Lemongrass - a herb native to Sri Lanka, and South India and has since found its way to a list of countries around the world being made popular by Thailand and Indonesia. This ingredient, commonly found in Asian cuisine is also used in tea and various beauty or health products. Albeit similar to sea-grasses, this long leaved plant has an estimate of 55 species. However, only the ones of East Indians and West Indians origins are suitable for use in cooking. An additional fact is learning that the leaves of lemongrass have been used to make oil and medicines for the longest time.  

Lemongrass is commonly taken orally, applied directly to the skin or inhaled as aromatherapy for various types of conditions. For example, its leaves can be used as a ‘lemon’ flavouring in herbal teas. As in manufacturing, it is used as a fragrance in deodorants, soaps and cosmetics. It can also be used in making vitamin A and as a natural citral.

Lemongrass also helps to prevent the growth of a few bacteria and yeast. Apart from that, it contains properties that have been known to relieve pain and swelling, reduce fever, improve levels of sugar and cholesterol in the blood, stimulate the uterus and menstrual flow and also contain antioxidant properties. As such, these properties are the main reason why Twinkle as adapted it as a key ingredient to be used in our Yin & Yang series.

Following its soothing qualities, the scent of lemongrass have also been known to relieve anxiety and calm stress. Also, a study done in 2015 have shown that a person who used lemongrass oil once a week for three weeks had a lower diastolic bloody pressure in comparison to those in the control group. Hence, various holistic establishments thrive in the usage of lemongrass scents throughout their outlet. The scent of lemongrass is rarely absent in such establishments and products. It is also akin to the scent of Lavender in some way.

Apart from its soothing qualities, lemongrass also have antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. As such, it has been a go-to ingredient when it comes to reducing skin infections, pneumonia, blood infections, serious intestinal infections, arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, hunt free radicals and being used as a deterrent against fungal properties.

According to researchers in Australia, native Australian lemongrass can be used to relief pain caused by headaches and migraines. The researchers found that a compound in lemongrass named eugenol has abilities akin to that of aspirin. Eugenol is also known to help stop blood platelets from clumping together. It also releases serotonin—a hormone that regulates mood, sleep, appetite and cognitive functions. Also known has a ‘happy chemical’, the presence of serotonin is also helpful towards those with signs of depression.

Lemongrass is also very effective in calming the nerves as mentioned above. It speeds up and helps the betterment of sleep. Thus, proving to be a healthy ingredient for those who suffer from insomnia. In turn, a healthy sleep makes for a better mind.