Lemon grass is an aromatic plant from Southeast Asia that has many uses in herbal remedies. Recent studies have suggested that lemon grass may help reduce the symptoms of respiratory ailments such as coughs and bronchitis.
This article will explore the potential health benefits of using lemon grass to treat these conditions and discuss ways to use lemongrass for a cough or bronchial infection safely.
Benefits of Lemon Grass
Lemon Grass is a fragrant plant with many health benefits, including relieving cold symptoms like coughing. It can also help with indigestion and insomnia and even reduce fever.
Lemon Grass is rich in essential oils and other compounds that can help boost your overall health.
In this article, we will discuss the many benefits of Lemon Grass and how it can support your health:
Antiviral and Antibacterial Properties
Lemon grass is a tropical plant from Poaceae, native to South India. The plant has been widely used in traditional medicine for its antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
It has a pungent smell and a lemony taste.
The main active ingredients in lemon grass are citral and geraniol, which are thought to be responsible for their antiviral and antibacterial effects. Citral is an essential oil with antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Geraniol is a naturally occurring compound found in essential oils such as lemon grass with antiviral, antifungal, antimicrobial, and anti-allergic activities.
Studies have also shown that lemongrass oil can help reduce inflammation caused by bacteria such as E. coli., Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
In addition to its antiviral and antibacterial properties, lemongrass has been studied for its potential benefits in treating digestive disorders and skin problems such as eczema.
It may also suppress appetite by controlling hunger hormones such as leptin, ghrelin, cholecystokinin (CCK), and peptide YY (PYY).
The benefits of lemon grass extend beyond its antiviral and antibacterial properties; it is also low in calories but high in vitamins A, Cen K1 minerals, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.
It contains bioactive compounds such as complex polysaccharides. It acts as an antioxidant capable of scavenging free radicals from the body–putting it at the top of the list of foods with great health benefits!
Rich in Vitamin C
Lemon grass is a popular culinary herb that infuses aroma, flavor, and health benefits into meals. This fragrant plant is especially rich in vitamin C, significantly affecting human health.
Vitamin C plays an essential role in collagen production, serving as a co-factor for hydroxylase enzymes needed for manipulating proline and lysine amino acids into proper formation.
Collagen is a protein polymer used by the human body to form cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bone; its production requires vitamin C results in improved overall health.
In addition to collagen production, vitamin C stimulates healthy wound healing by activating white blood cells and increasing their ability to capture invading microorganisms.
Vitamin C also blocks free radicals from coastal tissues and assists with immune system functioning for improved disease prevention.
Intake of vitamin C can defend against developing infections related to stress or injury and suppressing inflammatory processes when combined with other vitamins and minerals.
Consuming lemongrass can support healthy skin due to its high vitamin C content and antibacterial properties that can fight germs while reducing facial blemishes.
Using lemongrass topically on your skin can help treat psoriasis flare-ups while directly bringing potentially beneficial antioxidants like flavonoids into contact with skin cells.
These may help reduce early aging symptoms of UV exposure or pollution damage over time.
Related Read
- Is Lemon Grass Good For Chest Congestion
- Is Lemon Grass Good For Acne
- How To Use Lemongrass For Weight Loss
Aids in Digestion
Lemon grass may assist digestion by helping those with indigestion and limiting the likelihood of experiencing bloating or abdominal discomfort.
Compounds present in lemon grass, like citronellol, nerol, and geraniol, may also help to stimulate peristaltic motion, which is responsible for breaking down food and pushing it through the digestive system.
As a diuretic agent, lemon grass can increase urination, promoting the release of toxins from your body via the kidneys.
Furthermore, its antiseptic properties can provide further digestive relief.
How to Use Lemon Grass for Cough
Lemon grass is an excellent natural remedy for cough, as it contains antioxidants and antibacterial properties that can help clear the airways and ease the coughing.
Lemon grass can be used in several ways to relieve the symptoms of a cough, including making a soothing tea, adding it to your favorite recipe, or simply taking a lemon grass supplement.
Let’s look at some of the ways you can use lemongrass to treat a cough:
- Making a soothing tea
- Adding it to your favorite recipe
- Taking a lemon grass supplement
Lemon Grass Tea
Lemon grass is an effective remedy for a persistent cough. It has antibacterial properties that help treat respiratory tract infections and provide nearly instant relief from chest congestion.
In addition, it helps reduce mucus accumulation.
Preparing lemon grass tea is the most popular way to use this herb for treating a cough.
To make lemon grass tea, start by bringing 1 cup of water to a boil in a small pot over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add 1 teaspoon of freshly chopped or dried lemon grass and lower the heat to maintain a low-medium simmer.
Simmer for 10 minutes, then remove the pot from the heat and let it steep for several minutes before straining it into an individual cup or mug. If desired, add honey or another natural sweetener to taste, then sip slowly while the tea is still warm.
