Benefits of Lemongrass: 5 Simple DIY Uses for this Amazing Plant

The cure to all our woes lies in nature. Even the grass, the fodders and the weeds can be a healer potent than the pills. Today, I reintroduce you to one such grass, which grows in most surroundings – Lemongrass. Discover the health benefits and DIY uses of lemongrass in this blog.

Lemongrass – A short story!

‘Sir, what is the name of that leaf which Tapsee Pannu used in her tea in Thappad’.

Well, yet again I am not a movie buff, so I didn’t understand what she was asking.

‘Sir, it looks like grass, long thin leaves.’ She elaborated.

‘Can you show me a picture?’ I asked unsure of which grass she was asking about.

She pulled out her phone and showed me a still from the movie.

‘Lemongrass!’ I exclaimed.

‘ Ahhh… Lemongrass, is it good sir? She asked.

‘It’s a marvel of a plant’ I quoted and explained some of its benefits. 

I could see the amazement in her eyes grew with every benefit that I explained. I am sure she must-have brought the plant on her way home.

After she left, I pondered how our ancient home remedies are waning off from the youth. The beautiful long leaves were once a part of every Indian house. But now it’s a rare sight. That prompted me to cover this blog. Hope this rekindles the health benefits of lemongrass in every Indian’s mind.

Introducing you to the amazing grass

Lemongrass is a popular flavouring agent in Asian cuisines. The food lovers know it well!

But there is more to lemongrass!

Lemongrass is a power-house of anti-oxidants. It helps fight free radicals in your body which are the main culprit for all your woes. From fatigue to ageing to cancer, free radicals are to blame. 

That’s not it!

Lemongrass also exhibits anti-microbial properties. This makes it a potent remedy in oral infections and cavities. In fact, lemongrass essential oil is often used in treating and preventing tooth decay. 

Wait, there is more!!!

Lemongrass has anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a promising natural solution for conditions of heart disease and stroke. Lemongrass essential oil is also used in aromatherapy. It helps in relieving pain, lowering stress, improving mood and enhancing sleep. 

Hold on!

Researchers are also studying the anti-cancer abilities of lemongrass. It contains a compound called ‘citral’ which shows anti-cancer benefits. Many doctors recommend lemongrass tea as supportive therapy during chemotherapy and radiation. 

Benefits of Lemongrass in a breath

A cup of lemongrass tea comes handy in curing an upset stomach. Ancient Vaidyas used it widely to treat stomach cramping and digestive problems. It’s a detox drink that improves metabolism and aids in weight loss.

Ayurvedic texts mention lemongrass as a great diuretic. This eases urination and rids the body of excess fluid and sodium. Lemongrass also helps to reduce high systolic blood pressure. It helps regulate cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke. 

Home Remedies of Lemongrass

Having this plant in your pot comes handy in many situations. From enhancing the taste of your tea to uplifting your mood this grass is too good. Here are a few quick remedies where this potent grass comes to your aid.

1. DIY Room Freshener

Home remedies of Lemongrass are impressively stiunning. For instance, your can cut a few strands of the lemongrass leaf, and place it in your living room. The soothing scent lightens the air and refreshes your mood instantly. It is used in aromatherapy to relieve stress and enhance mood.

2. DIY multipurpose cleanser

Multipurpose Cleanser – Yes, that’s in the list of home remedies of lemongrass. Lemongrass has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. This is not only good for your dental care but also serves as a home cleaner. Crush the leaves and add it to the water you use to mop the floor. This will keep the bugs and flies at bay.

3. DIY Deodorant 

It’s a lesser-known but highly effective benefit of lemongrass. The anti-bacterial properties of lemongrass help eliminate odour causing bacteria. Add a few drops of the grounded leaves in your bathing water or rub the leaf in your underarms. It replaces bad smells with a clean, fresh, lemony scent. 

Also Read: Ayurvedic remedies for body odour

4. DIY Skin Care

Lemongrass is a magic weed for your skin. Be it redness from breakouts, rashes, dry skin or sun exposure, lemongrass is the answer. It helps in soothing inflammation and relieves irritated skin. 

