10 Amazing Health Benefits of Lemongrass You Should Know

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), known as “sả” in Vietnamese, is more than just a fragrant herb that adds flavor to your favorite dishes. This tropical grass has been used in traditional Vietnamese and Southeast Asian medicine for centuries, offering a treasure trove of health benefits that modern science is only beginning to fully understand.

At Mót Hội An, we’ve made lemongrass the star ingredient of our traditional herbal drink, combining ancient wisdom with refreshing taste. Let’s explore why this incredible plant deserves a place in your daily wellness routine.

What Is Lemongrass?

Lemongrass is a tall, perennial grass native to tropical regions of Asia. It gets its name from its citrusy lemon aroma, which comes from a compound called citral. While there are over 50 species of lemongrass, the most commonly used variety is Cymbopogon citratus.

Traditional Uses

In Vietnamese culture, lemongrass has been used for:

• Digestive aid - Treating stomach upset and bloating
• Fever reducer - Natural remedy for colds and flu
• Pain relief - Easing headaches and muscle pain
• Insect repellent - Keeping mosquitoes away naturally
• Culinary herb - Essential in phở, soups, and marinades

10 Science-Backed Health Benefits

1. 🛡️ Powerful Antioxidant Properties

Lemongrass contains several antioxidants that help combat free radicals in your body, protecting cells from damage and reducing inflammation.

Key compounds:

• Chlorogenic acid
• Isoorientin
• Swertiajaponin

Benefits:

• Reduces oxidative stress
• May slow aging process
• Supports immune function

Studies show that lemongrass extract can help regulate cholesterol and support cardiovascular health.

2. 🦠 Natural Antimicrobial

Lemongrass has powerful antimicrobial properties that fight various bacteria and fungi.

Research findings:

• Effective against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus
• Inhibits candida fungal growth
• May help prevent food poisoning

Traditional use: In Vietnam, lemongrass is often added to seafood dishes not just for flavor, but also as a natural food preservative.

3. 💪 Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Chronic inflammation is linked to many diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Lemongrass contains citral, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound.

Benefits:

• Reduces joint pain and swelling
• May help with arthritis symptoms
• Supports recovery after exercise

How to use: Drink lemongrass tea or our Mót Hội An herbal drink regularly to enjoy these benefits.

4. 🧘 Stress Relief and Anxiety Reduction

The aroma of lemongrass has been shown to have calming effects on the nervous system.

Research shows:

• Aromatherapy with lemongrass oil reduces anxiety
• May lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels
• Promotes better sleep quality

Try this: Brew a cup of lemongrass tea in the evening to help you unwind after a stressful day.

5. 🌡️ Natural Fever Reducer

In traditional Vietnamese medicine, lemongrass has long been used to treat fever and flu-like symptoms.

How it works:

• Induces sweating (helps body cool down)
• Antimicrobial properties fight infection
• Vitamin C content supports immune response

Traditional recipe: Boil fresh lemongrass with ginger and honey for a soothing fever-fighting tea.

6. 🍽️ Aids Digestion

Lemongrass is a natural digestive aid, commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine to prevent bloating and indigestion.

Benefits:

• Stimulates healthy digestion
• Relieves constipation
• Reduces bloating and gas
• May help with IBS symptoms

Fun fact: This is why Vietnamese meals often include lemongrass—it helps digest rich, oily foods!

7. 🩸 May Help Regulate Blood Sugar

Preliminary research suggests lemongrass may help regulate blood glucose levels.

Study findings:

• May improve insulin sensitivity
• Helps regulate glucose metabolism
• Potential benefit for type 2 diabetes management

Note: Always consult your doctor before using herbal remedies alongside diabetes medication.

8. 💊 Pain Relief

Lemongrass has natural analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.

Effective for:

• Headaches and migraines
• Muscle aches and soreness
• Joint pain
• Menstrual cramps

Application: Can be used topically (essential oil diluted) or consumed as tea for internal pain relief.

9. 🧠 May Support Brain Health

Emerging research suggests lemongrass may have neuroprotective properties.

Potential benefits:

• Improves memory and concentration
• May protect against age-related cognitive decline
• Supports mental clarity

10. 💚 Promotes Healthy Skin

Lemongrass is packed with vitamins and minerals that support skin health.

