Study: Lemongrass May Help Anemia Patients

Anemia is the most common blood disorder in the world. It is a condition associated with a decreased number of healthy red blood cells that carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. Aside from a feeling of fatigue and a lack of energy, other symptoms of it may include shortness of breath, chest pain, headache, paleness of skin, fast or irregular heartbeat, and light-headedness.

According to a study, drinking herbal tea can help address and manage symptoms of various ailments, including anemia.

Lemon Grass and Anemia

Lemongrass tea is a refreshing herbal tea with a citrusy taste that is milder and sweeter than lemons. Consumption of this healthy beverage does not only remind us of our bright and cheerful days, but it will also make us feel good from within.

For the study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, researchers from the University of Uyo and the University of Calabar in Nigeria have found that lemongrass tea can assist in increasing red blood cell production, making it a great natural treatment for anemia.

For the study, 105 individuals (aged 18 to 35 years) underwent a thorough pre-survey medical screening. They were assigned randomly to one of the three groups:

Group 1 – received 2 grams of lemongrass leaf powder

Group 2 – received 4 grams of lemongrass powder

Group 3 – received 8 grams of lemongrass powder

The powder was mixed in 150 ml of hot water and was consumed by the participants once a day for 30 days.

The participants’ hematologic indices were assessed by the researchers one day before the intervention and then on the 10th and 30th day after the intervention.

At the end of the study period researchers have found that:

1. Lemongrass powder is an aromatic storehouse of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, macronutrients, and micronutrients that provides an array of health benefits.
2. Consumption of lemongrass tea has significantly increased the packed cell volume (PCV), the measurement or fraction of red blood cells present in the blood.
3. Lastly, the infusion of lemongrass leaf was able to increase the body’s hemoglobin and red blood cell levels.

Due to these beneficial results, the team concludes that lemongrass has potent antioxidant effects that can help boost the body’s ability to produce red blood cells, thus making it a possible treatment for anemia.

Other Reasons to Love Lemongrass

Lemongrass tea offers a wide range of health benefits. Some of them are listed below:

Good For Digestion

It contains a component known as citral that helps soothe the stomach, aids in digestion and keeps the digestive function in check.

Helps Regulate High Blood Pressure

It is rich in potassium which increases the production of urine in our body, which in turn stimulates blood circulation and lowers blood pressure.

Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties

The main compounds in lemongrass, citral, and geranial, are thought to be responsible for its anti-inflammatory benefits. They are said to help stop the release of certain inflammation-causing markers in your body.

Helps Reduce Cancer Risk

The citral in lemongrass has been found to possess potent anticancer abilities against some cancer cell lines. They work by causing cell death directly or boosting the immune system so that the body is better able to fight-off cancer on its own.

How To Make Lemongrass Tea

Rinse lemongrass to get rid of impurities and cut into smaller pieces with a kitchen scissor. Keep a pot with water to cook on the stove and add the lemongrass leaves. Simmer the tea in the pot covered for about 10 minutes. Keep away from heat and allow the tea leaves to get infused for a few more minutes. Strain tea from leaves. Add some honey to taste and serve hot.