Some people like to double or triple the recipe at once, so they have enough tea to drink throughout the day as needed when treating their cough symptoms.
Lemon grass can be stored in an airtight container in your pantry for up to 6 months if kept out of direct sunlight and away from solid aromas that could contaminate its flavor.
Lemon Grass Syrup
Lemon Grass Syrup is a natural remedy for dry and hacking coughs due to its expectorant properties. To make lemongrass syrup, combine equal parts of freshly squeezed juice from 8-10 lemons and 2 cups of sugar in a saucepan.
Heat the mixture over low heat until it boils, then simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens. Remove the pan from the heat and add 1/2 cup chopped lemon grass and allow to cool.
Strain the syrup into a clean jar, discarding the lemongrass. The finished syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks or frozen for up to 6 months.
Take 1 tablespoon of syrup every 2-3 hours or as needed to help soothe coughing episodes or other symptoms associated with respiratory illnesses.
It may also be effective when used as a throat gargle or used topically on the chest or back in lukewarm baths to help ease discomfort related to coughing fits.
Additionally, some people may enjoy combining 1 tablespoon of Lemon Grass Syrup into hot tea with honey to make a pleasant beverage that may relieve respiratory issues.
Also, Read
- How To Use Lemongrass For High Blood Pressure
- How To Use Lemongrass For Hair Growth?
- Can You Use Lemon Grass In Milk Tea?
Lemon Grass Essential Oil
Lemon Grass essential oil is derived from the fresh leaves and woody stalks of the lemon grass plant and is known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties.
It can be used in myriad ways to help relieve a cough. By inhaling its vapors directly, adding a few drops to tea, or creating an infusion with hot water and other ingredients designed to fight forceful coughing fits and mucus buildup in your system.
If you choose Lemon Grass essential oil, it’s crucial to understand how to do so safely.
Always ensure you’re using essential oils from reputable sources intended for aromatherapy purposes only – never ingest essential oils!
If you’re pregnant or have any underlying medical issues, please talk to your doctor before using this product because certain volatile oils may not suit specific individuals.
The calming effects of lemongrass can help soothe respiratory irritation caused by coughing fits. Any of these methods will provide relief from coughs:
- A few drops of the Oil added directly into a diffuser
- Add 2-3 drops of Oil into a bowl filled with steaming hot water and inhale for 3 minutes
- Mix 1 drop of LemonGrass Oils with 1 teaspoon of natural honey (use as needed). With these simple steps, inhalation lasts 3 to 5 minutes or longer if desired. Cover your head with a towel while inhaling steam from the bowl to avoid losing heat or vaporizing too much Essential Oil. Continue until the coughing stops – this process usually takes up to 10 minutes per session but also depends on individual needs.
Side Effects of Lemon Grass
While lemongrass is generally safe to consume and may have health benefits, there are a few potential side effects. Consuming too much lemon grass or consuming it incorrectly can lead to digestive issues.
It is also possible to develop an allergic reaction to components found in lemon grass, such as the citronellol compound.
Consuming too much lemon grass can lead to digestive issues such as bloating, cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Lemon grass has a strong flavor; it should be used with caution.
It is advisable not to consume more than 1 teaspoon of dried leaves per day. If using fresh leaves, use no more than 5-7 for every cup of tea.
If you are on medications for high blood pressure or bleeding disorders, talk with your healthcare provider before drinking lemon grass tea or consuming lemon grass products.
The highly potent compounds in the herb can interact with certain medications and increase their effects or cause severe side effects if taken together without a prior doctor’s approval.
Those prone to developing allergic reactions should be careful when ingesting products containing lemon grass; a reaction may occur due to the citronellol component, which has been known to trigger some cases of contact dermatitis (skin inflammation).
Common symptoms include redness, itching, and swelling of the area where contact was made.
Conclusion: Is Lemon Grass Good For Cough
Studies suggest that lemongrass can be an effective natural remedy for specific medical conditions, but research about its effects on coughs and colds is lacking.
Due to the lack of scientific evidence, it cannot be definitively concluded whether lemon grass directly reduces coughing or improves other symptoms associated with a cold.
It may still, however, have some beneficial effects related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Before trying any home or natural remedies, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider first, as they are the best person to advise you on managing your particular condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is lemon grass good for treating a cough?
A1:Yes, lemongrass has many anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce and treat a cough.
Q2: What other benefits does lemon grass have?
A2: Besides treating a cough, lemongrass can help reduce stress, improve digestion, and even help boost immunity.
Q3: How do you use lemongrass to treat a cough?
A3: To treat a cough, you can make tea by boiling lemon grass in water and drinking it. You can also add honey to the tea for added sweetness and benefits.
