Citronnelle

Par où dois-je commencer ? Tout d'abord, il est largement utilisé dans la cuisine asiatique, donc si vous n'en cultivez pas encore, allez en acheter sur votre marché asiatique local !

 
Croyez-moi, elles sont super faciles à cultiver et supportent très bien la sécheresse, et les sauterelles ne les aiment pas, je suis encore traumatisé par "l'attaque des sauterelles sur mon jardin".

 
NOM SCIENTIFIQUE : Cymbopogon citratus. La citronnelle est une grande graminée périnéale, originaire de l'Inde et des régions tropicales d'Asie.
La citronnelle est antibactérienne, antifongique et antimicrobienne. Je pense que je pourrais en faire des solutions de nettoyage, des vaporisateurs pour légumes et des huiles de massage. Je ferais mieux de m'occuper de la multiplication, car je n'ai que deux plants.

Riche en acide folique, il l'est également en de nombreuses vitamines essentielles inestimables telles que l'acide pantothénique (vitamine B5), la pyridoxine (vitamine B-6) et la thiamine (vitamine B-1). Ces vitamines sont essentielles dans le sens où l'organisme a besoin de les reconstituer à partir de sources extérieures.

Les parties de la citronnelle, qu'elles soient fraîches ou séchées, sont de riches sources de minéraux tels que le potassium, le zinc, le calcium, le fer, le manganèse, le cuivre et le magnésium. Le potassium est un composant important des cellules et des fluides corporels, qui aide à contrôler le rythme cardiaque et la pression artérielle.

POUR FAIRE LE THÉ, j'ai simplement coupé quelques feuilles le plus près possible de la base, je les ai coupées en morceaux pour qu'elles tiennent dans mon bocal et j'ai versé de l'eau bouillante dessus. J'ai versé 4 à 5 tasses, mais j'avais de longues tiges. Je les ai laissées infuser environ 10 minutes, mais laissez-les infuser jusqu'à ce qu'elles atteignent la saveur désirée, je dirais que 8 à 15 minutes est une bonne fourchette. Mais laissez vos papilles vous guider ! J'ai ajouté un peu de stévia et j'ai obtenu un thé au goût merveilleux. J'en ai également mis un peu au réfrigérateur et je l'ai dégusté glacé le lendemain !

Les bienfaits médicinaux de la citronnelle

CHOLESTEROL: La citronnelle a des propriétés qui aident à réduire le LDL (mauvais cholestérol) dans le corps et à prévenir l'accumulation de lipides (dépôts de graisse). Elle aide à désobstruer le flux sanguin et à prévenir les troubles cardiaques tels que l'athérosclérose.

 
DETOXIFICATION: Grâce à ses propriétés diurétiques, la citronnelle aide à nettoyer et à évacuer les déchets toxiques nocifs de l'organisme.

CANCER: La citronnelle est efficace dans le traitement de divers types de cancers sans affecter les cellules saines et normales de l'organisme. Les recherches menées pour prouver l'activité anticancéreuse de la citronnelle ont montré des résultats prometteurs dans la prévention du cancer de la peau. Des études ont montré qu'un certain composant, le citral, présent dans la citronnelle, contribue à inhiber la croissance des cellules cancéreuses hépatiques au cours des phases initiales et empêche toute production ultérieure de cellules cancéreuses. Une autre étude a fourni des preuves de l'effet anti-prolifératif du citral en empêchant la croissance des cellules cancéreuses du sein humain et en induisant l'apoptose.

 
STAPHYLOCOQUE DORÉ: Des études ont montré que l'huile essentielle de citronnelle a une capacité anti-biofilm et est bénéfique contre l'infection causée par Staphylococcus aureus. La citronnelle contient des phénols qui ont la capacité de se répandre rapidement dans les tissus du corps et de guérir les biofilms situés n'importe où dans le corps. La citronnelle perturbe la croissance et la communication des germes, ce qui contribue à inhiber la formation de biofilms. L'huile essentielle de citronnelle est utile pour une application à la fois topique et interne dans les maladies diagnostiquées avec des biofilms, telles que la maladie 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!