The Medical Advantages of Lemongrass: A Blender of Flavor and Medicinal Properties
The shuffling of flavors is one of the most charming parts of cooking. By thoughtfully combining flavors, you can elevate your dish to new heights of refinement and delight! One additional benefit of spices is that they are often highly nutritious or even possess specific medicinal properties.
One such valuable spice is lemongrass, an Asian plant widely used in Thai cuisine as well as other regional dishes. Curious to learn more about this spice and its remarkable health benefits? Then we will elucidate it for you in this blog!
What is Lemongrass?
Lemongrass, as we have mentioned, is a plant that originated in Asia. It may have initially grown in Java (the Indonesian name for sereh might sound familiar), but it has now spread throughout the tropical region.
Lemongrass is renowned as a spice and a decorative plant for gardens and parks! The elongated stems of the plant add a refreshing taste to dishes in which they are cooked, often in Asian cuisine. Lemongrass tea is also a well-known name in many Eastern countries, and it is often attributed with various health benefits!
Lemongrass Tea
Indeed, it is precisely this tea to which various health benefits are ascribed! Throughout the tropical region, these long, potent stems are used as medicine for various ailments. For instance, traditional healers on Cura?ao have prescribed lemongrass for colds and flu for a very long time, treating it with a very warm tea.
The tea also provides relief from coughs or bronchitis. Combine it with anise leaf and guava for even more benefits in dealing with skin conditions and itching: on Java, it is used for treating pimples, irritated injuries, and scrapes with a natural shower made from a special tea. Therefore, it is non-intoxicating when taken internally but can also be applied topically for its soothing effects.
Lemongrass Oil
In addition to tea, lemongrass oil is also utilized in medicinal applications. This natural oil has been used for centuries for inflammation and ailments. Scientific research in 2012 has indeed found that certain compounds in lemongrass function effectively against the development of specific types of bacteria.
It also helps, for example, against stomach issues caused by the Heliobacter pylori bacteria. A final beneficial use of lemongrass is that it significantly freshens the breath. While a tea might work for this, a more lasting and visible effect can be achieved by sucking on the base of the plant for an extended period, though it is not edible.
Preparing Lemongrass
When you start planning to drink lemongrass tea soon, it is crucial to understand the process of preparing the herb. The stems of the plant are very firm and hard, and it is not much of a purpose to throw them into your tea water entirely! It is smarter to remove the base and top and then strip off the intense outer layers of the stem. The core that emerges can be cut into small pieces for tea. You can also cook the core with something like rice for a fresher taste, though you must remove the lemongrass from the rice before serving!
Growing and Planting Lemongrass
To grow lemongrass yourself, it should be done indoors - due to its tropical origin, this plant does not grow outdoors in heated front rooms! Even indoors, it will require a considerable amount of time to truly develop a robust plant, so it is wise to sow the seeds early in the year. Make sure to water the lemongrass enough! Ideally, the noteworthy stems will appear within a relatively short time frame. You can cook them when they are thick enough to be stripped off!
Health Benefits of Instant Lemongrass Tea
1. Antioxidant Properties
This tea is rich in antioxidants, which help in neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body and reducing oxidative stress, thereby enhancing overall health.
2. Antimicrobial Properties
Due to its ability to inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms, lemongrass tea can help protect you from various infections and diseases.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Stress and inflammation are known contributors to various health issues. The anti-inflammatory compounds in lemongrass tea can help reduce inflammation, leading to lower risk of conditions such as chronic diseases.
4. Reduced Cancer Risk
The antioxidants in lemongrass tea can help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer by preventing oxidative damage to cells.
5. Improved Digestive Health
Regulation of the digestive system is crucial for overall health. Lemongrass tea may help promote healthy digestion and aid in digestion by acting on the intestinal flora.
6. Diuretic Effect
Lemongrass tea may have a diuretic effect, which can help reduce fluid retention and support kidney function.
7. Hypertension Relief
Hypertension is a significant health concern. Instant lemongrass tea may help reduce high systolic blood pressure, contributing to better cardiovascular health.
8. Cholesterol Regulation
The compounds in lemongrass tea may help regulate cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
9. Weight Loss Support
With regular consumption, lemongrass tea may help support weight loss efforts by improving metabolism and enhancing satiety.
10. PMS Symptom Relief
Lemongrass tea can help alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, including mood swings, bloating, and abdominal pain.
In conclusion, lemongrass is not just a flavorful and aromatic ingredient; it is also a potent herbal remedy with a plethora of health benefits. Incorporating this tea into your daily routine can improve your overall health and well-being, making it a significant addition to your wellness regimen.