Must-know Lemongrass Uses And Health Benefits

Lemongrass uses and health benefits: Also known as citronella, lemongrass is a tall and stalky plant having a fresh, lemony aroma of a citrus flavour. A popularly common ingredient in Thai cooking and bug repellent, lemongrass is also used as a traditional remedy to promote better sleep, relieve pain, and boost immunity. Native to Sri Lanka and South India, it is best enjoyed in the form of lemongrass tea. Let's take a look at the uses and benefits of lemongrass.

How can I use lemongrass?

You can use dried or fresh lemongrass, or even powdered leaves to make your herbal tea or other drinks. In fact, lemongrass is a popular ingredient in many Asian cuisines and adds an intriguing flavour to soups and stews. This herb has a pungent lemony, herbaceous, and sweetly floral flavor that works well with both sweet and savoury foods and beverages.

Lemongrass and health

Lemongrass is considered to be an essential plant in the mind-body medicinal practice of Ayurveda.  Having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it is commonly used to alleviate colds and congestion.

Lemongrass tea

Lemongrass is an ingredient you can use in many herbal tea blends. Just chop or simply break up some fresh or dried lemongrass in a cup of boiling water. Let it boil for at least five minutes and strain to enjoy your herbal tea. You can also combine this with mint leaves, ginger, or cinnamon. Besides, you can also kickstart some great recipes by making delicious iced lemongrass tea with peach nectar or sliced cucumber. However, start with a single cup daily. If you experience any side effects due to lemongrass, immediately stop the consumption and consult a doctor.

Lemongrass Cocktails

If you thought lemongrass was boring, you will be surprised to know that it is gaining some notoriety in adult beverages as well. There are a number of cocktails that playoff their pungent flavour by combining ginger, mint, gin, or even ginger ale. Moreover, lemongrass pairs well with coconut milk, chili peppers, cucumber, and pear, so you can have fun either using a chilled lemongrass tea mixed with other ingredients or infuse it with your tequila.

Lemongrass foods 

Commonly found in Asian foods and Thai cuisine, lemongrass is a popular cooking herb and it is found in a wide range of recipes. You can add some finely minced lemongrass to your beef, pork, or lamb, or even soup. Adding it into your curry pastes, sauces, and salads can give you an excellent lemony flavor that stands up to prolonged cooking, making it perfect for slow-cooked stews and curries.

What are the benefits of lemongrass?

1. According to a study, lemongrass contains several antioxidants like chlorogenic acid, isoorientin, and swertiajaponin which can help scavenge free radicals in your body that may cause disease.
2. According to the National Library of Medicine, lemongrass can help prevent oral infections like cavities and tooth decay due to its antimicrobial abilities against Streptococcus mutans bacteria, the bacteria most responsible for tooth decay.
3. The citral presence in lemongrass is said to have potent anticancer abilities against some cancer cell lines. This can be either by causing cell death directly or boosting your immune system so that your body is better able to fight off cancer on its own. Besides, lemongrass based chai or tea is sometimes used for complex therapies. It should only be used under the guidance of an oncologist.
4. A cup of lemongrass tea is considered calming for the body. Many people consider this an option for upset stomach, stomach cramping, and other digestive problems. A study established in 2012 found that the essential oil of lemongrass leaves can help protect the stomach lining against damage from aspirin and ethanol, which is a common cause of gastric ulcers.
5. Lemongrass tea is used as a natural remedy for menstrual cramps, bloating, and hot flashes. There isn’t any research specifically on lemongrass and PMS, but its stomach-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties may help.
6. It can also be used as a detox tea to kick-start your metabolism and help you lose weight. Since lemongrass is a natural diuretic, if you drink enough of it, you’re likely to drop some pounds.
7. Sipping hot tea can be relaxing, but lemongrass tea may offer further anxiety-reducing properties. According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, smelling lemongrass may help people with anxiety. Although some people already inhale lemongrass essential oil to relieve stress and anxiety, researchers still need more evidence to be able to confirm this benefit. Besides, it can help to promote healthy digestion, reduces high blood pressure, and regulates your cholesterol.

Disclaimer: This is publicly collected information. Should you have any medical needs, you must consult a doctor