As the year draws to an end, the weather is getting colder and cosier, making you pull out your covers and eager for a hot beverage. With the mood of ‘happy holidays’ all around us, we suggest something different. Try a hot steaming cup of aromatic lemongrass infused water or tea. It is delicious, healthy and the citrusy fragrance makes for a good cuppa of wellness and joy. Often incorporated in Thai cuisine, back home, it has been in use for its medicinal purposes to heal many ailments. This wonder is also regarded as one of the prime herbs in Ayurveda.
Nutritionally, lemongrass is a good source of vitamins A, C and hints of vitamin B along with essential nutrients like calcium, iron, copper, folic acid, potassium, magnesium, zinc and folate… the list goes on.
So here is the scoreboard of lemongrass benefits…
Great for digestion
Lemongrass contains ‘citral’ that helps soothe the stomach, keeping the digestive functions in place. Its antiseptic properties fight bad bacteria and promote good bacteria. This wonder is also a perfect remedy for indigestion, heartburn, bloating, and stomach spasms. It is also believed relieve constipation and helps offer respite in case of vomiting.
The antimicrobial components in lemongrass are known to relieve cases of gastroenteritis. Therefore, it has served as a traditional remedy for stomach related problems, especially in Chinese medicine.
Enhances metabolism and helps to burn fat
Isn’t this good news? Polyphenols, a compound found in lemongrass, blended with the caffeine in tea improves energy usage and at the same time increases metabolism. This makes lemongrass tea an effective alternative for all those who are watching their weight.
The anti-cholesterol effect of this plant inhibits the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine. Moreover, it helps in the oxidation of the bad fat which in turn helps prevent plaque buildup. Thanks to the high potassium content in lemongrass, thus a cup of lemongrass tea helps regulate blood pressure too.
Power packed with antioxidants
Yes, you guessed it right! Lemongrass tea is considered as a detox tea. Packed with antioxidants, it helps in cleansing from within. Research indicates that lemongrass tea can help pow-pow cancer cells. ‘Citral’, as mentioned above is believed to help kill the cancerous cells without destructing the healthy cells. A lab study revealed that citral also slowed the growth of breast cancer cells.
In fact, when recovering from a case of cancer or for cancer survivors, lemongrass tea is recommended as it fights free radicals and has healing powers.
Click here to know about how to incorporate antioxidants into your diet.
Helps during cold and flu
Lemongrass has antifungal and antibacterial benefits that heal your cold and flu. More benefits come from its Vitamin C that makes you strong by strengthening your immunity. A concoction of tulsi, lemongrass, and some cloves with a dash of haldi is fantastic for congestion. This plant is also believed to alleviate breathing problems and is beneficial especially in cases of bronchitis or asthma.
Regulates high blood pressure and improves blood circulation
Stabilize your blood pressure the natural way with lemongrass. Rich in potassium, it increases the production of urine which throws toxins out of our body. This, in turn, stimulates blood circulation, purifies the liver and lowers blood pressure. As lemongrass inhibits absorption of cholesterol, it thereby promotes heart health.
Relieves menstrual pain
How many of you knew that lemongrass tea is great for women? It provides respite from hot flashes and its soothing cooling effect reduces menstrual pain.
Great for skin and hair, naturally
Full of Vitamin A, C and other super vitamins, the essential nutrients work wonders for skin, acne, eczema etc., and hair.
Lessens effect of arthritis and arthritic pain
Lemongrass is an anti-inflammatory which also relieves pain. Therefore, if you are suffering from arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatism, or any other types of joint pain, sip your cup of lemongrass tea (in moderation). The activity of an enzyme involved in pain and inflammation especially in joints is curbed by the anti-inflammatory properties of lemongrass. Moreover, this super plant helps to ease muscle sprains as well as muscle spasms by relaxing the muscles which in turn reduces the pain-related symptoms.
Do:
Lemongrass, also called perennial plant can be grown indoors.
Keep in mind:
- Please consult your doctor if you have any medical condition before taking to this plant.
- As always, the key is to have limited quantities.
So, pick up your aromatic lemongrass concoction and happy you will be…
Click here to know the benefits of green tea
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