Plant properties
The properties that lemongrass has are directly related to the substances that make up the fruits and leaves of the plant. The components are:
- various microelements;
- essential oils;
- flavonoids;
- phytoncides;
- various resins;
- mineral resins;
- lignans;
- an extensive complex of vitamins.
Thanks to its unique composition, lemongrass is popular not only in cooking, but also in medicine, in particular for increasing blood pressure.
Thanks to this composition, lemongrass has various positive effects on the human body. Firstly, it is a powerful adaptogen, since regular use allows you to get rid of the effects of chronic stress, as well as normalize the functioning of body systems when the climate or seasons change.
Other less pronounced effects from the administration of lemongrass include the following:
- getting rid of the feeling of overwork;
- strengthening the immune system;
- preventing the development of depression in the autumn and spring periods of the year;
- prevention of hypovitaminosis;
- normalization of blood pressure;
- restoration of normal sugar levels in type 2 diabetics.
Chemical composition of lemongrass
Schisandra chinensis is a fairly large, climbing vine from the Magnoliaceae family. The stem can reach 15 m in length. In northern latitudes, the plant takes the form of a bush. Schisandra foliage is light green, petiolate. It is located on the plant in bunches. When rubbed between fingers, it emits a distinct lemon aroma. The flowers are cream or white with a pleasant scent. The berries have 2 seeds inside that smell like lemon. Painted bright red. On branches they form in clusters like grapes. They have a sour taste.
Schisandra berry has many beneficial properties. It contains a large amount of ascorbic acid: 580 mg per 100 g of product.
The fruits also contain:
- pectins;
- flavonoids;
- saponins;
- selenium;
- iodine;
- alpha tocopherol;
- tannins;
- anthraquinones;
- calcium;
- magnesium;
- iron;
- zinc;
- cobalt;
- aluminum;
- copper;
- manganese.
The most valuable are acids (citric, tartaric, malic) and essential oils. The composition of oil seeds includes about 33% oil, consisting of unsaturated fatty acids - oleic and linoleic.
Did you know? In oriental medicine, lemongrass ranks second after ginseng for its healing qualities.
Does lemongrass increase or decrease blood pressure?
If you pay attention to the composition and properties of lemongrass, you can understand that tinctures based on it have a significant stimulating effect on the state of the cardiovascular system. An increase in the tone of the vascular wall and an increase in heart rate leads to an increase in blood pressure.
In view of this, the drug is strictly contraindicated for hypertensive patients and should be used only for acute or chronic hypotension to increase blood pressure. In addition, Schisandra has a preventive effect against atherosclerotic processes on the inner wall of blood vessels.
Chinese lemongrass has a gentle effect on the body, increasing blood pressure and improving the functioning of the circulatory and nervous systems
Contraindications
Lemongrass medicines are not suitable for all people with hypotension, as they have a number of contraindications. They will have to get to know them in advance in order to understand who cannot be treated with drugs from such a plant.
Decoction tinctures are contraindicated in patients with intolerance to microelements in the composition. Children and people suffering from insomnia, depression and other nervous disorders will also abstain from folk remedies. People who have contraindications to consuming lemongrass should treat low blood pressure with other medications.
Possible harm
In addition to the positive effects of taking lemongrass tincture or berries, there is a possibility of developing harmful effects. Due to the existence of this possibility, lemongrass should not be taken by pregnant or lactating women, as well as small children. This plant is strictly contraindicated for hypertensive patients, since the stimulating effect can lead to a significant increase in intravascular pressure.
As a result, life-threatening conditions may develop, such as a hypertensive crisis complicated by acute left ventricular failure, stroke or even a heart attack. Harm from taking lemongrass can be observed in the presence of an allergic reaction to this plant, and therefore it should be taken under the supervision of a specialist.
How to take: tincture?
Many sources recommend taking Schisandra tincture to achieve the therapeutic effects described above. You can buy it at any pharmacy or make it yourself at home, because only in this case can you be sure that it is completely natural, harmless and free of preservatives.
The recipe for its preparation requires preparing ten grams of lemongrass, which should first be washed and dried well. After this, the berries must be crushed using a coffee grinder or blender and poured with a glass of boiling water. Literally after half an hour of infusion, the product will be ready for use.
An elementary way to prepare the plant is to dry the leaves and berries of lemongrass or grind it with sugar, and also take tea from fresh fruits or twigs
It should be taken two or three times over one standard tablespoon. The duration of the course of treatment should last about fourteen to fifteen days. The results from taking the tincture will become noticeable in just a couple of days. Pharmacy kiosks usually sell tinctures of lemongrass fruits. It is recommended to take it by first dissolving fifteen to twenty drops in half a glass of water. Frequency of administration: twice a day before meals.
Beneficial properties on the body
Schisandra leaves are rich in beneficial microelements, including magnesium, calcium, iodine, and zinc. They also contain schisandrin and schisandrol, which support liver function and calm the nervous system.
Schisandra berries contain minerals, organic acids, fiber and starch. Therefore, they are often used to support immunity. Used to stimulate the nervous system and cardiovascular activity. Increases physical and mental performance.
