Native to Sri Lanka and South India, lemongrass or Cymbopogon as it is scientifically known, is a very fragrant herb which is extensively used in Asian cuisines. It comes from the Poaceae family of grasses.
Though its origin is deeply rooted in the tropical countries, lemongrass is found all over the world now, mainly due to its many uses and benefits.
In this blog, we will be learning all about the benefits, uses, and recipes of lemongrass, lemongrass leaves uses, and lemongrass tea!
What is lemongrass plant?
Lemongrass is also known as citronella grass, barbed wire grass, Cochin grass etc. and most of the species of this plant are found in South Asia, South East Asia, and Australia. There are about 55 species or varieties of lemongrass present in the world. Of the many varieties present, only two varieties are the most commonly used— the East Indian lemongrass (also known as Malabar or Cochin lemongrass) and the West Indian lemongrass (of Malaysian origin).
Is It a Potential for Meghalaya’s Farmers to Grow Lemongrass?
Lemongrass plant uses and benefits
Lemongrass is widely known for its benefits which includes regulating high blood pressure, relieving digestive issues, and certain neurological problems.
Lemongrass is also a good source of antioxidants and has antifungal properties as well. Traditionally, it has been used by people to treat fever and relieve pain.
Lemongrass oil is one of the key components of this herb which accounts for its popular use. As for the uses, lemongrass has been used in almost all fields from kitchen and cuisine to beauty and cosmetic care.
But one of the most popular way of consuming this particular herb is having it as lemongrass tea. People are crazy about health benefits when it comes to herbs and spices, especially in this day and age, and lemongrass tea has grown to be one of the many health choices that people have started to incorporate into their daily diets.
Let’s look at some of the crazy benefits of lemongrass tea, shall we?
Lemongrass Tea Benefits: What is lemongrass tea good for?
You already know how certain herbal teas work. The herbs and spices which offer extremely beneficial health benefits are steeped and made into potent decoctions. Lemongrass tea has its shares of benefits too.
Aids in Digestion
One of the most oldest and prominent benefits of lemongrass tea is its ability to aid the stomach in indigestion and other stomach related problems. Lemongrass oil is essentially the key component responsible for this benefit.
Lemongrass tea is also known to act as a diuretic for people who have liver problems.
Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties
Lemongrass is a powerhouse when it comes to these properties. Antioxidants are important so as to protect the body from free radicals which can cause cell damage.
Lemongrass tea has excellent antimicrobial properties. It is known to be effective in treating cavities and other oral infections.
It is also an excellent source of anti-inflammatory properties. Citral, which is a chemical compound present in lemongrass is responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties.
Regulates High Blood Pressure
As with most herbal teas out there, lemongrass teas also helps in reducing high blood pressure.
Reduces cholesterol and aids in weight loss
If you’re looking to detox your body and control your cholesterol in the process, lemongrass tea might just be the answer to it all.
May help in PMS
Lemongrass tea is also known to aid women’s health, particularly hot flushes, menstrual cramps, and bloating.
Although proper research hasn’t been conducted on the effectiveness of lemongrass on PMS, it’s anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate the symptoms.
Try a refreshing Lemongrass Recipe: Lemongrass Chai
Benefits of Lemongrass Green Tea, Lemongrass and Ginger Tea.
The combination of lemongrass and green tea is as good as it can get. Both ingredients offer a smooth, relaxing, and detoxing effect, and not to forget that lemony and refreshing fragrance.
More so, the combination of these two ingredients offer health benefits such as boosting immunity, aiding in weight loss, relieving common cold and fever, and reducing stress.
On the other hand, the benefits of lemongrass and ginger tea includes, relieving anxiety, reducing inflammation, and treating nausea.
Lemongrass for all!
Lemongrass is now available throughout the world and not only limited to tropical countries like Sri Lanka and India. People are slowly starting to realize the potential of this fine herb and are slowly moving towards incorporating it into their herbal teas and blends.
