Lemon Grass
Where shall I start? First of all it’s widely used in Asian cuisine, so if you are not growing any yet, go buy some from your local Asian food market!
Trust me they are super easy to grow and very drought tolerate, and grasshoppers don’t like them, I’m still traumatized by the “attack of the grasshoppers on my garden.”
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Cymbopogon citratus. Lemon grass is a tall perineal grass, native to India and tropical regions of Asia.
Lemongrass is antibacterial, anti-fungal and antimicrobial. I think I might make some cleaning solutions and veggie sprays and massage oils with this. I better get to propagating I only have 2 plants.
High in folic acid, also rich in many invaluable essential vitamins such as pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) and thiamin (vitamin B-1). These vitamins are essential in the sense that body requires them from external sources to replenish.
Lemon grass herb parts, whether fresh or dried, are rich sources of minerals like potassium, zinc, calcium, iron, manganese, copper, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids, which helps control heart rate and blood pressure.
TO MAKE THE TEA all I did is cut a few leaves close to the base as possible cut them in to pieces so they would fit in my jar, poured some boiling water on them. I poured 4-5 cups but I had some long stalks. I let them steep about 10 minutes but let them steep until they reach the desired flavor you like, I would say 8-15 minutes is a good range. But let your taste buds tell you! I just added a little stevia and what a wonderful tasting tea I had. I also put some in the fridge and had it iced the next day!
Medicinal benefits of Lemongrass
CHOLESTEROL: Lemongrass has properties that help reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) in the body helping prevent the accumulation of lipids (fat deposits) Helps unobstruct blood flow preventing cardiac disorders such as atherosclerosis.
DETOXIFICATION: Lemongrass helps in cleansing and flushing harmful toxic wastes out of the body, as a result of its diuretic properties.
CANCER: Lemongrass is effective in treating various types of cancers without affecting the healthy normal cells of the body. Research conducted to prove the anti-cancerous activity of lemongrass has shown promising outcomes in the prevention of skin cancer. Studies have shown that a certain component, citral, which is present in lemongrass, helps in inhibiting the growth of hepatic cancer cells during the initial phases and prevents any further production of cancerous cells. Another study has provided supporting evidence regarding the anti-proliferative effect of citral in impeding the growth of human breast cancer cells and the induction of apoptosis.
STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS: Studies have shown that lemongrass essential oil has an anti-biofilm capacity and is beneficial against the infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Lemongrass contains phenols which possess the capability to spread quickly through the body tissues and cure biofilms located anywhere in the body. Lemongrass disrupts the growth and communication of germs which helps in inhibiting the formation of biofilms. The essential oil of lemongrass is useful for application both topically as well as internally in the diseases diagnosed with biofilms, such as Lyme disease.
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!