Here’s a list of 10 potential health benefits of lemongrass tea. Some of the amazing benefits include improving mood and giving you an immune system boost.
Lemongrass is an easy to grow herb that has many health benefits. Like it’s name implies, it is a grassy plant that has a somewhat lemon flavor.
In colder climates, this herb can be grown indoors with plenty of water and at least 6 hours of light.
Lemongrass has a wonderful citrus aroma which comes from it’s main component, citral, also known as lemonal.
This grassy herb is rich in Vitamin-A and Vitamin-C and it contains the minerals magnesium, potassium, and sodium.
Although often used as seasoning in East Asia for it’s lemon-like flavor, lemongrass can also be consumed as an herbal tea.
Below are ten possible health benefits of lemongrass tea.
Improved Digestion
Lemongrass has been shown to promote healthy digestion and drinking it as tea after a meal can prevent getting an upset stomach.
It has cleansing properties that can kill bad bacteria in the digestive tract which allows the good bacteria a better environment to repopulate. Lemongrass tea is often used to curb gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
Health benefits of drinking lemongrass tea
Lowered Cholesterol and Blood Pressure
A 1989 study at the University of Wisconsin found that those who consumed lemongrass essential oil daily noticed a reduction in cholesterol levels.
Another benefit noted was a significant decrease in blood fats. The high amount of potassium in lemongrass may also help lower and regulate blood pressure.
Assist in Eliminating Toxins
The diuretic properties of lemongrass of lemongrass tea may remove toxins, uric acid, and bad cholesterol by inducing increased urination.
This in turn can help the kidneys and liver cleanse the body of toxins. These cleansing properties may promote better circulation throughout the body as well.
Boost Immune System
Lemongrass has antibacterial and antifungal properties that may be able to help you fight off infections.
It’s also high in vitamin C to boost immune system when cold and flu strike. Lemongrass is also known to break down much and phlegm.
Help Cancer Treatment
The citral found in lemongrass has been shown to kill cancer cells without damaging healthy cells.
A 2009 study found that citral inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis and slows the growth of certain breast cancer cells. Lemongrass also contains geraniol and citronellol which also have be shown to have anti-cancer properties.
Anti-Inflammatory Pain Reliever
Lemongrass can be used to treat various types of joint pain by reducing inflammation.
It also helps alleviate muscle spasms or sprains by relaxing muscles which reduces pain.
Lemongrass tea is useful for relieving menstrual pain in women and has been traditionally used to treat headaches.
The citronellol compound in lemongrass is also known to calm both the mind and body. This amazing herb may even help you sleep better.
Improves quality & quantity of breast milk
The galactogogue properties of lemongrass herb can increase milk production in lactating mothers.
Since lemongrass also exibits antimicrobial properties, it may even boost an infant’s immune system when a breast feeding mother consumes lemongrass.
Fight depression
Lemongrass activates release of serotonin which can relieve anxiety, boost self-esteem, and improve overall mood. So drink a cup of lemongrass tea any time you are feeling down!
Reduce fever
Lemongrass has earned a reputation for treating fever by inducing sweating which can reduce high fever.
In fact, in Jamaica, lemongrass is known as fever grass because it is often used fresh to make tea for reducing fever.
Treat Type-2 Diabetes
Studies have shown that the citral in lemongrass improves insulin resistance which helps stabilize insulin levels and improves overall glucose tolerance in the body.
If you have trouble finding lemongrass in your local grocery store or Asian market, fresh stalks of lemongrass can be ordered online.
Since lemongrass is such an easy herb to grow, consider buying live plants and grow your own!
Lemongrass Tea
Here’s a list of 10 potential health benefits of lemongrass tea. Some of the amazing benefits include improving mood and giving you an immune system boost.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 stalk lemongrass, cut in pieces
- sweetener, optional
Instructions
- Place water and lemongrass in a medium pot or teapot.
- Bring to a rapid bowl, then lower heat to a simmer or remove from heat.
- Cover and allow to steep for 5 to 10 minutes or until aromatic of lemon scent.
- Pour into a large cup and sweeten, if desired.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Amount Per Serving: Calories: 2Sodium: 12mg
Lemongrass image courtesy of antpkr at freedigitalphotos.net
Disclaimer: The information presented is not intended for the treatment or prevention of disease, nor as a substitute for medical treatment, nor as an alternative to medical advice. Use of the recommendations is at the choice and risk of the reader.