This is a herb which belongs to the grass family of Poaceae. It is popular for its distinct lemon flavor and citrusy fragrance. It is a tall, perennial grass which is native to tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and America. It is well known for its host of medicinal benefits, and it is in boundless demand as a result of its antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties. Lemongrass is profoundly enriched with antioxidants, flavonoids and phenolic compounds such as luteolin, glycosides, quercetin, kaempferol, elemicin, catechol, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid, all of which help in providing a range of medicinal benefits. What makes lemongrass so important?
Benefits of Lemongrass
It Lowers Cholesterol
Regular consumption of lemongrass sustains healthy levels of triglycerides and reduces the LDL cholesterol in the body. Lemongrass has got anti-hyperlipidemic and antihypercholesterolemic properties that support healthy cholesterol levels. This helps in preventing the accumulation of lipids in the blood vessels and ensures an unrestricted flow of blood in the arteries, preventing various cardiac disorders such as atherosclerosis.
Dealing with Stomach Disorders
Lemongrass essential oil has anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties which assist in attacking the infections caused by various pathogens such as Helicobacter pylori and Escherichia coli. It is beneficial in the prevention of gastrointestinal disorders such as gastric ulcers, helps in stimulating the bowel function, and improves digestion. The anti-inflammatory property of lemongrass is beneficial for treating constipation, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, nausea and stomach aches.
What about Relaxation?
Lemongrass aids in calming muscles and nerves, which helps in inducing deep sleep. Its tea has sedative and hypnotic properties which help in increasing the duration of sleep.
Treats Fever
Lemongrass is a febrifuge and is also known as the ‘fever grass’, as a result of its beneficial effects in lowering fever. The anti-pyretic and diaphoretic effects of lemongrass are widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for curing fevers.
Treats Infections
Lemongrass acts as an antiseptic and is effective in treating infections such as ringworm, sores, Athlete’s Foot, scabies, and urinary tract infections (UTI) because of its antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties.
It Detoxifies
Detoxification supports in the regulation of several organs of the body, including the liver and kidney, while also serving to lower the levels of uric acid. Lemongrass helps in cleansing and flushing harmful toxic wastes out of the body, as a result of its diuretic properties. The diuretic effect of lemongrass helps in increasing the quantity and frequency of urination, which helps in maintaining digestive health, reducing accrued fats, and assisting in maintaining a clean system.
Say No to Cancer
Lemongrass is active in treating various types of cancers without affecting the healthy cells of the body. A certain component, citral, which is present in lemongrass, helps in inhibiting the growth of hepatic cancer cells during the initial phase and prevents any further production of cancerous cells. Another study provides supporting evidence regarding the anti-proliferative effect of citral in impeding the growth of human breast cancer cells and the induction of apoptosis.
Lemongrass eases the pain and discomfort caused by headaches and migraines due to its analgesic properties. The phytonutrients present in it enhance blood circulation and help in relieving spasms, muscle cramps, sprains, and backaches. It is excellent in treating sports wounds, including dislocations, internal injuries, and bruises.
It`s Antidiabetic
Lemongrass is useful in treating type-2 diabetes. The citral present in it helps to maintain the best levels of insulin and raises the tolerance of glucose in the body.
Strengthens Immunity
Lemongrass ensures better absorption of nutrients and strengthening of the immune defense mechanism of the body. It`s got a beneficial effect on the inflammatory actions of cytokines, which are the signaling molecules through which the cells interact and respond to the body. This results in a stronger immune system.
Beautifies the Skin
It`s unarguably an effective cleanser for oily or acne-prone skin, due to its astringent and antiseptic qualities. It helps in strengthening the skin tissues and toning up the pores while also
Aromatherapy
The cooling effect of lemongrass oil is advantageous as it and promotes the revival and renewal of both the mind and soul. It has natural astringent and toning qualities which enhance blood circulation and tones up the dermal tissues.
Combats Obesity
Lemongrass contains citral, which is effective in combating obesity. It inhibits the buildup of abdominal fat and promotes the use of stored energy, which helps in preventing diet-induced weight gain. It supports healthy metabolism and intensifies the oxidation of fatty acids in the body.
What about Lemongrass Tea?
Yes, lemongrass tea has got some super health benefits too. Let`s discuss them.
- It`s got anti-bacterial, anti-fungal & anti-inflammatory benefits. This makes it effective at preventing the growth of certain bacteria and fungus.
- It prevents flu and reduces fever.
- It regulates cholesterol and blood pressure
- It drives your metabolism and that is essential for weight loss.
- It clears the mind by reducing stress.
- It effective for treating nervous disorders.
- It aids digestion and pacifies an upset stomach. It also helps to protect the stomach and promotes a healthy digestive system.
- It’s a natural diuretic, hence it detoxifies! Lemongrass tea helps clear the body of toxins. It’s also an organ cleanser, hence, drinking it daily gives your skin a healthier look and flushes out any bodily toxins.
How`s it Made?
What`s Needed?
- 2 lemongrass stalks
- A pinch of ground cinnamon
- Honey or sugar to sweeten (optional)
- Boiling water
- 1 tea bag
- Juice from ½ lime
Method
- Cut off the root of the lemongrass stalk and remove the dry outer leaves.
- Gently bruise the base of the stalk with a rolling pin.
- Tie the lemongrass in a knot.
- Put it in a cup with cinnamon and sweeteners.
- Pour in the boiling water.
- Add a tea bag and take it out immediately the water is golden brown.
- Add lime juice to taste and serve with a lemongrass stirrer.
What Else is Lemongrass Useful for?
Ever Heard of Lemongrass Chicken?
What’s Needed?
- 650g chicken thigh fillets
- 2 brown onions
- 1 stalk lemongrass
- 3 garlic cloves
- Fish sauce
- Brown sugar
- Vietnamese mint leaves
- Coriander leaves
- Low-salt soy sauce
- Lime juice
- Steamed jasmine rice
How’s it Made?
- Combine the chicken, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, onion, lemongrass, lime juice and brown sugar in a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for an hour to marinate.
- Heat a wok over high heat. Add some of the chicken to the wok and stir-fry until it is cooked through and begins to caramelize. Transfer to a bowl. Repeat in 3 more batches with remaining chicken.
- Pour the marinade into the wok and allow to boil. Stir occasionally until marinade is reduced by half. Remove from heat and pour over the chicken.
- Divide chicken among serving plates and sprinkle with mint and coriander leaves.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice.
Are there Side Effects of Lemongrass?
Allergies
People can experience food allergy symptoms after eating lemongrass; however, this is quite unusual. People who are vulnerable to lemongrass allergies may also experience these allergies.
- An itchy skin rash
- Hives on the skin
- Chest pain and constriction
- Throat swelling
- Difficulty breathing
Pregnancy
Lemongrass may be harmful to pregnant women, however, studies are still on-going in this area. Lemongrass is capable of causing the resumption of menstrual flow, hence, there are possibilities that it`s got some link with miscarriage.
