Kidney stones are calcium formations when calcium and other mineral accumulations form hard kidney deposits. It may manifest with pain, difficulty urinating, and other symptoms.
Natural remedies such as lemon grass are becoming increasingly popular as potential treatments for kidney stones, with numerous studies indicating its effectiveness in reducing the frequency of recurrent stone formation.
In this article, we will examine whether lemon grass works for kidney stone treatment. We will also explore some of the science behind how it can help prevent and treat kidney stones.
Lemon Grass
Lemon Grass, also known as Cymbopogon citratus, is an aromatic grass native to tropical and subtropical regions of South Asia.
The plant grows in dense clumps up to 6 feet high and is widely used as an herb in many dishes and for medicinal purposes. Its lemony scent and flavor can be strong, making it a favorite in many culinary dishes.
As a medicinal herb, lemon grass is believed to have many healing properties because of its essential oil content.
Studies suggest lemon grass can reduce inflammation, treat fever, and act as a diuretic to help flush out toxins from the body. Additionally, Lemon Grass has been used as a natural remedy for various diseases, such as
- kidney problems
- gallstones
- urinary tract infections
- jaundice
- anemia
Proponents of this herbal remedy claim that the essential oils found in lemon grass can help dissolve kidney stones so they can pass through the urinary system without causing pain or discomfort.
Despite this claim, there is still no scientific evidence to back it up, so further research needs to be conducted before the effectiveness of lemon grass for treating kidney stones can be determined with certainty.
Related Read
Health Benefits of Lemon Grass
Lemon grass is a popular herb with significant health benefits. It is rich in various antioxidants and vitamins that can help improve overall health and help with kidney stone problems.
In addition, lemon grass can help fight off bacteria, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion.
Let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of this fantastic herb:
Kidney Stones
Lemongrass, also known as Cymbopogon citratus and Andropogon citratus, is a tropical grass from the Poaceae family native to Asia, Africa, and Australia. It has fragrant leaves with a lemony flavor and aroma, used in cooking and for medicinal purposes.
The leaves have been traditionally used in folk medicine to treat kidney stones due to its diuretic, antiseptic, and anti-infective properties.
The active constituents in lemongrass are flavonoids, phenolic compounds, terpenes, and other hydrocarbons, which are believed to be responsible for its healing effects on the body.
Studies have shown that lemongrass has diuretic activity, which can help reduce the buildup of uric acid and dissolve small calcareous stones in the kidneys.
It also works as an antispasmodic which helps relax muscles around the urinary tract, making it easier to pass stones through urine.
Additionally, lemongrass contains antiseptic properties that help reduce bacterial infections of the urinary system, such as colibacillosis and E. coli, which can lead to the formation of kidney stones if left untreated.
Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory activities helps soothe any pain or swelling associated with these conditions helping your body heal faster from renal stone problems.
Because of its rich nutritional profile containing vitamins A & C, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, Lemongrass is also used preventively against any future stone formation.
Helping keep your urinary system healthy over time, making it an ideal natural remedy to treat kidney stones without side effects or medication interactions.
Digestive Health
Lemon grass is an uplifting herb traditionally used as a digestive aid in many cultures. It helps to reduce bloating and gas, improve bowel movement, and alleviate nausea.
Studies have shown that it helps to relax the smooth muscles of the digestive tract and act as a carminative agent that can reduce intestinal spasms.
Lemon grass is also known for its diuretic properties, which help lower fluid retention, reduce bloating, and flush out excess toxins from the body.
This can help relieve urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and other bladder issues. Moreover, it aids in breaking down food particles more quickly to speed up digestion and help absorb essential nutrients from food more efficiently.
Another beneficial effect of lemon grass is promoting general wellbeing by relieving constipation or other gastrointestinal disturbances such as abdominal pain or cramping.
The presence of dietary fiber in lemon grass also helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels while relieving acid reflux symptoms like heartburns by neutralizing stomach acids naturally.
Last but not least, lemon grass shows the potential to protect against some forms of cancer due to its antioxidant content that combat free radical damage in the body.
Also, Read
- Is Lemon Grass Good For Fertility
- Is Lemon Grass Good For Fatty Liver
- Is Lemon Grass Good For Diabetic
Immune System
In addition to its role as a flavorful herb in cooking, lemon grass is known for its health benefits. Containing high levels of Vitamin C and A, it helps the body boost its immunity and resist against infections.
Furthermore, lemon grass has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and joint and muscle pain. Additionally, due to its antioxidant content, research indicates that it might fight off serious illnesses like cancer.
Lemon grass contains omega-3 fatty acids essential for heart health and help lower bad cholesterol levels. Additionally, since it is an excellent source of potassium, it helps regulate blood pressure by keeping sodium levels in check.
Moreover, lemongrass is believed to be beneficial for kidney stone prevention due to its high mineral content like sodium, magnesium, etc.
- It helps flush out toxins from the kidneys and, in turn, aids better functioning of this vital organ.
Anti-Inflammatory
Lemongrass is known to have anti-inflammatory properties due to its high content of antioxidant flavonoids, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
It contains anti-inflammatory compounds such as camphene, nerol, and citral, as well as several other organic compounds that have been shown to reduce inflammation and promote healing throughout the body.
One study even showed that using lemongrass essential oil helped to reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Additionally, lemongrass has been found to reduce the production of nitric oxide levels in the body, which can aid in managing pain associated with inflammatory conditions like joint pain and muscle soreness.
Finally, lemongrass’s antispasmodic properties can help to alleviate digestive discomfort caused by cramping or gas due to irritable bowel syndrome.
