Lemongrass is a herb that was once found in countries such as South India and Sri Lanka. However, it is grown all over the world today. Lemongrass is a popular ingredient in Asian cooking, and it’s often brewed as a tea. The stalky herb has many health benefits, including the natural ability to fight inflammation as well as promoting digestion.

Below are some of the many benefits of lemongrass:

1. Fights infection
Lemongrass fights infections in the body according to a study at the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The herb reduces the amount of fungal infections that people with weakened immune systems develop. According to the National Institute of Health, lemongrass essential oil has antibacterial properties that helps prevent tooth decay.

2. Reduces gout
Due to its infection fighting properties, for fighting lemongrass has been shown to fight gout. Drinking the tea improves circulation and flushes out the uric acid that causes pain. You can add lemongrass essential oil to a glass of water to drink daily. It flushes out the crystals that cause this disease. Check with your doctor before using.

3. Lowers cholesterol
In some studies lemongrass lowered cholesterol in animals. The was dependent on the size of the dose given to the animal. It appeared the higher dose of lemongrass was more effective. A 2011 study, on mice showed that 100 mg of lemongrass essential oil daily was safe.

4. Aids weight loss
Lemongrass is an natural diuretic so using it will help you to lose weight. It eliminates sodium and liquids through urination. This lessens the buildup of liquids in the ankles and joints It is a good replacement for soda and fruit juice that contains high sugar levels. Too much sugar increases weight gain.

5. Eases arthritis pain
Due to its antioxidant qualities lemongrass helps reduce cell damage and joint pain. It relaxes patients, this often helps with managing pain. Lemongrass provides pain relief for joint pain by interfering with the pain signal that goes to the brain. The ingredient that helps with pain is citronella. In studies conducted on animals, it was effective in reducing swelling. Lemongrass reduces the amount of chemicals in the skin that cause swelling. Overall, studies have found it effective in reducing the pain of arthritis.

6. Increases red blood cell production
The Blood Studies have shown that drinking lemongrass tea or essential oil in water increases red blood cell levels and hemoglobin concentrations. This was tested on 105 people for over 30 days. The antioxidant qualities of lemongrass is believed to be responsible for the results.

7. Promotes healthy digestion
Studies have shown it protects the stomach from acid and the harmful effects of medicines like aspirin. It stimulates the body to release more liquids. Often too many liquids leads to bloating. It has citral in the ingredients that helps the body to digest food. It should be served after eating in a tea.