Skin benefits:

• Antibacterial properties fight acne
• Astringent qualities minimize pores
• Antifungal properties treat infections
• Vitamin C promotes collagen production

DIY tip: Add lemongrass essential oil to your skincare routine (properly diluted with carrier oil).

Nutritional Profile

Lemongrass is low in calories but rich in nutrients:

Nutrient	Benefit
Vitamin A	Eye health, immune function
Vitamin C	Antioxidant, immune support
Folate	Cell growth and DNA formation
Potassium	Heart health, blood pressure regulation
Magnesium	Muscle and nerve function
Iron	Blood health, energy production

How to Enjoy Lemongrass

🍵 Lemongrass Tea

Simple recipe:

1. Wash and chop 2-3 stalks of fresh lemongrass
2. Boil in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes
3. Strain and add honey to taste
4. Enjoy hot or iced!

🥤 Mót Hội An Herbal Drink

Our signature drink combines:

• Fresh lemongrass
• Lemon juice
• Traditional Vietnamese herbs
• Natural sweetener

Visit us in Hội An to try this refreshing, health-boosting beverage!

🍲 Cooking with Lemongrass

Add lemongrass to:

• Vietnamese phở and bún
• Thai curries and soups
• Marinades for meat and seafood
• Stir-fries
• Rice dishes

Tip: Use the lower, thicker part of the stalk—it has the most flavor!

Precautions and Side Effects

While lemongrass is generally safe, keep these points in mind:

⚠️ Potential Side Effects

• Allergic reactions - Rare, but possible in sensitive individuals
• Increased urination - Lemongrass is a mild diuretic
• Low blood pressure - May interact with blood pressure medications
• Topical irritation - Essential oil must be diluted before skin application

🤰 Special Considerations

• Pregnancy: Avoid large amounts; may stimulate menstrual flow
• Breastfeeding: Limited research; consult healthcare provider
• Surgery: Stop using 2 weeks before scheduled surgery
• Medications: May interact with certain drugs; consult your doctor

🔢 Recommended Dosage

• Tea: 1-2 cups daily
• Essential oil: 2-3 drops diluted in carrier oil
• Fresh herb: Use in cooking as desired

Always start with small amounts to test your body’s response.

The Science Behind the Benefits

Recent scientific studies have validated many traditional uses of lemongrass:

• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center - Research on lemongrass’s potential anti-cancer properties
• Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology - Study on antimicrobial effects
• Food Chemistry Journal - Analysis of antioxidant compounds

While more research is needed, the existing evidence is promising and supports centuries of traditional use.

Growing Your Own Lemongrass

Want to have fresh lemongrass at home? It’s easy to grow!

Growing tips:

1. Climate: Thrives in warm, humid conditions
2. Sunlight: Needs 6+ hours of direct sun daily
3. Soil: Well-draining, rich in organic matter
4. Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
5. Harvest: Cut stalks when they’re 12+ inches tall

Container growing: Perfect for apartments—lemongrass grows well in large pots!

Lemongrass in Vietnamese Culture

In Vietnam, lemongrass is deeply woven into daily life:

• Cuisine - Essential ingredient in countless dishes
• Traditional medicine - Trusted remedy for common ailments
• Natural insect repellent - Planted around homes
• Aromatherapy - Used in spas and wellness centers
• Cultural symbol - Represents Vietnamese tropical heritage

Conclusion: A Superfood Worth Embracing

Lemongrass is a true superfood—delicious, fragrant, and packed with health benefits. From boosting immunity to reducing stress, improving digestion to supporting brain health, this humble herb offers remarkable wellness advantages backed by both traditional wisdom and modern science.

At Mót Hội An, we’re proud to showcase this incredible ingredient in our traditional herbal drink. Every sip delivers not just refreshing taste, but centuries of Vietnamese herbal wisdom.

Ready to Experience the Benefits?

Visit us in Hội An Ancient Town to try our signature lemongrass lemon herbal drink. Your body (and taste buds) will thank you!

Mót Hội An 📍 Phố cổ Hội An, Quảng Nam 📞 +84 3569 00011 ✉️ [email protected]

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Have you tried lemongrass for health benefits? Share your experiences in the comments below!

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new herbal supplement routine, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications.

Last updated: January 6, 2026 References: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology, Food Chemistry Journal