Is lemongrass safe during pregnancy?
Lemongrass during pregnancy
Pregnancy brings joy and excitement for women as they experience a life growing within them. Numerous physiological and biochemical changes occur in women’s bodies as it adapts to support the growing fetus. The sole responsibility of nourishing the fetus depends upon the mother. The diet consumed by the mother and the nutrients absorbed into the mother’s body is provided to the growing fetus. Therefore, women must consume a healthy and nutritious diet for the excellent development of the fetus. During pregnancy, women even gain weight to support the growing fetus.
Women who wish to become pregnant must make sure that their bodies are robust enough to deal with the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy. Research is being carried out on many foods to determine whether they are safe and nutritious for women during pregnancy. There is constant research on such foods, which are termed as ‘functional foods’ that are highly nutritious for both the mother and the baby during pregnancy. A healthy functional diet helps provide all the necessary nutrients like carbohydrates, healthy fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals to both the mother and baby during pregnancy for better development.
Lemongrass pros & cons
Lemongrass, also known as citronella, is a plant with a fresh lemony aroma and citrus flavor. It is a common ingredient found in Thai cooking. It acts as an excellent insect repellent. Lemongrass essential oil is used in aromatherapy to freshen the air, reduce stress and anxiety, and soothe the mood. Research suggests that lemongrass has numerous health benefits. It has antibacterial properties, antifungal properties, anti-inflammatory properties, and antioxidants properties. As a result, it is used topically in many skin infections and used as an insect repellent. Lemongrass also helps to prevent gastric ulcers and diarrhea.
Lemongrass is considered safe if used in small amounts. If it is used in excess, it may cause the following adverse effects:
– Dizziness
– Dry mouth
– Increased appetite
– Increased urination
– Fatigue
Lemongrass essential oil also should not be applied directly to the skin. It may cause skin infections. Some people may also develop allergic reactions to lemongrass essential oil that are:
– Rash
– Itching & Redness
– Difficulty in breathing
– Irregular heartbeat
Though there are many evident health benefits of lemongrass, studies have found that it is not safe to use lemongrass during pregnancy. [1,2,3]
Avoid lemongrass during pregnancy
Is it safe to use lemongrass during pregnancy?
Scientists suggest that lemongrass, in herbal or oil form, should not be consumed during pregnancy as it contains compounds like citral and myrcene that can have adverse effects on pregnancy. Lemongrass should not be confused with lemon, and lemon is considered safe for pregnant women. Myrcene, when consumed in high amounts during pregnancy, harms the fetus’s skeletal development and can even result in miscarriage. High doses of lemongrass may even stimulate menstrual flow by rupturing the fetal membrane, which may, in turn, lead to miscarriage. It is also found that lemongrass can hinder the cell multiplication, resulting in the fetus’s weak growth. Studies show that lemongrass changes the level of blood sugar in the body. Mothers who suffer Type-2 diabetes or gestational diabetes should strictly avoid consumption of lemongrass during pregnancy. Lemongrass is even not advised to consume after giving birth to the child as the compounds citral and myrcene can be transmitted to the baby through breast milk and may trigger reactions in the baby.
See: Anxiety & stress in pregnancy natural remedies
However, lemongrass, if consumed in minute quantities during pregnancy, is considered. Although it is always better to consult with a doctor before consuming such foods. According to a study (Nogueira et al., 1995), the lemongrass was evaluated on pregnant rats. Different cesarean sections of the pregnant rats were investigated, which showed a transient decrease in weight gain of the fetuses during the gestational period. Signs of fetal growth and a higher incidence of minor skeletal abnormalities were even reported. Many studies have also investigated the effects of lemongrass on pregnant women, where the results suggest avoiding the use of lemongrass during pregnancy. Some of the critical side effects of lemongrass’s excess consumption during pregnancy can be found below: [4,5,6]
1. Allergies
Consumption of excess lemongrass during pregnancy may trigger allergic reactions like skin rashes, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, and swelling.
2. Stimulates menstrual flow
Consumption of lemongrass is found to be a potent initiator of menstrual flow in pregnant women who may rupture the fetal membrane and lead to miscarriage.
3. Harmful effects on the fetus
Lemongrass consumption is found to cause harmful effects on the growth of the fetus. The overall skeletal muscle development of the fetus is affected significantly.
4. A sharp drop in blood sugar levels
Consumption of lemongrass during pregnancy may reduce blood sugar levels abruptly and pose a danger for both the mother and the baby.
Although experts suggest that there are few ways through which lemongrass oil can be used during pregnancy.
A refreshing foot bath can be created by adding a few drops of lemongrass oil to a tub of lukewarm water along with some Epsom salt. It significantly helps in relieving from feet pain
Aromatic massage oil can be created by mixing a few drops of lemongrass oil along with almond, fennel, rose, or lavender oil. This mixture can be applied to affected areas of joint pain, headache, etc.
Lemongrass oil can be diluted with other oils and can be sprayed around the home as it serves as an excellent insect repellent and helps uplift the mood of pregnant women [7,8,9]
See: Diet Therapy For Healing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCOS
Summary
Research suggests there are numerous health benefits of lemongrass. However, its benefits for pregnant women are mostly masked by its potentially harmful effects on the mother and the baby. Lemongrass can be used in highly diluted quantities during pregnancy. But many doctors suggest that its use should be avoided. Hence, it is always best to consult with your doctor before consumption of any such foods during pregnancy to understand its effects on both the mother and the baby.
