Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tall, perennial, fragrant grass native to India and tropical Asia. It has been used for centuries as both medicine and food. Both the leaves and essential oils of the lemongrass plant can be used, and its applications also include use as a deodorant, fragrance, cosmetic agent, and even as an insect repellant.
There are many health benefits of lemongrass: The leaves or infusions can be ingested (for example, as a tea steeped with lemongrass leaves) to alleviate headache, gastrointestinal upset, the common cold, and sore throat. One study suggests that lemongrass may have anticonvulsant effects; researchers in Brazil conducted an animal study that showed the essential oils from fresh lemongrass leaves were effective at delaying certain types of seizures. The leaves can also act as a mild astringent and antiseptic for the mouth.
