Lemon grass: good for muscle cramps to aromatherapy

Lemon grass may be somewhat new to the Western world, but it has been used for centuries in other cultures. Long touted as multi-functional, shamans have used it to ease muscle cramps, it is a fragrant additive for soaps, creams and lotions and it is even used as a natural degreaser. This little herb has an incredible array of benefits that we are just discovering.

Lemon grass is grown in the warm tropic climates and is known by a few names: citronella grass, scurvy grass and fever grass. With over fifty five varieties, lemon grass is well used in Asia and South Africa has a medicinal herb, but they also make use of its leaf strength for roof thatching in some of the traditional cottages. It is available in an array of colors, from yellow to an autumn brown-tone. If you have some freshly picked lemon grass you will immediately notice the incredible aroma. The fresh clean smell is often used as potpourri and in oil form it is added as a natural scent for many topical shampoos and lotions. It has been known to fight against fatigue as well as depression.

Ayurvedic medicine has included lemon grass as a part of medicinal treatment. It’s also been used for thousands of years by herbalists in China for treatment of many disorders: spasms, colds, stomach aches, rheumatic pain, mucus buildup, fungal infections and general digestive problems. Some of the known benefits of lemon grass include its ability as a diuretic, killing germs, treatment for ringworm, assists the body in the clotting of blood, gets rid of gas (flatulence) and aids in overall general health of the kidney. As an additive it can also aid as a general sedative. In some areas of the country, the popularity of juice bars has made lemon grass a major must-have drink. Freshly picked, this is a power house potion – but the taste may not be for everyone. If you are serious about using natural products in your home, lemon grass is a major deterrent for rodents and many people use it as a natural pesticide. It seems that while the odor is very attractive to humans, bugs and mice dislike the smell.

There is something that is important to note. Anyone with incredibly sensitive skin should try a test area first. When applying to the skin it can cause irritation to those that have these sensitivities.

Lemon grass is also used to eliminate muscle cramps. If you work outdoors or just want something to help reduce the muscle cramps from exercise, lemon grass is an incredible herb to try. Many people use lemon grass as an additive to a fruit juice drink or your favorite smoothie. Others will add lemon grass root to water, combined with a favorite non-sugar sweetener and a touch of cinnamon. Once strained, it makes an excellent elixir to sooth the muscles, calm the nerves and give you a moment of sanctuary from the day. Some of the more ingenious wineries are using lemon grass as an accent for the new wines. The incredible scent, combined with the ability of lemon grass to act as a tonic, adds a touch of the healthy to the wine experience.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.