Hierba de limón

¿Por dónde empiezo? En primer lugar, se utiliza mucho en la cocina asiática, así que si aún no has cultivado ninguno, ¡compra algunos en tu mercado local de comida asiática!

 
Créeme son super fáciles de cultivar y muy tolerantes a la sequía, y a los saltamontes no les gustan, todavía estoy traumatizada por el "ataque de los saltamontes a mi jardín".

 
NOMBRE CIENTÍFICO: Cymbopogon citratus. La hierba limón es una hierba perenne alta, originaria de la India y de las regiones tropicales de Asia.
La hierba limón es antibacteriana, antifúngica y antimicrobiana. Creo que podría hacer algunas soluciones de limpieza y aerosoles vegetales y aceites de masaje con esto. Será mejor que me ponga a reproducirlo, sólo tengo dos plantas.

Alto contenido en ácido fólico, también es rico en muchas vitaminas esenciales inestimables como el ácido pantoténico (vitamina B5), la piridoxina (vitamina B-6) y la tiamina (vitamina B-1). Estas vitaminas son esenciales en el sentido de que el organismo las necesita de fuentes externas para reponerse.

Las partes de la hierba de limón, frescas o secas, son ricas fuentes de minerales como potasio, zinc, calcio, hierro, manganeso, cobre y magnesio. El potasio es un componente importante de los fluidos celulares y corporales, que ayuda a controlar el ritmo cardíaco y la presión arterial.

PARA HACER EL TÉ lo único que hice fue cortar unas cuantas hojas lo más cerca posible de la base, cortarlas en trozos para que cupieran en mi jarra y echarles un poco de agua hirviendo. Eché 4-5 tazas pero tenía algunos tallos largos. Los dejé reposar unos 10 minutos, pero déjalos reposar hasta que alcancen el sabor deseado, yo diría que entre 8 y 15 minutos es un buen intervalo. Pero deja que tus papilas gustativas te digan. Acabo de añadir un poco de stevia y lo que un té de sabor maravilloso que tenía. También guardé un poco en la nevera y me lo tomé helado al día siguiente.

Beneficios medicinales de la hierba limón

COLESTEROL: El lemongrass tiene propiedades que ayudan a reducir el LDL (colesterol malo) en el organismo ayudando a prevenir la acumulación de lípidos (depósitos de grasa) Ayuda a desobstruir el flujo sanguíneo previniendo trastornos cardíacos como la aterosclerosis.

 
DESINTOXICACIÓN: Gracias a sus propiedades diuréticas, la hierba limón ayuda a depurar el organismo y a eliminar los desechos tóxicos nocivos.

CÁNCER: La hierba limón es eficaz en el tratamiento de diversos tipos de cáncer sin afectar a las células normales sanas del organismo. Las investigaciones realizadas para probar la actividad anticancerígena de la hierba limón han mostrado resultados prometedores en la prevención del cáncer de piel. Los estudios han demostrado que un determinado componente, el citral, presente en la hierba limón, ayuda a inhibir el crecimiento de las células cancerosas hepáticas durante las fases iniciales y previene cualquier producción posterior de células cancerosas. Otro estudio ha aportado pruebas del efecto antiproliferativo del citral al impedir el crecimiento de células de cáncer de mama humano e inducir la apoptosis.

 
ESTAFILOCOCO ÁUREO: Los estudios han demostrado que el aceite esencial de lemongrass tiene capacidad antibiofilm y es beneficioso contra la infección causada por Staphylococcus aureus. El lemongrass contiene fenoles que poseen la capacidad de propagarse rápidamente por los tejidos corporales y curar las biopelículas localizadas en cualquier parte del cuerpo. La hierba limón interrumpe el crecimiento y la comunicación de los gérmenes, lo que ayuda a inhibir la formación de biopelículas. El aceite esencial de hierba limón es útil para su aplicación tanto tópica como interna en las enfermedades diagnosticadas con biopelículas, como la enfermedad de Lyme.

 
STOMACH DISORDERS: Studies have shown that lemongrass essential oil has anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties which help in fighting the infections caused by various pathogens such as Helicobacter pylori and Escherichia coli. Lemongrass is beneficial in the prevention of gastrointestinal disorders such as gastric ulcers, helps in stimulating the bowel function, and improves digestion. The anti-inflammatory properties of lemongrass are beneficial for treating constipation, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, nausea and stomach aches.
 
INSOMNIA: Lemongrass aids in calming the muscles and nerves which helps in inducing deep sleep. Research has shown that lemongrass tea has sedative and hypnotic properties which help in increasing the duration and quality of sleep. I can attest to this, I made this as a tea the other night, I was so relaxed and calm, next thing you know I was knocked up woke up several hours later!
 
RESPIRATORY DISORDERS: Lemongrass is widely used in holistic medicine for its healing effects in treating coughs and colds. Along with other beneficial components, the vitamin C content present in lemongrass helps in providing relief from nasal blockages, flu and other respiratory disorders such as bronchial asthma.
 
