Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Southeast Asia, for a variety of ailments including respiratory issues such as coughs and lung congestion. In folk medicine, lemongrass is often prepared as a tea, inhaled as a steam, or included in herbal blends to help clear mucus and ease breathing difficulties. The rationale in traditional usage is primarily attributed to its aromatic oils, which are believed to have soothing and mild expectorant properties, and its reported anti-inflammatory effects.

However, scientific evidence specifically supporting lemongrass for lung congestion is limited. Some laboratory studies indicate that lemongrass possesses antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, primarily due to its high content of citral and other essential oil constituents. While these properties could theoretically benefit respiratory health by reducing inflammation or fighting infection, direct clinical trials or robust scientific studies evaluating lemongrass's effectiveness for lung congestion in humans are lacking. As such, while lemongrass continues to be used in traditional herbalism for this purpose, its efficacy remains largely anecdotal and not well-supported by scientific research. Caution is advised in substituting it for clinically proven treatments for significant respiratory conditions.

More about lemongrass
More about Congestion (lungs)

Other ingredients used for Congestion (lungs)

Other health conditions supported by lemongrass

Products containing lemongrass