How Safe Is Lemongrass During Pregnancy

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As you begin to share the news of your pregnancy, you will get tons of advice from your close ones on foods to eat and avoid during pregnancy. One of the diet suggestions could be consuming lemongrass during pregnancy.

Since pregnancy is a delicate period, you should be quite cautious about what you eat. Therefore, you may want to know if it is safe to include lemongrass in your pregnancy diet before doing so.

Read on as we explain some important aspects of lemongrass and the safety considerations of adding it to your diet during pregnancy.

What Is Lemongrass?

Lemongrass is a perennialⁱlong-lasting, continually recurring. plant also called the fever grass. It has long and thin leaves and is found throughout Asia. The grass has a lemony smell but has a sweeter and milder taste than a lemon. It is commonly used in aromatherapy as an essential oil, as a herbal ingredient in different Asian cuisines, and as a flavoring agent as well.

Lemongrass is a good source of folic acid, zinc, magnesium, copper, iron, calcium, manganese, Vitamin A, phosphorous, and Vitamin C. Lemongrass is a sedative, analgesicⁱA drug or herb that relieves pain. , anti-inflammatory, astringentⁱRelated to something causes the contraction of skin cells or body tissues. , carminativeⁱRelated to something that relieves and prevents the formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract. , antipyreticⁱA drug or herb that prevents or reduces fever. , antiseptic, diureticⁱA substance that increases the production of urine. , antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-cancer agent. Herbalists often use the leaves and stems of lemongrass to prepare different herbal medicines (1).

Quick fact

Lemongrass is also used in several insect repellants and cosmetics such as soaps (6).

Is It Safe To Have Lemongrass During Pregnancy?

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When you’re pregnant, it goes without saying that you should be extremely cautious about what you eat. Though lemongrass has many health benefits, medical consultants consider it to be one of the other herbs to avoid during pregnancy and may recommend you avoid having lemongrass during pregnancy. High doses of lemongrass can trigger menstrual flow, which may, in turn, lead to miscarriage. You should also avoid consuming lemongrass when you nurse your child, as it can trigger reactions for your little one.

Health Benefits Of Lemongrass

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Some common benefits of lemongrass include:

1. Promotes digestion

• Lemongrass improves your digestive functioning during pregnancy, and the antiseptic compounds of the herb aid in prenatal nutrition by killing the harmful bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract.

• The destruction of harmful parasites and bacteria helps you overcome digestive disorders and problems like constipation, indigestion, stomach spasms, cramps, bloating, and diarrhea. Lemongrass tea possesses antimicrobial properties that help treat gastroenteritisⁱInfection of the digestive system causing inflammation in the stomach and intestines. .

• For optimum digestive health, you can drink a glass of lemongrass tea in a healthy condition. However, during pregnancy, you should avoid consuming herbal tea.

2. Controls cholesterol levels

• The anti-atherosclerosisⁱHardening of the arteries due to accumulation of fats, cholesterol, and other substances. and anti-cholesterol properties of lemongrass help absorb excess cholesterol from your intestine.

• Additionally, it helps in the oxidation of the LDL-cholesterolⁱBad cholesterol, whose increased levels may raise the risk for heart problems. present in your blood which helps you overcome atherosclerotic plaque buildup.

• As lemongrass is a rich source of potassium, it lowers and regulates your blood pressure level.

• According to a CDC report, the prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) among delivery hospitalizations increased from 13.3% to 15.9% during 2017–2019. When you suffer from hypertension during pregnancy, you can try drinking a cup of hot and brewing lemongrass tea, which quickly brings down your blood pressure level to normal. But you should only consume the tea once you consult your gynecologist.

3. Cleanses and detoxifies

• Consuming lemongrass tea helps cleanse and detoxify your body. Its diuretic property flushes unwanted uric acid, toxins, and bad cholesterol from your body.

• The cleansing property of lemongrass purifies your pancreas, bladder, liver, and kidneys and regulates a healthy flow of blood to the vital organs.

