Lemongrass tea – how to make it, what it is for and benefits!
Lemongrass tea has many nutrients that are essential for the health of the body in general. Lemon grass, also called citronella, is a tall, hard plant. It has a fresh, lemony aroma and a citrus flavor. It is a common ingredient in Thai cuisine and is an insect repellent.
In addition, this tea reduces stress and elevates mood. It is also used as a folk remedy to promote sleep, relieve pain, and boost immunity. One of the most popular ways to enjoy lemongrass is in tea.
What is lemongrass tea for?
Lemongrass tea has been used for over 3,000 years for its benefits. It was first cultivated in India and China and later in Ancient Greece. Today, this citrus fruit is one of the most widespread and is also used to prepare dishes and desserts, to preserve food or as a health food supplement.
Tea alone has many benefits. It is rich in vitamin C and therefore has an antiseptic, antibiotic and antiviral role. It will be a perfect ally to fight your different diseases: angina, flu , cold . It also has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system, kidneys, liver , pancreas or bladder. It is often used in diets to promote digestion. Among its properties we can highlight:
- Relieves Discomforts of Rheumatism;
- Helps in the Fight against Cancer ;
- Cures Flu and Colds;
- Source of Nutrients;
- fight depression
- Helps Fight Insomnia;
- Prevents Gastrointestinal Disorders;
- Eliminates Liquid Retention ;
- Helps in the Treatment of Respiratory Problems;
- Helps in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Health benefits of lemongrass tea:
Lemongrass tea can have many benefits, including relieving anxiety and preventing infections. Many people believe that lemon balm tea offers multiple health benefits, but researchers have not yet conducted enough large-scale studies to prove these benefits.
Doctors know that tea can help fight free radicals, thus reducing the incidence of inflammation in the body. Lemongrass tea contains the inflammation -fighting compounds chlorogenic acid.
Inflammation is a factor in many adverse health problems, including pain and heart disease. As such, lemongrass tea can be a beneficial drink for people to incorporate into their diet.
1. Relieves Anxiety:
Many people find drinking hot tea relaxing, but lemongrass tea may offer more anxiety -reducing properties . Also, it can help people with anxiety . While some people already inhale lemongrass essential oil to relieve stress and anxiety , researchers still need more evidence to confirm this benefit.
2. Lowers cholesterol:
Consumption of this tea appears to lower cholesterol in animals. The study notes that the reaction is dose-dependent. This means that larger amounts of lemongrass can lower cholesterol even further .
3. Prevents infection:
Tea may have some infection prevention capabilities. For example, the herb appears to reduce the incidence of thrush, a fungal infection that commonly affects people with weakened immune systems, such as people with HIV.
4. Detoxifies the Body:
Furthermore this tea helps in cleansing and expelling harmful toxic waste from the body as a result of its diuretic properties. Detoxification helps in the regulation of various organs in the body, including the liver and kidney, as well as helping to lower uric acid levels. The diuretic effect of the herb helps to increase the amount and frequency of urination, which helps maintain digestive health by eliminating accumulated fats and helping to maintain a clean system.
5. Prevents cancer:
Lemongrass tea is effective in treating various types of cancer without affecting healthy cells in the body. Research carried out to prove the anticancer activity of lemongrass has shown promising results in preventing skin cancer . This is mainly because of the presence of a chemical compound called citral in it.
Research conducted on the effects of citral on cancer cells shows that it helps to inhibit the growth of liver cancer cells during the early stage and prevents any further growth of cancer cells. Another study provides supporting evidence regarding the antiproliferative effect of citral in preventing the growth of human breast cancer cells and inducing apoptosis.
6. Treats insomnia:
Lemongrass tea helps soothe muscles and nerves, which helps to induce deep sleep. Research has shown that its herbal tea has sedative and hypnotic properties that help increase sleep duration.
7. Respiratory disorders:
Lemongrass tea is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for its healing effects in treating cough and cold. [18] Along with other beneficial components, the vitamin C content present helps relieve nasal blockages, flu, and other respiratory disorders such as bronchial asthma.
8. Cure Fever:
Lemongrass tea is a febrifuge and is also known as “febrile grass” due to its beneficial effects in reducing fever. The antipyretic and diaphoretic effect is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine to cure fevers by inducing sweating.
9. Treats infections
It works as an antiseptic and is effective in treating infections such as ringworm, wounds, athlete’s foot, scabies and urinary tract infections (UTI) because of its antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties. Studies have shown that the herb exerts healing effects on skin infections such as fungal infections by inhibiting the growth of pathogens.
Another study provides evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of lemongrass over thyme, patchouli, and cedarwood oil in treating various ailments such as oral or vaginal thrush.
10. Reduces pain:
Lemongrass tea relieves pain and discomfort caused by headaches and migraines due to its analgesic properties. The phytonutrients present in it improve blood circulation and help relieve spasms, muscle cramps, sprains and back pain. It is valuable in treating sports wounds, including dislocations, internal injuries, and bruises.
To learn more about the benefits of lemongrass tea check out this Video Below:
Lemongrass tea for weight loss?
When drinking tea, lemongrass contributes very few calories to your total intake. A tablespoon of lemongrass has 5 calories and 1 gram of carbohydrate . Drinking a cup before a meal can help you lose weight, causing you to lose your appetite. Also, having a cup of lemongrass tea during the day can help keep you from eating too much.
How to make lemongrass tea?
Ingredients:
– 4 cups of water;
– 2 cups of chopped lemon grass stalks;
– 1/4 cup of sugar.
Preparation method:
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat in a medium saucepan;
- Add the lemon grass and let it boil quickly for 5 minutes;
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the tea for another 5 minutes;
- Strain the stems from the liquid. Add the sugar until dissolved;
- Serve hot, or refrigerate and pour over ice.
Contraindication:
Lemongrass tea is contraindicated for people suffering from gastritis , heartburn and ulcers . Pregnant and lactating women should consult their doctors before consuming. Its sedative effect can be potentiated with drugs for the same purpose or to lower blood pressure.