The health benefits of lemon grass are too many to be overlooked.

The herb commonly known as citronella is a relaxing and immune-boosting herb originally from Sri Lanka and South India.

However, lemon grass is now grown in a variety of locations throughout the world.

Lemon grass stalks are used in Asian cooking, but the plant can also be used to produce tea.

This drink is high in bioactive chemicals, which may aid weight loss, blood pressure control, and the treatment of common cold symptoms.

For a variety of ailments, lemon grass is typically administered orally, rubbed directly on the skin, or inhaled as aromatherapy.

Lemon grass is used to flavor foods and beverages. For example, the leaves are often used in herbal teas as a “lemon” flavor, while they can also be used as a scented ingredient for soap, deodorants, and cosmetics.

Lemon grass is a powerful plant that can enhance the immune system and defend against antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus due to its antioxidant properties.

It may also aid with cholesterol management, type 2 diabetes management, and skin health.

Types of Lemon grass

Cymbopogon is a genus of grasses that includes 55 species, two of which are known as lemon grass. These include Cymbopogon citratus, which is well-known for culinary applications, and Cymbopogon flexuosus, which is popular in the fragrance industry because of its long shelf life and low myrcene content.

Nutritional Values of Lemon Grass

Luteolin, glycosides, quercetin, kaempferol, elemicin, catechol, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid are antioxidants, flavonoids, and phenolic substances found in lemon grass.

Lemonal, or citral, is the primary component of this fragrant herb, and it possesses antifungal and antimicrobial properties.

Lemon grass is a fragrant storehouse of critical nutrients that has a wide range of health benefits. According to the USDA Food Data Central, vitamin A, B-vitamins, folate, and vitamin C, as well as potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, zinc, and iron, are all found in it.

Also read: 15 Best African Dishes You Can Try Out

Health Benefits of Lemon Grass

Lemon grass tea has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, with various research studies demonstrating its powerful effects on staying healthy.

Here are 10 reasons why you should infuse lemon grass into your diet.

1. It may help reduce cholesterol.
2. Relieve bloating.
3. Prevent infection.
4. It can be used in aromatherapy.
5. It improves skincare.
6. It can get rid of body odor.
7. Boost immunity.
8. It helps to regulate blood pressure.
9. Reduces anxiety.
10. It treats colds, coughs, and allergies.

1. May help reduce cholesterol

Lemon grass tea is used as a detox drink to help weight loss by increasing metabolism.

It is high in antioxidants and is a great alternative to coffee for a healthier lifestyle.

Lemon grass’ combination of polyphenol chemicals and caffeine concentration, according to a 2013 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, boosts energy expenditure and fat oxidation, resulting in weight loss.

Lemon grass is known as one of the best herbal remedies for easing digestive issues. It contains quercetin, a flavonoid that helps with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that protect heart health, manage high cholesterol issues, and help with diabetes.

2. Relieve bloating

Lemon grass also helps to soothe your stomach and keep your digestive functions in check. Lemon grass contains a component called citral that helps digest food, hence, it is used as an ancient remedy for all stomach problems.

The herb has fresh citrus and lemony aroma, and it is often used in teas and infusions.

Drinking lemon grass tea can have diuretic effects, which means that it stimulates the kidneys to release more urine than usual.

3. Prevents infection

Due to its antibacterial and anti-fungal characteristics, lemon grass is beneficial in treating diseases like ringworm, sores, athlete’s foot, scabies, and urinary tract infections (UTI).

The herb has been demonstrated in studies to have therapeutic benefits on dermatological illnesses such as yeast infections by preventing pathogen growth.

Another study found that lemongrass is more effective than thyme, patchouli, and cedarwood oil in treating conditions including oral and vaginal candidiasis.

4. Can be used in Aromatherapy

Lemon grass has a highly refreshing and relaxing effect.

Its natural cooling properties make it an excellent choice for aromatherapy. The oil is found to be helpful for treating stress-related problems such as insomnia, headache, and fatigue due to mental overwork or chronic physical exertion.

