Evidence supporting the use of: Lemongrass
For the health condition: Bladder Infection

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Synopsis

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

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) has a longstanding history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Southeast Asia, for a variety of ailments including urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bladder-related issues. Traditional healers have often recommended lemongrass as a diuretic and as an antimicrobial herb, believing it helps "cleanse" the urinary tract and reduce infection. Preparations such as teas and decoctions are commonly used in folk medicine for their perceived ability to flush out bacteria and soothe inflammation. Scientifically, lemongrass contains essential oils with demonstrated antimicrobial properties in vitro, particularly citral and limonene, which can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria. However, most of these studies have been laboratory-based and do not directly assess the efficacy of lemongrass in treating bladder infections in humans. There is limited clinical evidence to substantiate these traditional claims, and no major clinical trials have confirmed its effectiveness for bladder infections specifically. In summary, lemongrass's use for bladder infections is primarily justified by traditional use, with some supportive laboratory evidence of antimicrobial activity. However, the lack of robust human clinical trials means that its effectiveness for this condition remains unproven in the scientific literature. Its use should be considered complementary and not a substitute for evidence-based medical treatment.

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