Also Read: 5 DIY skin care tips

5. DIY Pain Reliever

Lemongrass is an excellent remedy for pain. It helps to calm muscles and promote circulation. A lemongrass massage oil or bath helps to soothe aching muscles and headaches. Lemongrass tea is a go-to remedy for soothing stomach aches and menstrual cramps. 

Home remedies of Lemongrass

1. Lemongrass tea

• Lemongrass tea is the easiest, simplest way of using it. Full of antioxidants, it is your detox drink that cleanses the body from within. Being a diuretic, it washes away all the toxins along with the fluids.
• Lemongrass has been used since ancient times to soothe stomach cramps and relieve digestive woes. This tea works as an instant relief in bloating, constipation and indigestion. 
• Lemongrass tea is widely recommended by Ayurvedic doctors for regulating high blood pressure. It is rich in potassium and promotes the production of urine, this stimulates blood circulation and lowers blood pressure. It also relieves body pain and speeds healing time. 

A cup of lemongrass tea can also be your secret recipe to weight loss and glowing skin.

DIY Lemongrass Tea

• Chop the grass and put in a pan with 2 cups of water. 
• Bring it to boil and let the nutrients seep into the water for 10-15 minutes.
• You can add the lemongrass pieces in a teapot and cover it with boiling water and let it brew. 
• Pour it into a cup and take a sip!

2. Lemongrass for skincare

• Lemongrass is becoming a common ingredient in skincare products. After the extensive use of Aloe vera in skincare, its time to shed the light on lemongrass. From soothing your rash and redness to curing allergies, lemongrass is the answer!
• It can also serve as your soap and deodorant. You can also make your own lemongrass body scrub to cleanse your skin and stimulate circulation. 

A DIY skincare bath soap with Lemongrass

• Make your own lemongrass Epsom salt bath with ease. 
• Put 1 cup of Epsom salt in a blender. 
• Add a few stalks of fresh lemongrass to it. 
• The long fibres will open up adding the benefits to it. 
• Use a scoop of the lemony salt in a cloth bag and steep it into a hot bath.

DIY skincare scrub with Lemongrass

Make your own fresh scrub to cleanse your skin and stimulate circulation.

• You can also make lemongrass body scrub yourself. 
• Cleanse your skin and stimulate blood circulation. 
• In a blender, mix 1/4 cup of oil, you can take olive oil, coconut oil, or rice bran oil. 
• Add 2-4 stalks of lemongrass to it. Strain the oil to separate it from the lemongrass fibres. 
• Now, mix 1/2 cup of fine sea salt into the lemony oil. Your scrub is ready!

DIY Pore Cleansing Steam Facial

Lemongrass is a great cleanser. If you’re sick with cold, it’s really helpful to steam it out!

• Clean your skin by splashing water and prepare the steam. 
• Slice fresh lemongrass into a bowl. 
• Pour hot water from the kettle. 
• Place your head over the bowl and cover it with a towel. 
• Breathe in and relax. Let the steam cleanse your pores. 

Deodorizing Lemongrass Foot Soak

Lemongrass tea is a great way to deodorize your feet. It is also a great remedy for treating athletes’ foot. Soaking your feet in warm water steeped with lemongrass is also a great stress-reliever. 

• Prepare a strong lemongrass tea
• Slice up 2 stalks of lemongrass and pour in 1 cup of hot water. 
• Allow it to steep for 15 minutes.

3. Lemongrass drink

Udako is a popular home remedy to cure sore throat and indigestion. Lemongrass and milk are the main ingredients of the drink. You can add mint and ginger for the flavour to enhance the benefits. 

Do it yourself

• In a saucepan, take a cup of milk. 
• Add 1/4 cup of chopped lemongrass
• 2 tsp of grated ginger
• 1/4 cup of mint leaves
• 1 tbsp of sugar. 
• Next, add 2 cups of water to it. 
• Mix all these ingredients well. 
• Cook on a medium flame for 5 minutes, while stirring from time to time. 
• Strain the mixture and drink warm.

Ayurvedic Doctor loves lemongrass

Lemongrass is a forgotten remedy. But it’s time we revive it!

Lemongrass is a simple amazing home remedy for a lot of troubles. 

Its efficacy is proven in aiding digestion, soothing cramps, relieving body odour, soothing pain. A simple effective remedy sits right at the pot. Just take your scissors, cut a few strands and drop it in the pan!