Handbook for pregnant mothers: The effects of lemongrass for pregnant women

During pregnancy, in addition to using the recommended foods, pregnant mothers can also use some supportive herbs. However, not all of them are safe for you. The following article will mention information related to the effects of lemongrass and whether pregnant mothers use lemongrass during pregnancy safe or not?

Lemongrass is not too strange, because this is a very wonderful spice in the kitchen. Lemongrass not only helps dishes increase the attractive flavor but also helps to detoxify, relieve pain and improve digestion .

However, with pregnant mothers, eating and nutrition will greatly decide the health of both you and your fetus in the womb. Therefore, knowing more about a certain food or herb will provide information, helping you to make good decisions for yourself.

Read the following article of aFamilyToday Health to know if the effects of lemongrass are safe for expectant mothers or not!

Lemongrass and the effects of lemongrass on health

Lemongrass belongs to the rice family (Poaceae), is a perennial plant with a height of 0.8 - 1.5m. It is native to Africa, Asia and Australia. Lemongrass root is used as a spice in cooking, but the leaves and essential oils are used for medicinal purposes.

Many people also use lemongrass as an herbal tea because of its antibacterial properties. In addition, the ingredients in lemongrass also have astringent effects, so it is also widely used in skin care products .

The benefits get if pregnant mothers use lemongrass during pregnancy

Using lemongrass properly, there will be many effects of lemongrass that you can get as follows:

1. Cure colds and flu

Lemongrass is famous for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it helps treat common cold-related symptoms such as a cough, runny nose. Furthermore, lemongrass also helps to thin mucus and phlegm that accumulates in the respiratory tract. Vitamin C in lemongrass also helps to improve the body's immune system.

2. Reduce stress

With a mild scent, lemongrass brings the effect of reducing the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and changing moods that pregnant women often encounter. In addition, when using lemongrass, pregnant mothers will also sleep better at night. Conditions like insomnia during pregnancy are no longer a problem!

3. Improve digestion

With the antibacterial effect of lemongrass, the harmful bacteria in the digestive tract will no longer have the opportunity to "raging". Since then, pregnant mothers will have less problems such as gas, indigestion, constipation or stomach cramps.

4. Control cholesterol

Ingredients in lemongrass will help absorb excess cholesterol in the intestine. Besides, the use of lemongrass also limits the accumulation of atheroma. The rich source of potassium in this herb also provides good blood pressure control.

5. Body purification

It will be flawed if we do not mention this effect of lemongrass. It has the ability to remove harmful toxins, uric acid from the body.

In addition, with a high content of antioxidants , lemongrass helps to purify and cleanse the liver, kidneys, bladder by enhancing blood circulation.

6. Anti-cancer

Citral compounds in lemongrass are known for their ability to fight free radicals and inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Possible side effects of lemongrass in pregnant women

Any food or herb if consumed in excessive amounts is not good, although the harmful effects of lemongrass on humans have not had many proven studies. However, with mouse experiments, people also make the following conjectures:

Affect the fetus

Lemongrass extract can accelerate cell destruction, while at the same time hindering its multiplication causing poor growth.

The mycrene compounds in high doses of lemongrass can cause bone abnormalities in the fetus.

Improper use can lead to stillbirth .

Side effects for the mother

Lemongrass has long been used to help regulate menstruation. But in large quantities, it can cause rupture of the fetal membrane, causing miscarriage.

Lemongrass side effects also affect blood sugar control. If pregnant mothers have type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes , when using too much lemongrass can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar. From there, pregnant women may experience fatigue, blurred vision, and dizziness.

Lemongrass can trigger mild allergic reactions including: swelling in the throat, hives and chest pain.

Tell you alternatives to lemongrass

Lemongrass tea concentrates are thought to cause serious complications during pregnancy. So, if you are pregnant and regularly use lemongrass tea, you should have other alternatives for yourself. Two solutions that aFamilyToday Health recommends for you are:

Ginger Tea: This tea boosts the immune system, aids digestion, and helps ease morning sickness in pregnant women.

Raspberry Tea: Made from the leaves of a red raspberry plant, this tea is also recommended by professionals during pregnancy. It is thought to help improve uterine health, prevent premature birth and limit other complications during pregnancy and delivery.

Wondering whether lemongrass essential oil in pregnancy is safe or not?

People often use lemongrass essential oil for massage or in aromatherapy or repelling insects. And pregnant mothers can also use lemongrass essential oil.

Note that the molecules in essential oils are quite small so they can cross the placenta and penetrate into the fetal circulation system. Plus, essential oils are usually quite concentrated, so if you don't want any irritation, dilute them before using them.

Lemongrass can sometimes become a harmful agent if we do not use it properly or abuse it. To get the good effects of lemongrass, you can consult your doctor about how to use and dosage before using it!