Content
Capim santo, also known as lemongrass or herb-prince, is a medicinal plant that has an aroma similar to lemon when its leaves are cut and that can be used to complement the treatment of several diseases, mainly changes in the stomach.
This plant also has other names, such as capim-cheiroso grass, cidrão grass, road tea, cidró grass, catinga grass or citronella from Java and its scientific name is Cymbopogon citratus.
Capim santo can be found in some health food stores or in the form of tea in some markets.
What is it for
Capim santo is a plant rich in terpenes, flavonoids and phenolic compounds that provide antioxidant effect. Therefore, the use of this plant can have several health benefits, which include:
- Improve digestion and treat stomach changes, since it has a bacterial action and helps to relieve stomach pain due to its antispasmodic action;
- Anti-inflammatory and analgesic action, treating headache, muscle, belly pain, rheumatism and muscle tension;
- Protects heart health, as it helps regulate cholesterol;
- You can regulate blood pressure;
- It may have anti-cancer properties, since it is rich in antioxidants and, therefore, some studies indicate that it can slow the growth of fibrosarcomas and prevent metastases from lung cancer, for example;
- Decrease swelling, as it has diuretic properties, helping to eliminate excess fluid from the body;
- Relieve the flu, reducing cough, asthma and excess secretion, when used in aromatherapy.
In addition, this plant could have anxiolytic, hypnotic and antidepressant effects, however the results related to these effects are contradictory, and further studies are needed to assess these benefits.
Because it has citronella oil in its composition, capim santo can also be considered an excellent natural repellent against insects, such as flies and mosquitoes.
How to use
The capim-santo acts as a natural insect repellent, but it can be consumed in the form of tea or used in the form of compresses to calm muscle pain.
- Capim santo tea: Put 1 teaspoon of the chopped leaves in a cup and cover with boiling water. Cover, wait for it to cool, strain well and drink next. Take 3 to 4 cups a day.
- Compresses: Prepare the tea and then dip a piece of clean cloth in it, applying to the painful area. Leave on for at least 15 minutes.
In addition, from its leaves it is possible to obtain the essential oil of lemon grass, which can be used in aromatherapy to relieve flu symptoms, as well as to repel insects, using 3 to 5 drops in a diffuser. .
Secundary effects
Capim santo can cause nausea, dry mouth and low blood pressure, which can cause fainting. Therefore, it is recommended that the use of lemon grass is used in the recommended amounts.
When used on the skin, lemon grass can cause burns, especially when exposed to the sun afterwards. Therefore, it is important to wash the treated area immediately after use.
Contraindications
The use of capim santo is contraindicated in cases of severe abdominal pain without apparent cause, if diuretics are used and during pregnancy. In addition, if you are using medications to control blood pressure, you should consult your doctor before using this plant.