Lemongrass tea is a common drink for those who enjoy herbal teas, and new research points to many great health benefits for lemongrass. Similar to the spider plant, lemongrass is a tropical grass that grows in stalks. The citrusy herb has long been used in Thai and Vietnam cooking, and lemongrass tea is used as a medicinal tea in India and Africa. In Ayurvedic medicine, it's used to flush the body of toxins and provide a sense of calmness revitalizing both mind and body. Nutritionally, one tablespoon of lemongrass contains two percent of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of iron for women and two percent for men. One tablespoon also provides one percent of the RDI of potassium, magnesium, folate, phosphorus, and zinc. Several antioxidants have been identified in lemongrass, and citral, the main component has been proven to have fungus fighting and anti-microbial properties. Outside of an Asian grocery store, or perhaps stores like Whole Foods, fresh lemongrass may be hard to find, but both fresh and dried can be found online. Lemongrass essential oil and lemongrass extract in capsule form is available at health food stores and can be ordered online. Explore lemongrass as an aid for the following conditions.
Arthritis sufferers look for relief from joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation to improve their ability to perform everyday tasks. Lemongrass oil helps in several ways. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to relieve pain. It appears that the citronellal content in lemongrass interferes with pain signals sent to the brain. Inflammation from arthritis is caused by an overactive immune system. A study of lemongrass used in human skin cells revealed that it significantly reduces skin inflammation. This indicates that lemongrass oil can also reduce inflammation in the bones and joints. Lemongrass's antioxidants can help reduce the cell damage associated with arthritis. It's also proven to help with anxiety and depression that often accompanies arthritis.
When uric acid collects in the joints, it can cause a condition called gout. The feet are most commonly affected, but gout can occur in any joint. When the uric acid crystallizes into glass-like shards, it causes pain in these joints. Gout may also be accompanied by swelling, redness, and burning. Sometimes gout is so painful, even the weight of a bedsheet is uncomfortable. Along with a gout-friendly diet and certain medications, lemongrass can also provide relief. Studies suggest that a strong cup of lemongrass tea reduces uric acid levels. It can also help to add lemongrass oil to a carrier oil such as olive or coconut for massaging directly onto the affected area.
In his book "Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs in Health Promotion", author Ronald Ross Watson reports that the terpenoid compounds in lemongrass oil extract decrease the level of cholesterol (fats) in the blood when taken at a dose of 140 mg per day. These compounds work by inhibiting the production of mevalonic acid, a precursor to the production of cholesterol, in the same way that many cholesterol-lowering drugs do. Additionally, an Indian study suggests lemongrass can reduce the chronic inflammation associated with cardiovascular and heart disease. Inflammation is a factor in atherosclerotic plaque formation. Take lemongrass oil extract in 5 mcg. or 10 mcg. doses to decrease inflammation.
A 2007 study found that 125 to 500 milligrams of lemongrass for every kilogram of body weight daily improved the fasting glucose levels in laboratory rats suggesting that the herb may help or prevent type II diabetes. A Japanese study published in 2010 found that the terpenoid compounds in lemongrass encourage genes to decrease the level of lipids in the blood. These compounds may help diabetes along with obesity and elevated cholesterol levels. At the same time, lemongrass tea aids in weight loss by boosting metabolism, an important factor in controlling diabetes.
Researchers in Australia found that lemongrass can relieve headaches and migraines. It's believed that a compound called eugenol in lemongrass has properties similar to some pain killers. Along with the job of keeping blood platelets from clumping, eugenol releases serotonin, a hormone important for regulating sleep, mood, and cognitive function. For headaches, add 10 to 12 drops of lemongrass oil to one tablespoon of carrier oil. Massage into the skin or add to a warm bath. Another method is to add a few drops to a cotton ball and inhale.
Researchers in Nigeria found that lemongrass tea increases red blood cell production. The powder in lemongrass tea increases the percentage of red blood cells in the blood, hemoglobin, and red blood cells. Lemongrass is also a source of folate which is often prescribed for anemia, a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells that results in pallor and lethargy. Published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, the study suggests that lemongrass tea has the potential of treating anemia, Poor diet, chronic disease, pregnancy, and menstruation are often associated with anemia.