FEVER: Lemongrass is also known as the ‘fever grass’, owing to its beneficial effects in lowering fevers. The anti-pyretic and diaphoretic effect of lemongrass is extensively used in holistic medicine for curing fevers by inducing sweating. Yes, the only reason why I woke up a few hours later is because I was sweating!!! I think I may have make my tea a bit too strong, but I bet I burned some calories!
 
INFECTIONS: Lemongrass works as an antiseptic and is effective in treating infections such as ringworm, sores, Athlete’s Foot, scabies, and urinary tract infections because of its antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties. Studies have shown that lemongrass exerts healing effects on dermatological infections, such as yeast infections, by inhibiting the growth of pathogens. Another study provided supporting evidence that demonstrated the efficacy of lemongrass over thyme, patchouli and cedar wood oil in the treatment of various diseases such as oral or vaginal candidias.
 
ACHES: Lemongrass helps in alleviating the pain and discomfort caused by headaches and migraines due to its analgesic properties. The phytonutrients present in lemongrass improve the blood circulation and help in relieving spasms, muscle cramps, sprains, and back aches. Lemongrass is valuable in treating sports wounds, including dislocations, internal injuries and bruises. For this most use the lemongrass in essential oil form. Which I’m gonna make my own, yeah! I will show you when I do.
 
NERVOUS SYSTEM: Lemongrass is a nervine and has been proven to be an excellent tonic for the nervous system. It stimulates the mind and helps in combating convulsions, nervousness, vertigo and various neuronal disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Lemongrass is used in therapeutic baths, which assist in calming the nerves and help in alleviating the symptoms of anxiety and fatigue caused by stress.
 
Lemongrass has been proven beneficial in treating Type-2 diabetes. Studies have shown that the citral present in lemongrass helps to maintain optimum levels of insulin and improves the tolerance of glucose in the body.
 
RHEUMATISM: Lemongrass is effective in relieving the pain and discomfort caused by rheumatism. It can be applied topically on both lumbago and sprains and helps in relieving neuralgia and other painful sufferings.
 
IMMUNE SYSTEM: Lemongrass helps in restoring the vital systems which are operational in the body, including digestion, respiration, excretion and nervous system. This assists in better absorption of nutrients and strengthens the immune defense mechanism of the body.
 
SKIN CARE: Lemongrass has been treasured as a skin tonic and makes an effective cleanser for oily or acne-prone skin, due to its astringent and antiseptic qualities. It helps in strengthening the skin tissues and toning up the pores while also sterilizing them. Care should be taken while using lemongrass products, as the undiluted application might lead to dermal irritation in some cases.
 
Lemongrass possesses antioxidant qualities and help in protecting the body cells from the oxygen-derived free radicals. It also helps in the cleansing of blood and strengthens the spleen to discard the tarnished red blood cells. It supports the function of the thymus glands which helps to produce white blood cells. Lemongrass helps in stimulating regeneration of cells. The folate and potassium content in the stem and leaves of lemongrass aids in DNA synthesis and promotes cell division.
 
AROMATHERAPY: Lemongrass consists of the beneficial ingredients of essential oils such as nerol, citronellol, myrcene, dipentene, geraniol and methyl heptenone which possess anti-fungal, insecticidal and antiseptic properties. Lemongrass oil is extensively used in aromatherapy, due to its therapeutic effects, which help in revitalizing and refreshing the body. The cooling effect of lemongrass oil is beneficial for the body during hot weather and promotes the revival of both the mind and soul. Lemongrass oil possesses natural astringent and toning qualities which help in stimulating blood circulation and tones up the dermal tissues. It also helps in tightening, uplifting and firming lethargic or sagging skin. Lemongrass is the tea they usually give you after you’ve had a massage, it’s the icing on the cake!
 
OBESITY: Lemongrass contains citral, which has been proven to be effective in combating obesity. It prevents the accumulation of abdominal fat and promotes the use of stored energy, which helps in preventing diet-induced weight gain. It aids in healthy metabolism and enhances the oxidation of fatty acids in the body.
 
BODY ODOR: Lemongrass is used in the manufacturing of deodorants due to its cleansing and antibacterial properties which help to combat unpleasant body odor and prevent fungal and bacterial infections. It can also be added to foot baths to for sanitizing sore and odorous feet.
 
INSECT REPELLENT: Lemongrass is used as a natural insect repellant and helps in preventing the occurrence of insect-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue and Lyme disease. Studies have provided supporting evidence regarding the anti-malarial and anti-protozoan properties of lemongrass, which makes lemongrass oil an effective ingredient in mosquito repellants. For this you can just take some leaves and rub them on your skin!
So you see why I’m so excited about lemongrass!? I’m just amazed that all I had to do was go out in my front yard to get the healthiest best testing tea I ever had, free of charge! God is amazing! Go grow some grass, lemongrass that is and make some tea, and whatever else you can come up with. I will be experimenting with it and will keep you posted on my progress!