Lemon grass comes from the Syzygium aromaticum plant, a composite member of the lemon family. In countries where this plant grows, it is commonly used as a health tonic for promoting general well being, treating skin problems and treating urinary tract infections. It is considered a weed in most areas of the world outside of Asia and the Mediterranean and has a wide distribution in the tropical and subtropical climates of many parts of the United States.
One of the main uses of this Asian relative is its use in treating digestive problems. Lemon grass has been found to be effective in controlling diarrhea, skin rashes, flatulence, nausea and gastric discomfort in children, and may help control candida. It has also been found useful for stimulating hair growth in both men and women and may be helpful in treating menstrual problems, such as cramps, PMS, and hot flashes. However, more research must still be conducted to determine if these health benefits truly exist or if they are related more to culinary rather than medicinal properties.
Lemon balm is another plant with medicinal purposes. It is often sold as a tea in health food stores but is sometimes also sold as a tincture available as a natural herbal supplement. The herb is believed to have antioxidant and antiseptic properties, possibly due to the presence of the amino acid lysine, which is also found in the lemon flower. Some studies have indicated that the plant has linoleic acid, which may play an important role in maintaining healthy skin and coat, as well as supporting the immune system.
Lemon balm has a history of use in treating conditions such as sore throat, bronchitis, coughs, colds and influenza. It may also be used as a cough suppressant and to relieve chest pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome. More research is needed to confirm these claims. Lemon balm is considered an herbal tea, and not a medicine, so it can not be purchased over-the-counter, although some health food stores do sell extracts of the plant, both in capsule form and unsweetened form.
Lemon grass extract has some of the same health benefits of lemongrass. However, lemongrass contains only one percent of the amount of nitrates, the other ingredients in the herbal tea. This means that lemongrass is only slightly more beneficial to your health than citratus when taken in the purest form.
Lemon grass teas have a reputation as containing lots of antioxidants, which are useful for boosting the immune system. This is true as the tea has been found to contain significant amounts of vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex vitamins, which are known to help boost the immune system. Lemon grass also has significant amounts of carotenoids and rutin, which are well known antioxidants. All of these properties have been shown to have a positive effect on antioxidant levels in the body.