MALOJILLO: BENEFITS, NUTRITIONAL FACTS, CONTRAINDICATIONS - NUTRITION - 2025

The health benefits of malojillo are multiple: fight fungi and bacteria, treat allergies, protect from stress, relieve headaches, lower blood pressure, repel mosquitoes and others that I will explain below.

Its scientific name is Cymbopogon citratus and it is commonly known as lemongrass or oil grass. It has a refreshing lemon-lime flavor, with a hint of mint and ginger.

Native to warm, tropical regions like India, Southeast Asia, and Oceania, this herb belongs to the Poaceae family. It grows about two meters tall and there are about 55 types.

Malojillo is easy to grow as all that is needed is fertile, well-drained, sandy and loamy soil, direct sunlight, good soil, and plenty of water.

The malojillo contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin B2, folic acid, manganese, iron, potassium, copper, and zinc, as well as thiamine, calcium and phosphorus.

It is normally used as an ingredient in curries and soups. It can also be added to seafood, meat, and poultry. One of the most common forms of consumption in Asia is in the form of tea, due to its fresh smell and taste and its invigorating properties.

Health benefits of malojillo

1- Copes with fungi and bacteria

Superficial mycoses of the skin are among the most common dermatological infections and their treatment is limited, which is why it has been necessary to search for new drugs.

For this reason, an investigation published in the Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases was carried out, in which it was concluded that this herb potentially reduces the formation of fungi and bacteria, which is why its incorporation in antifungal medications is suggested.

2- It acts as a gastric protector

A study was carried out in order to determine the mechanisms of gastroprotection of the malojillo, especially in stomach pain and gastric ulcers. The evaluation was carried out with the use of two types of alcohol and aspirin, and the treatment was based on extracts of this herb.

As a result, it was obtained that the malojillo has highly beneficial properties against this type of ailments and pathologies. However, it was found to be dose dependent and dependent on different experimental models. It had a greater inhibitory effect in aspirin than in ethanol, but in the same way it can be generalized that its effect is quite evident.

3- Reduces the amount of bacteria

A study carried out at the Manchester Metropolitan University, aimed to determine if the extract of malojillo and geranium were capable of reducing bacterial activity.

The effects were variable, depending on the type of technique, however, there was always a reduction and inhibition of bacteria, which suggests that the use of this type of herbs is highly beneficial in disinfection methods.

4- Mosquito repellent

An investigation carried out to test the properties of different types of herbs against mosquitoes, through the use of different extracts and in two different types of insects, malojillo and other herbs were diluted in various types of oils and applied to the forearm to The volunteers.

At the conclusion of the study, those repellants of natural origin were noticeably more effective than those of chemical origin, and these can be used freely since they are safe for humans and respectful of the environment.

5- Fight cancer

In India, an investigation was carried out to determine the anticancer activity of malojillo. It could be concluded that malojillo has a promising anticancer activity and causes the inhibition of tumor cells.

In this list you have other foods to prevent cancer.

6- Reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood

A study carried out in Brazil that sought to test the benefits of malojillo in reducing the level of cholesterol in the blood, divided the sample into two groups, one with a placebo effect and the other was given the extract of the herb, repeating the doses of both for twenty-one days.

After this time, when evaluating cholesterol levels, a significant decrease was observed, which shows that it is an effective remedy for this purpose.

Here you can find other good foods to lower cholesterol.

7- Helps regulate heart rate

At a university in Brazil, research was carried out to determine the effect of some herbs on the heart's pumping force and heart rate.

First, tests were performed to determine blood values ​​and then natural doses were applied to measure their effectiveness.

The research found that there was a significant decrease in heart rate, serving to relax and calm the body.

8- Effective anti-inflammatory

Researchers from different parts of the world conducted a study to explain the anti-inflammatory properties of malojillo.

The result suggested that the use of malojillo is a less toxic alternative to current anti-inflammatory drugs.

9- Stimulates the central nervous system

A study carried out in Brazil, sought to discover the properties of malojillo in the reactions of the central nervous system, through the reaction to different stimuli.

During the process, the inhibition of uncontrolled movement responses was evidenced, which suggests that the use of this herb acts favorably both at the peripheral and central levels.

10- Help you sleep better

The Institute of Biosciences in Brazil carried out an investigation to measure the anxiolytic properties of malojillo tea. This natural remedy was administered and the reaction was evaluated in different scenarios: constant movement, rest, reaction time.

