Lemongrass, commonly known as fever grass, is a perennial plant native to many Asian nations with thin, long leaves. Lemongrass has a lemon-like aroma, but it has a gentler and sweeter flavor. Due to its powerful flavor, this plant is utilized as a flavoring agent in a variety of Asian cuisines. Vitamins A and C, folate, folic acid, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and manganese are all found in lemongrass. It also contains trace amounts of B vitamins. Lemongrass is effective in alternative or complementary therapies for a variety of diseases, in addition to its culinary purposes.
Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antipyretic, antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, astringent, carminative, diuretic, febrifuge, galactagogue, insecticidal, sedative, and anti-cancer effects are among its many therapeutic properties. Lemongrass leaves, stems, and bulbs are utilized in a variety of treatments. Lemongrass is widely available in the market, both fresh and dried. Lemongrass essential oil and pills are also available. Lemongrass tea is frequently used in home treatments for a variety of ailments. Steep one teaspoon of fresh or dried lemongrass in a cup of boiling water for around 10 minutes to make the tea. Strain the tea and add any desired sweetener before serving. Teabags that are ready to use can also be purchased.
LEMONGRASS HEALTH BENEFITS
The following are some of the lemongrass’ most important health advantages.
1. Aids in Digestion
Lemongrass is good for digestion. It contains antiseptic properties that kill unwanted bacteria and parasites in the digestive tract while repopulating the colon with beneficial bacteria.
This, in turn, aids in the treatment of indigestion, constipation, heartburn, diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, stomach spasms, vomiting, and cramps, among other digestive health issues. Lemongrass also possesses antibacterial properties that aid in the treatment of gastroenteritis. Lemongrass tea should be consumed daily for a healthy digestive system. Lemongrass tea, on the other hand, is not suggested for youngsters under the age of eight.
2. Cholesterol levels are kept under control.
Lemongrass’ anti-cholesterol and anti-atherosclerosis properties aid to minimize cholesterol absorption from the intestine. It also aids in the oxidation of LDL cholesterol in the blood, which helps to reduce the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. In a 1989 study at the University of Wisconsin, persons with high cholesterol who took 140-milligram capsules of lemongrass oil daily saw their cholesterol levels drop. They also saw a considerable reduction in blood fats. Lemongrass’ high potassium concentration also helps to reduce and manage blood pressure. To help lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, simply drink a cup of lemongrass tea every day. After consulting your doctor, you can also take this herb as a supplement.
3. Fight Cancer
Lemongrass tea has been demonstrated to help fight cancer in studies conducted at Israel’s Ben Gurion University. Citral, a component present in lemongrass, induces apoptosis in cancer cells while causing no harm to healthy cells. To put it another way, it drives cancer cells to commit suicide. Cancer patients in Israel are recommended to drink fresh lemongrass tea while receiving radiation or chemotherapy treatments to aid the healing process. Citral in lemongrass, according to a 2009 study published in the journal Fundamentals of Clinical Pharmacology, suppresses the growth of breast cancer cells in the lab. Lemongrass also contains various antioxidant qualities that help to reduce cancer risk by combating free radicals.
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4. Recovers from colds and flu
Lemongrass has antibacterial and antifungal qualities that aid in the treatment of coughs, fevers, and other cold and flu symptoms. It’s also high in vitamin C, which helps your immune system battle infection. Lemongrass oil can be used to treat muscle and joint pain, as well as headaches caused by a cold or flu. Lemongrass can also help to break down mucous and phlegm accumulation, which can help with breathing problems. This is especially helpful if you have bronchitis or asthma. Lemongrass can be used to make the following medicinal beverage. 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, a few fresh strands of lemongrass, two or three cloves, a small piece of the cinnamon stick should be boiled in one cup of milk. Strain and drink it when it cools down. Should be taken once a day for a few days.
5. Detoxifies and cleanses
Lemongrass tea helps to cleanse and detoxify the body when consumed regularly. Lemongrass’ diuretic properties aid in the removal of toxins, uric acid, and bad cholesterol from the body by increasing urine frequency and amount. Urination also aids in kidney cleansing. Furthermore, the cleansing characteristics of this herbal tea assist in the purification of the liver, kidneys, bladder, and pancreas. It also helps to improve blood circulation, which is beneficial to general health. To aid in the removal of toxic components from your body, drink lemongrass tea daily.
6. It eases the pain of arthritis.
Lemongrass is used to treat arthritis, rheumatism, osteoarthritis, gout, and other types of joint pain due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Its anti-inflammatory characteristics aid in the suppression of cyclooxygenase-2, an enzyme implicated in inflammation that causes pain, particularly in joints. Lemongrass also aids in the relief of muscle spasms and sprains by relaxing the muscles, which lessens pain-related feelings. You can make a 1:2 mixture of lemongrass oil and coconut oil and apply it to the affected region. Before rinsing it off, leave it on for a few hours. Do this for a few weeks daily. To get the best benefits, drink lemongrass tea twice a day.
7. It Advantages New mothers.
Lemongrass has a lot of benefits for new mothers who are breastfeeding their children. It has galactagogue qualities, which aid in the production of breast milk. Its antimicrobial and antibacterial capabilities also assist in keeping the babies healthy and free of illnesses. Lemongrass tea can be consumed by lactating women in the amounts of one to two cups per day. Lemongrass should not be consumed while pregnant.
8. It helps to get rid of body odor.
Lemongrass oil, when diluted, can be used as a deodorant. Lemongrass oil, according to beauty experts, is more effective than many synthetic deodorants on the market. Citral is the major chemical component of lemongrass, and it is fragrant. It also has antimicrobial and antibacterial characteristics, which aid in the control of excessive sweating and the destruction or inhibition of microorganisms that generate body odor. In addition, lemongrass does not irritate the skin or aggravate allergies.
9. Helps to alleviate depression
Lemongrass’ antidepressant qualities aid in the treatment of depression. The herb also stimulates the production of serotonin, a brain chemical that fights depression. Lemongrass calms nerves, enhances self-esteem, lifts spirits, instills confidence, and strengthens the mind. Citronella, which is found in lemongrass, is well-known for its relaxing effects on the mind and body. It also aids in better sleep. When you’re unhappy or in a bad mood, drink a cup of lemongrass tea. The tea will assist you in remaining calm and collected.
10. Maintains the health of the skin
Lemongrass is good for your skin as well. It can help with a variety of skin problems, including wide pores and fungal infections. Lemongrass’ antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal characteristics aid to keep bacteria and microbial growth on the skin at bay. This, in turn, aids in the prevention of infections as well as the reduction of problems caused by bacterial or fungal diseases. It also works as an astringent, minimizing pores, limiting oil discharges, and firming the skin. Before using, dilute lemongrass oil with water or another base, such as olive oil. Heat one cup of olive oil with one-half cup of freshly sliced lemongrass for five minutes. Remove from the fire and set aside to cool before using it on the skin.
To summarize, drink one to two cups of lemongrass tea every day to reap the health advantages of lemongrass. *If you are pregnant or taking any drugs, you should avoid them.*