Herbs are one of nature's greatest gifts. Especially lemongrass, with it's immune system and digestive system benefits - it even reduces cellulite!

Want a delicious way to boost your immune system, aid your muscles and connective tissue and reduce cellulite? Then the herb lemon grass is for you.

Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citrates) is a perennial plant with culinary and medicinal uses that is native to India and Nepal. Popularly used in Thai, Vietnamese and Caribbean cooking. Lemon grass is finally becoming popular in the US as well, and with good reason as you'll see.

Lemon Grass in Cuisine

Lemon grass can be used to make soups, stews, tea and curries. It has a light, lemony smell and flavor, with a hint of ginger.

If you cook with lemon grass, consider blending it with cilantro, garlic and chilies.

Lemon Grass for Your Health

Indigenous people in Nepal and in traditional Indian medicine used antioxidant-rich lemon grass for infectious diseases, fever and as a sedative for the central nervous system.

Animal studies have also shown that lemongrass oil may be effective at preventing colon cancer and other cancers.

Researchers are uncertain as to the exact properties in lemongrass oil that inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells, but it maybe because it contains the highest amount of citral versus any other known plant. Citral, a substance also found in lemon peels, is known to relieve cramps, spasms, headaches and rheumatism.Researchers note that lemongrass oil's antioxidant qualities and ability to inhibit the enzyme that promotes the growth of cancer cells are promising.^1,2

Other animal studies have shown that lemongrass oil inhibits the growth of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), the opportunistic pathogen that is behind ulcers and other gastroduodenal diseases.³

Sources of Lemon Grass

Lemon grass can be purchased in Asian markets and health food stores and comes fresh, dried and powered. You can also grow lemon grass yourself, either indoors or outdoors in a warm climate.

Want to get 70 times the benefits of lemon grass, naturally? Try TRUessence 100% pure lemongrass essential oil! Herbs are one of nature's greatest gifts. Especially lemongrass, with it's immune system and digestive system benefits - it even reduces cellulite!

Fresh lemon grass is better than powdered or dried and the most potent form is lemongrass essential oil. Essential oils are 70 times more concentrated than their plant counterparts and have been used throughout history for health and wellness.

At Body Ecology, we have long recommended the use of essential oils for health and relaxation.

We love TRUessence Essential Oils for their commitment to the highest standards and quality. While you may not know it, essential oil companies (even those sold in health food stores) can label their products 100% pure, while still extending them up to 50% with other chemicals (some of them cancer-causing).

TRUessence Essential Oils are unique because they are third-party E.O.B.B.D. (Essential Oils Botanically and Biochemically Defined) tested for 100% purity. You can immediately tell their quality by smelling the deep, rich scent.

Below are some of the most common uses for lemongrass essential oil:

Systems affected:

• Cartilage
• Tendons
• Connective tissue
• Ligaments
• Immune system
• Muscles
• Bones

Common Uses for Lemongrass Essential Oil:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Arthritis
• Tightens muscles
• Cartilage
• Tendons
• Cellulite
• Immune stimulant
• Vasodilator
• Hydro lipid retention
• Digestive tonic
• Stimulates liver
• Sedative action calms stress related disorders
• Antiseptic
• Toning astringent - Cleansing to oily skin, blackheads, tightens pores
• Bladder infection (cystitis)
• Regenerates connective tissue
• Edema, fluid retention
• Kidney disorders
• Lymphatic drainage
• Strengthens vascular walls

Some Options for Application:

• Apply 2 drops lemongrass per ounce of organic unrefined almond oil, olive oil or your favorite unrefined oil that does not have a strong scent. This creates a "carrier" oil, which allows you to dilute the oil and carries it into your skin.
  • Use this mixture of lemongrass and your favorite organic unrefined oil for a massage oil or replacement for lotion.
  • This mixture can be smoothed over your skin to soothe tired muscles and ligaments, as an anti-cellulite oil or a de-stressing massage oil.
• Add 1 - 2 drops in a cloth and inhale to relax your senses.

Experience Earth's Natural Gifs

Whether you want to add a new taste to your cooking, heal your body or quiet your mind, lemon grass is a great addition to your natural health lifestyle.