4. Heals cold and flu

• The antifungal and antibacterial properties of the medicinal herb lemongrass cure the common cold, cough, and the symptoms of flu. The high Vitamin C content boosts your immune system so that your body can resist infections.

• You can also apply lemongrass oil to your joints, to get quick relief from severe pain.

• Lemongrass also loosens mucus and phlegm buildup in your respiratory tract. People suffering from bronchitis or asthma should take lemongrass tea to overcome breathing problems.

5. Fights cancer

• The compound citral in lemongrass can fight free radicals and restrict the initial growth of cancerous cells.

6. Reduces stress

• Lemongrass essential oil possesses effective calming and soothing smell. It helps alleviate depression, anxiety and mood swings.
• The sedative property of lemongrass oil promotes good sleep, which can make it an essential part of maternal care.

7. Antibacterial property

• The presence of limonene and citral in lemongrass inhibits the unwanted growth of bacteria and yeast in the body, both externally and internally.

• The antibacterial agent fights harmful microbes and treats skin infections like athlete’s foot and ringworm (2).

Quick fact

Lemongrass shows antidiarrheal property. It slows bowel movements depending on the dose (2).

A doctor will, more often than not, advise you to avoid lemongrass tea during pregnancy.

Side Effects Of Lemongrass During Pregnancy

Here are some of the adverse effects of lemongrass. And, why you should avoid drinking lemongrass tea while you’re pregnant:

1. Allergies

• Lemongrass can trigger allergies. Common reactions may exhibit symptoms like itchy skin rashes, chest pain, breathing difficulties, and throat swelling.

2. Stimulates menstrual flow

• Women with painful or irregular menstrual cycles can drink lemongrass tea as the herb initiates menstrual flow. However, when you’re pregnant, the active compounds in lemongrass tea can lead to sudden ruptures to the fetal membrane, and trigger miscarriage.

3. Dizziness

• Overconsumption may cause dizziness or drowsiness which is particularly unsafe during pregnancy (3) (4).

4. Interaction with other drugs

• Lemongrass is an herbal supplement and has the potency to interact with other prescription drugs that you might be taking during pregnancy (5).

How To Use Lemongrass Oil During Pregnancy?

Cosmetic brands often infuse lemongrass oil in different products like soaps, shampoos, lotions, deodorants, and tonic, because of its potent aroma. It also works as an air freshener. You can just mix it with essential oils like bergamot, or geranium, and put it in a diffuser, or vaporizer.

Lemongrass oil, popularly known for its antimicrobial properties acts as an insect repellant and kills ants and mosquitoes due to its geraniol and citral content. The soothing and refreshing aroma of the therapeutic oil also helps in stress relief and getting relief from a headache, anxiety, irritability, drowsiness, and insomnia. The aromatic oil helps relax your muscles and relieve muscle strain, stomach aches, migraines, headaches, toothache, menstrual cramps, and rheumatism.

Here are some ways to use the lemongrass essential oil during pregnancy:

• You can prepare a refreshing foot bath by adding a few drops of lemongrass oil to a tub of lukewarm water. Soak your feet in the water for 10-15 minutes. For severe foot pain, you can also add one tablespoon of Epsom saltⁱA bath salt used for minor aches and inflammation. to the water.

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• Try making an aromatic massage oil by diluting lemongrass oil with almond or jojoba oil. Apply the mixture to the affected regions of pain like joints, or head.

• You can dilute lemongrass with other essential oil and spray it around your home, as it serves as a great insect repellant and effectively kills mosquitoes and insects.

• You can also try adding few drops of lemongrass oil to your bath water.

Be watchful

Topical use of lemongrass oil can trigger allergic contact dermatitis in some people (7).

Is It Safe To Use Lemongrass Oil During Pregnancy?

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Though small quantities of lemongrass can cause no harm during pregnancy, you should avoid applying the concentrated oil to your skin as a part of your skincare routine. Undiluted lemongrass oil can burn or irritate your skin, due to the high levels of citral. It is recommended that you dilute the aromatic oil with a carrier oil. Some of the best carrier oils that you can use for diluting lemongrass oil are:

• Basil
• Fennel
• Rose
• Lavender
• Sandalwood
• Cedarwood
• Fennel
• Geranium

Side-Effects Of Lemongrass Oil During Pregnancy

If you are allergic to lemongrass, you may experience any of the following discomforts after applying the oil to your skin:

• Skin irritation
• A burning sensation
• Rashes or hives
• Unwanted swellings

How To Prepare Homemade Lemongrass Tea?

