Scientific Name: Cymbopogon flexuosus

Bahasa Indonesian: Serai

Batak: Sanggesangge

Basic Information: Lemongrass is widely used as a culinary herb in Asian cuisines and also as a medicinal herb in India. It has a subtle citrus flavor and can be dried and powdered, or used fresh. It is commonly used in teas, soups, and curries. It is also suitable for use with poultry, fish, beef, and seafood. Lemongrass oil is used as a pesticide and a preservative. Research shows that lemongrass oil has antifungal properties. Despite its ability to repel some insects, such as mosquitoes, its oil is commonly used as a “lure” to attract honey bees.

Health Benefits:

1. Helps digestion – Lemongrass promotes healthy digestion. It has a high fiber content, a known prebiotic to help repopulate the good bacteria in the colon.
2. Cholesterol-lowering properties – It possesses anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-hypercholesterolemic properties that support healthy cholesterol levels.
3. Detoxifies the Body – It may help in cleansing and flushing harmful toxic wastes from the body, as a result of its diuretic properties.
4. Regulates High Blood Pressure – Lemongrass is nature’s formula for taming high blood pressure. It is rich in potassium which increases the production of urine in our body, which in turn stimulates blood circulation and lowers blood pressure.
5. Heals Cold and Flu – Lemongrass has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that help you cope with cold, cough and flu. Plus, it is loaded with Vitamin C that strengthens your immunity.
6. Fights Cancer – A component called citral found in lemongrass caused apoptosis in cancer cells without damaging healthy cells.
7. Reduces Joint Pain – Due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, lemongrass helps treat pain emanating from a variety of ailments, including arthritis, rheumatism, osteoarthritis, gout, and other types of joint pain.
8. Reduces Body Odor – Lemongrass oil in a diluted form works as an effective deodorant. In fact, beauty experts find lemongrass oil more effective than many of the synthetic deodorants available in the market.
9. Keeps Skin Healthy – Due to its antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal properties, lemongrass helps limit bacterial or microbial growth on the skin. This, in turn, helps keep your skin free of infections and lessens issues caused by bacterial or fungal infections.

Fun facts:

• There are about 55 species of cymbopogon.
• Lemongrass oil is extensively used in aromatherapy due to its therapeutic effects, which help in revitalizing the body.