015.05.008
4. Costa CA, Bidinotto LT, Takahira RK, et al. Cholesterol-lowering and antioxidant effects of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil in human subjects and animal models. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. 2012;23(11):1455-1461. doi:10.1016/j.jnutbio.2011.09.006
5. Avoseh O, Oyedeji O, Rungqu P, et al. Cymbopogon citratus; ethnopharmacology, essential oil composition, and biological activities: A review. Plants. 2020;9(11):1559. doi:10.3390/plants9111559