The fruits have a beneficial effect on blood circulation, improve overall well-being and support the functioning of the entire body.
In folk medicine, the fruits of this plant are also used as an aid for low blood pressure. Moreover, it is the berries that have a pronounced healing effect. The leaves have a mild effect, so they are used less often for treatment.
It is recommended to drink teas and tinctures for colds and other respiratory diseases (pneumonia, laryngitis, asthma, etc.). There are also recipes for improving vision. Eating berries gives good results for myopia and relieves eye strain.
Taking the plant for depression, fatigue and irritability gives very good results.
Healthy berries
Schisandra fruits have unique properties that are not very similar to other plants. Taking them helps restore the body's strength and increase low blood pressure. Many different tinctures, decoctions and even jam are made from the berries.
It is also possible to take them fresh, but maintaining their freshness is quite difficult even if you have a good refrigeration chamber.
The berries have the highest concentration of essential medicinal substances; they can be preserved by first freezing them in the freezer or preparing a tincture. Another good way is to make jam based on lemongrass fruits. For this you will need sugar and a glass bowl. In order to prevent the destruction of beneficial substances, you need to rinse fresh berries, then grind them until a homogeneous mass is formed using a blender.
Next, sprinkle the berries with sugar and pour the mixture into steamed jars, close the lid and place in the refrigerator. Thanks to this method, fresh lemongrass fruits will be available to you throughout the year, and sugar will prevent the jam from souring. The taste of this mixture is slightly reminiscent of lemon and has a characteristic tart aftertaste.
The berry is the most used part of the plant, used in the treatment of low blood pressure.
Recipes for hypotension
To increase blood pressure, you can use various lemongrass-based products.
Decoction and infusion
The decoction is prepared according to the following recipe:
- Chop 1 tablespoon of berries and pour boiling water (200 ml).
- Place in a water bath and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Allow the drink to cool naturally and filter.
Take ½ tablespoon before meals. The duration of the course is a full calendar month. During this time, a person’s blood pressure levels normalize, and blood vessels and capillaries are strengthened.
The infusion affects blood pressure in the same way as the decoction. It is prepared as follows:
- Place 1 tablespoon of chopped lemongrass berries in a thermos. Pour boiling water (250 ml).
- Leave it on all night.
Drink in 1 tsp. in the morning immediately after waking up and after 12 noon, but not in the evening. The recommendation for use is due to the tonic effect of the product.
Alcohol tincture
The finished pharmacy tincture should be taken according to the recommendations of the attending physician. If there are none, then follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. As a rule, the norm for a single dose is no more than 30 drops. You need to drink the composition before meals three times a day. The duration of the course is 25 days. Then you need to take a break.
You can prepare the tincture yourself. Pour the crushed fruits of the plant (1 part) with 96 percent alcohol (5 parts) and place in a dark glass container under a tight lid. Mix and store in a cool, dark place for two weeks. Filter the composition from the sediment. Take 25 drops two to three times a day. The duration of the course is a full calendar month.
Another recipe for alcohol tincture. Finely chop the stems, leaves and roots of lemongrass and pour in 96 percent alcohol (component ratio 2:6). Keep the resulting composition under a tight lid for 10 days. Then filter the tincture and store it in the refrigerator. Take the composition 30 drops twice - in the morning immediately after sleep and in the afternoon.
Tea
Teas made with lemongrass berries perfectly improve your tone and can be considered as an alternative to coffee and other invigorating drinks. It is recommended to drink it during colds and viral diseases to increase immune defense, as well as to relieve fatigue.
Important! Hypotonic patients should drink the drink in small portions throughout the day.
The drink is prepared as follows:
- Place 1 tablespoon of chopped lemongrass berries in a saucepan and add warm water (200 ml).
- Place on the fire and simmer at a low simmer for 10 minutes and leave to steep for 2–4 hours.
Drink as required, adding a little honey to the drink. Tea can also be prepared from the leaves of the plant. It has a pleasant aroma, is a good tonic and quickly increases blood pressure. Pour boiling water over 1 tablespoon of crushed raw materials and leave for 15 minutes. Drink by adding a little honey to the drink.
You can make wonderful tea and jam from lemongrass
Berry juice
How do lingonberries affect blood pressure?
You can make juice from lemongrass berries. To do this, the fruits must be washed under running water. Then pass through a meat grinder and squeeze the mass through several layers of gauze. The resulting lemongrass juice must be boiled at low boil for about 10 minutes.
Pour the composition into a prepared (sterilized) jar and store in a place protected from sunlight. Recommended dosage regimen: two to three times a day, adding 1 tsp. drink into any liquid. The juice has a pleasant, tart taste.
Oil and tablets
The product is sold in pharmacies ready-made in capsule form. You need to take the oil three times a day after meals, one capsule. Schisandra tablets should be taken twice a day, 1-2 pieces with meals.