You can prepare the herbal drink by infusing dried lemongrass in the cup of hot and brewing plain water. Florida-based physician Dr. Matthew Casavant says, “A little lemongrass tea might help with relaxation and potentially aid sleep without significant side effects when consumed in small quantities. However, moderation and professional guidance are key to ensuring maternal and fetal health.”

You Will Need:

• Water – 1 cup
• Clumps of lemongrass
• Sugar or honey to flavor
• Milk (Optional)
• Strainer

How To:

1. Peel the outer surface of the lemongrass leaves, as it can make your tea bitter and flavorless.

2. Add a cup of water to a saucepan and place it in the oven on medium heat.

3. Now, add the clumps of peeled leaves to the boiling water.

4. Allow the leaves to soak in the brewing water, and then slow down the flame and cover the saucepan with a lid for about 20 minutes. It allows the aromatic flavor of the leaves to release in the tea.

5. Add honey or sugar to flavor your tea. You can also add milk if you love to have lemongrass milk tea.

6. Strain the mixture and pour the tea into a cup.

Image: IStock

You can also try chilled lemongrass tea, by adding few ice cubes to your tea. The recipe remains the same, and the only thing you need to do is to let your tea cool down and avoid adding milk to your chilled lemongrass tea.

A Word Of Caution

• You can use small amounts of diluted lemongrass oil to get relief from pain and headaches. However, you should take a skin patch test.

• The high citral concentration of lemongrass oil can burn or harm your skin.

• Diabetic or hypoglycemicⁱHypoglycemic people should avoid drinking lemongrass tea or consume any lemongrass-containing pregnancy supplements as it may reduce the blood glucose levels abruptly.

• A patient with liver or kidney disorders must consult her doctor before using the herb.

Infographic: Health Benefits Of Lemongrass During Pregnancy

Lemongrass, also known as fever grass, is used as a flavoring ingredient in Asian cuisine. So, do you wish to have lemongrass during pregnancy but are concerned about its safety? Check this infographic to learn about the potential health benefits of lemongrass in pregnancy.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Lemongrass During Pregnancy - Is It Safe?

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team

Lemongrass has been traditionally used for reducing fever and pain. But if you’re pregnant and wondering if lemongrass is safe to have, watch this video to find out!

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Reda ElmardiRD

Reda Elmardi is a registered dietician, certified nutritionist, and certified strength and conditioning specialist trainer. The 32-year-old is a certified nutritionist from the UNC's Online MPH with Nutrition concentration, and has around ten years of experience.

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• 
  Dr. Matthew CasavantPhysician, Ob/Gyn Dr. Matthew Casavant is the founding physician of South Lake OB/GYN & Advanced Surgery. He received his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University in South Florida and completed his residency as an Ob/Gyn at St. Vincent’s /Mercy Hospital in Toledo, OH. Dr. Casavant also holds a BS degree in Micro and Molecular Biology.
  
  Dr. Matthew Casavant is the founding physician of South Lake OB/GYN & Advanced Surgery. He received his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University in South Florida and completed his residency as an Ob/Gyn at St. Vincent’s /Mercy Hospital in Toledo, OH. Dr. Casavant also holds a BS degree in Micro and Molecular Biology.

Ria SahaB.Tech

Ria is a techie-turned-writer and writes articles on health, with special emphasis on nutrition. She did her B.Tech from West Bengal University of Technology and was previously associated with IBM as SAP ABAP technical consultant.

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Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA

Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

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Lorraine TeronMSc

Lorraine is a postgraduate in Life Science from Mount Carmel College and previously worked as a freelance scientific illustrator. As a project associate and lab technician at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Lorraine received valuable insights into Covid-19, transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, and neuro-degenerative diseases.

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