The cooling effect of this oil promotes blood circulation, which makes it beneficial for the dermal tissues. Lemon grass also possesses astringent and toning qualities that help stimulate blood circulation and tone up the skin and helps to clear up acne.

Also read: 5 Natural Remedies to Help You Get Rid of Belly Fat

5. Improves skincare

Lemon grass is a great choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin, as its antibacterial properties help keep skin clear and clean.

It can be used as a skin tonic with its astringent and antibacterial properties.

It also aids in the strengthening of skin tissues as well as the toning and sterilization of pores. However, lemon grass products should be used with caution, as the undiluted application might cause skin irritation in certain people.

6. Can get rid of body odor

Lemon grass is utilized in deodorants because of its cleaning and antibacterial characteristics, which assists in treating unpleasant body odor and preventing fungal and bacterial infections.

It can also be used to sanitize sores and smelly feet when added to footbaths.

7. Boost immunity

Lemon grass extract is a herbal compound that has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects on cytokine production, which are signaling molecules through which cells communicate with one another.

Studies have shown that the extract exerts anti-inflammatory action and its constituent, citral, may be the cause of its inhibitory effect on cytokine production.

It also contains active ingredients that may help fight inflammation and swelling.

8. Regulate blood pressure

Lemon grass is a good source of potassium, so it helps to increase urine production in your body.

This in turn lowers blood pressure and boosts blood circulation. Studies have shown that lemon grass is effective in lowering blood pressure, making it useful for stopping or preventing hypertension.

So, if you’re looking to regulate your blood pressure, a cup of lemon grass tea could go a long way to help you.

9. Reduces anxiety

Lemon grass tea may be a great way to help people who feel anxious or stressed.

This is because lemon grass contains a compound that relieves anxiety, according to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

People can inhale lemon grass essential oil to help them relax, but whether this oil has the same effect on just sipping a cup of lemon grass tea is quite unclear.

10. Treats Cold, Cough, And Allergies

Lemon grass is a well-known natural treatment for cold, with its antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties.

It is one of the best home remedies to clear your nasal passages and ward off infections.

It also has vitamin C that supports your immune system, making it an efficient way to beat off cold, cough, and flu at home.

A hot mix of lemon grass, tulsi leaves, and cardamom is also a common alternative cure for a cold.

How to prepare lemon grass tea at home

Everything you would need

• 4 cups of water
• 2 cups of chopped lemongrass stalks
• ¼ cup of sugar or honey

Directions

1. Rinse your lemon grass
2. In a pot, bring the water to a boil over high heat.
3. Add the lemongrass stalks and boil for 5 minutes.
4. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 5 more minutes.
5. Strain the liquid to separate the stalks.
6. Stir in the sugar or honey.
7. Serve warm or chilled.

Side effects of lemon grass tea

Although it is generally considered safe, its abuse can result in allergic reactions for some people.

Also, the direct use of the essential oil is not highly recommended.

Please note: It is strongly advised that you get medical advice before using lemon grass oil. This is particularly true throughout pregnancy, conception, breastfeeding, and any ongoing medical treatments or consultations.

Lemongrass contains phytochemicals that could possibly help regulate menstrual flow and lead to miscarriage – hence, avoid lemon grass during pregnancy. Avoid use during breastfeeding because we don’t have enough information about its safety for the baby.

It can be quite useful in delivering a variety of therapeutic relief when used with caution.

Conclusion

We believe that lemon grass could be the perfect tea for people who want to try the benefits of tea. It is a useful option for hot and cold teas by itself and can be used as an ingredient in cooking.

Lemon grass is a plant-based beverage and recipe ingredient with a great deal of potential to improve oral health and possibly even promote weight loss.

With these potential health benefits of lemon grass, it could be a great addition to a daily routine.

Just remember that like with all herbal teas, it’s best to consult with a doctor before adding lemon grass to your diet on a regular basis.

Lemon grass is available in most grocery store spice aisles, and it’s also easily accessible online.