How to Use Lemon Grass
Lemon grass is known to have many health benefits, including helping to reduce kidney stone formation. It is also a natural diuretic, which can help the body to flush out kidney stones.
Studies have shown that lemongrass can also help relieve pain caused by kidney stones and prevent bacterial infections in the urinary system.
Let’s look at how to make the most of lemon grass to fight kidney stones:
Tea
Lemon grass is a fragrant grass used in cooking and traditional medicine for centuries. It has a lemony flavor and is widely used to enhance the flavor in many dishes.
It can also be brewed into tea to provide numerous health benefits.
Tea made from lemon grass is an excellent way to cleanse your body of toxins, improve digestion, and reduce the risk of developing kidney stones.
The antioxidants in lemon grass help flush out toxins from the body, while its anti-inflammatory properties reduce inflammation caused by kidney stones.
Additionally, the diuretic effects of lemon grass tea can increase urine flow, helping you pass the stones more efficiently and reducing discomfort while flushing out the kidneys and urinary tract.
To make lemon grass tea:
- Steep 1-2 teaspoons of freshly chopped lemon grass or dried buds in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes.
- You can add honey or other sweeteners for sweeter results if desired.
- Drink 1-2 cups daily for general health benefits or every 3-4 hours until relieved from kidney stone pain if needed.
Essential Oil
Lemon grass is an incredible herb with a variety of uses. Containing several essential oils, the leaves and stalks can be incorporated into many dishes as an aromatic and flavorful seasoning.
From teas to meats, lemon grass adds a fresh flavor to any dish. One of the most popular uses for lemon grass is in essential oil form – which has a range of health benefits, including potential relief for kidney stones.
Essential oil extracted from lemon grass can be applied directly to the skin, added to bathwater, or used in aroma diffusers and massage oils.
Its strong citrus scent has strong antiseptic properties, which help soothe infections and relieve mental fatigue.
When used topically, the antimicrobial properties have been known to aid in healing wounds, while its analgesic properties help reduce muscle pain and stiffness.
In addition to its physical benefits, lemon grass oil is known for its calming aroma, which may help improve mental clarity and focus and reduce stress and anxiety levels.
Consumed orally, lemon grass essential oil may help address digestive issues such as bloating, stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting due to motion sickness or morning sickness during pregnancy.
However, further research must be done on its effectiveness for those conditions.
It has also been said that lemon grass may help people suffering from kidney stones by reducing inflammation of the urinary tract which can increase pain caused by kidney stones, and providing a diuretic effect that helps flush out toxins from the body quickly.
Though medical studies have yet to corroborate this claim, anecdotal evidence supports this benefit making it worth considering if you or someone you are close with suffer from this condition.
Remember though: before ingesting any supplement – even herbal supplements – it’s essential to consult your doctor before use!
Also, Read
- How To Use Lemon Grass In Thai Curry
- How To Use Lemon Grass In Stir Fry
- How To Use Lemon Grass In Soup
Culinary Uses
Lemongrass is widely used in Southeast Asian cooking. It is a fragrant and citrus-like ingredient that adds an exotic flavor to dishes. It may be used fresh or dried whole or as a paste.
The tender heart of the stem (bottom 5-10 cm) can be sliced and added to salads, soups or stir-fries. Lemongrass is also ideal for making herbal teas and other beverages.
When using fresh lemongrass, removing the tough outer layers before chopping the herb for use in recipes is important.
To make a paste, blend chopped lemongrass with a food processor or blender with oil, water, or fresh lemongrass leaves with other ingredients such as garlic, ginger, and chilies.
Lemongrass can also be incorporated into the following:
- Marinades for fish and chicken
- Sauces for noodles and curries
- Pickles and chutneys
Lemon grass powder can also be added to baking recipes such as cakes or tarts for lemon flavoring.
Side Effects
While lemongrass is generally safe for most people when consumed in small amounts, it can have side effects.
If a person has a kidney stone or is at risk of developing one, they should be aware of these side effects and speak to their doctor before trying lemon grass.
Lemon grass contains oxalates which have been shown to increase the risk of developing calcium oxalate stones.
Calcium oxalate stones are the most common type of kidney stone and form when calcium combines with other substances like phosphorus, sodium or oxalate.
As such, lemon grass may not be suitable for those with existing kidney stone problems or at risk of developing them.
Excessive lemongrass consumption may cause digestive discomfort and reduce certain medications’ efficacy.
For these reasons, you must consult your doctor before adding this herb to your diet or using it as a medicinal supplement.
Conclusion: Is Lemon Grass Good For Kidney Stone
In conclusion, lemon grass shows promise for reducing the risk of kidney stones. While further research is needed to understand better how it helps reduce the risk of kidney stones, it may be worth trying as a natural remedy to promote good health.
While adding lemon grass to your daily diet may not completely prevent kidney stones, its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and diuretic properties can help reduce the risk of developing them.
As with any potential home remedy, caution is advised when trying something new, and it should always be discussed with your doctor first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are the benefits of drinking lemon grass tea?
A1: Lemon grass tea is known to have many health benefits, including being a diuretic that can help flush out toxins and reduce the risk of kidney stones. It also helps to reduce inflammation and has anti-bacterial properties.
Q2: How much lemon grass tea should I drink for kidney stone prevention?
A2: One cup of lemon grass tea daily is recommended for kidney stone prevention. However, it is best to consult your healthcare provider for the best advice.
Q3: Are there any side effects of drinking lemon grass tea?
A3: Some people may experience mild side effects from drinking lemon grass tea, such as nausea, dizziness, or headaches. It is best to consult with your healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms.
