Known for its distinctive tangy flavor makes in many Thai dishes, lemongrass, otherwise known as Cymbopogon citratus, is a type of fever grass chock full of vitamins and minerals—including calcium, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, vitamins A, vitamin C, magnesium, folate, and folic acid—not to mention plenty of antifungal and antibacterial benefits, which many believe make this herb a natural fighter of cancer-causing free radicals.

Here are six impressive antioxidant powers associated with lemongrass:

1. Infection fighter
It’s the antifungal and antibacterial properties within lemongrass that count it among nature’s most powerful infection fighters. For instance, lemongrass oil is often used is often used to ward off parasites and infections of the stomach, digestive system, lungs, and respiratory tract. While lemongrass oil is often applied topically in order to heal fungal infections of the skin (i.e., ringworm). It’s no surprise that many beauty products and facial tonics contain this powerful herb for it’s skin-boosting properties and antiseptic benefits, which decrease excess skin oils, diminish pores, and banish fine lines and premature wrinkles.

2. Protects against cancer
Lemongrass is already considered a powerful antioxidant, and we know antioxidants help protect the body against free radicals, which can contribute to cancer development. However, lemongrass is also rich in a chemical compound called citral, which gives the herb it’s potent lemony zest as well as causing breast cancer cells to self-destruct (apoptosis), according to a 2009 medical study published by the Fundamental and Clinical Pharmacology journal.

3. Controls blood glucose
Lemongrass tea is also considered a natural aid for managing blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. According to research published by the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, lemongrass was administered to lab rats daily for a period of 42 days. The findings showed significant improvements in fasting glucose levels as well as decreased triglyceride levels.

4. Maintains healthy digestion
Lemongrass is often featured in Thai and Vietnamese cooking for it’s zesty lemon tang, but also for it’s digestive and detoxifying benefits. In fact, lemongrass leaves and oil are often infused to treat digestive cramps, stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, as well as to kill germs and nasty gut parasites.

5. Calms anxiety
Lemongrass is considered a powerful mood enhancer and stress reliever. You can brew a calming cup of tea to soothe frayed nerves or use lemongrass oil in the bath to let the citrus aroma calm anxiety while boosting happy thoughts. Natural practitioners consider lemongrass
a natural antidepressant and serotonin booster that has a calming effect on the nervous system.

6. Relieves achy joints
Seeking a natural remedy for achy joints? Many natural practitioners suggest lemongrass oil for soothing chronic joint pain and inflammation. Simply mix a few drops of lemongrass oil with a carrier oil (i.e., almond oil) to apply directly to achy joints, gout, or to soothe chronic inflammation.