It could be concluded that the use of the herb increased rest time, response speed, sedation, and inhibition of motor activity in contrast.

11- Treatment for allergies

The prevalence of allergic diseases such as asthma, has increased significantly around the world, making it a health problem and many seek to take medications that produce less toxicity.

This is why, in a study, the antiallergic properties of malojillo were tested using an allergy model that underwent treatment with this herb.

Upon conclusion, it was determined that the use of this element as a natural remedy, inhibits and decreases the production of mucus in the respiratory tract, which suggests that it can be administered as a medication for this pathology.

12- Prevents stress

In naturopathic medicine, the malojillo is spoken of as a relaxant. In aromatherapy, its mild scent is known to relieve anxiety, irritability, and insomnia.

To relieve stress, create your own massage oil with mallet or add it to your body lotion.

13- Fight dental diseases

The formation of dental infections and diseases due to bacteria is very common, and in many cases the medications used create a number of side effects.

This is why a study was carried out that showed how the use of 2% malojillo extract is effective and safe for these types of conditions.

14- Relieves headache

A 2011 investigation sought to identify the compounds in malojillo that had analgesic properties in order to reduce headaches. After some pertinent tests that allowed to evaluate its effectiveness, they managed to prove these therapeutic properties.

15- It works as an antihypertensive

In a study, the effect of the extract of three herbs (including malojillo) on hypertension caused by alcohol and sugar was determined.

They were divided into six groups and were treated for five weeks, exposing themselves to different amounts of the natural treatment. The results suggest that both malojillo and the other herbs in the study have antihypertensive properties.

Contraindications

Malloy is usually a fairly safe herb, but it could react on sensitive skin with discomfort and even a rash, so it should always be tested on a small area of ​​the body, before applying fully. If it is going to be applied to the hair leather, it is preferable to dilute it in a few drops of water, to avoid reactions.

Some people have experienced toxic side effects after inhaling malojillo, however this depends on the sensitivity of the person.

Because this herb stimulates menstrual flow, it should not be used by women who are pregnant, as there is a slight chance that this could lead to a miscarriage.

Nutritional information

A serving of (100 grams) of malojillo contains:

• 66.3 kilocalories of energy (3 percent DV)
• 17 grams of carbohydrates (6 percent DV)
• 0.3 grams of total fat (1 percent DV)
• 20.8 milligrams of omega-3
• 92.4 milligrams of omega 6
• 1.2 grams of protein (2 percent DV)
• 4 IU vitamin A (0 percent DV)
• 1.7 milligrams of vitamin C (3 percent DV)
• 0.1 milligram riboflavin (5 percent DV)
• 0.7 milligrams niacin (4 percent DV)
• 0.1 milligram vitamin B-6 (3 percent DV)
• 43.6 milligrams calcium (4 percent DV)
• 5.5 milligrams iron (30 percent DV)
• 40.2 milligrams magnesium (10 percent DV)
• 67.7 milligrams phosphorus (7 percent DV)
• 484 milligrams potassium (14 percent DV)
• 4 milligrams sodium (0 percent DV)
• 1.5 milligrams zinc (10 percent DV)
• 0.2 milligram copper (9 percent DV)
• 3.5 milligrams manganese (175 percent DV)
• 0.5 micrograms selenium (1 percent DV)

Fun facts

1. The leaves change color from green to red during the fall.
2. When meat was first introduced to Thai cuisine, this herb was used to mask its smell.
3. Indigenous Australians used malojillo leaves to make a drink and also applied it to irritated eyes, as a wash for cuts and skin conditions.
4. It is used for the manufacture of tea bags in Jamaica.
5. It is known as "Sweet Rush" in the Caribbean, where it is mainly used in the treatment of fever and the common cold.
6. They are designed for pollination by the wind.
7. Lemongrass is often used in the cosmetic industry to make perfumes, soaps, and deodorants.

Recipe

Cream to spread with malojillo

It is a simple and quick recipe to prepare. Ideal to improvise and innovate with some snacks.

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 6 onions finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 stem of malojillo, crushed or cut into small pieces
• ¼ cup of water

Preparation

• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then add the onion, ginger, garlic, malojillo and water.
• Cover with a lid and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until they feel soft.
• Remove the lid and cook until the liquid is consumed, about 1 more minute.
• Put it in the food processor in parts, until it becomes a compact dough.
• Refrigerate and then serve with whatever you prefer.