Stones (seeds)
The seeds contained in Schisandra fruits also help increase blood pressure. From them you can prepare a powder or make an alcohol tincture. To prepare the powder, you need to pour boiling water over the berries. This will simplify the process of separating the pulp from the seeds. Dry the peeled seeds in the oven. Then grind the product in a coffee grinder to a powder.
Take the drug according to one of the following regimens:
- twice a day, ½ tsp. before meals, drink the required amount of clean water;
- three times a day, 1 gram 10 minutes before meals.
And you can also prepare an alcohol tincture on the seeds. Recipe:
- Mix berries (20 grams), seeds (10 grams) and 96 percent alcohol (100 ml).
- Place the container in a dark place for 10 days. Then strain through two layers of gauze.
Take the tincture before meals three times a day, 25–30 drops.
Other recipes
You can make honey balls. To do this, you will need to first grind and mix dry berries (50 grams), granulated sugar (30 grams) and honey (3 tsp). Form small balls from the resulting mixture - at least 100 pieces. Place them in the freezer to harden. Eat 6 pieces daily.
Schisandra fruits can be used to make jam. It will taste bitter-tart, but very aromatic and healthy. A few spoons of dessert with a cup of tea will normalize the immune system and stabilize blood pressure levels. When starting treatment with Schisandra-based products for reasons other than as a blood pressure stabilizer, you need to remember that the plant does not reduce, but increases blood pressure.
Chinese lemongrass leaves
An extract useful for the body can be obtained not only from Schisandra fruits. A certain amount of medicinal substances is contained in the leaves and stems of the young plant. It is great for making healthy tea or infusion. To do this, take a certain amount of fresh leaves and even stems, after which they are finely chopped or dried.
Finely chopped raw materials should be poured with a small amount of seventy percent alcohol and left for two to three weeks. Homemade moonshine is often used for this purpose. The resulting infusion is taken one teaspoon two to three times a day. In addition to infusion, you can make tea from pre-dried leaves and stems. It is advisable to take this tea half an hour before the main meal a couple of times a day.
Collection and procurement of raw materials
To get the maximum benefit from the medicine, lemongrass should be collected and prepared correctly. They begin this manipulation at the end of August - beginning of September. To preserve the integrity of the fruit, it is better to cut off the clusters of berries with scissors. Right in this state, the fruits are hung in a well-ventilated, warm room, into which direct sunlight does not penetrate. After a week, all products should be laid out on a baking sheet and dried in the oven at a temperature of +50°C and the door ajar for 6 hours.
The berries that have reached good condition must be freed from the stalks. Then place in a dry glass container. Store in a dry, dark cabinet. Berries can also be frozen. To do this, they are immediately separated from the stalks, and then laid out in small portions (about 100–200 g) in plastic bags. The berries can also be used raw to prepare various medicines.
Bones or seeds
From some sources you can often get the erroneous opinion that Schisandra seeds or seeds, unlike the berries themselves, can lower blood pressure. Having carefully studied the question, you can understand that this is not true, since it is from Schisandra seeds that a large number of stimulant drugs are produced.
You can find crushed lemongrass fruits on sale today. In order to prepare your own medicine from it, you should pour a couple of teaspoons of this mixture with boiling water or seventy percent alcohol. After the mixture has infused, you can take a couple of spoons of it every day before meals for symptoms of chronic systemic hypotension.
To stimulate the nervous and cardiovascular systems, as well as normalize blood pressure, prepare an infusion of lemongrass leaves and young stems
Effect on human pressure
For decades now, there has been debate about whether medicinal lemongrass increases or decreases blood pressure. Recent data from pharmacists indicates that the plant actually increases blood pressure in people.
The fruits of the plant have shown their effectiveness against hypotension. Schisandra has a beneficial effect on blood vessels! It cleanses them, narrows the walls and strengthens them. As a result of this impact, they become elastic and strong.
Tinctures from berries and seeds are contraindicated in cases of severe hypertension!
When taken, negative consequences can occur, including the onset of a hypertensive crisis.
Remedies with lemongrass for hypotension give a positive result within 30-40 minutes after administration. But in addition to herbal medicine, you need to take medications prescribed by your doctor, in this case the treatment will be more effective.
In general, the climbing plant perfectly improves the tone of the body and acts like coffee! But the plus is that it does not cause side effects.
Adverse reactions during use
With uncontrolled use of products based on Schisandra fruits or leaves, there is some likelihood of developing unwanted side effects. To avoid such phenomena, you should first consult a specialist. Side effects may occur in case of overdose, allergy to Schisandra and chronic hypertension.
The list of possible complications from taking the tincture includes the following conditions:
- a sharp increase in blood pressure to a high level;
- increase in heart rate;
- headache;
- nervous conditions;
- tremor.
Who is treated with fruits and leaves?
Before using any traditional medicine, be sure to read their indications. This helps to understand in what cases it is better to use them.
Tinctures and decoctions prepared from lemongrass are used to treat the following diseases:
- drowsiness with apathy;
- memory impairment;
- low blood pressure;
- hearing problems;
- infectious diseases;
- sexual dysfunction.
