Here’s why you should add lemongrass tea to your diet

A hectic lifestyle with little time for exercise and rising pollution levels form a dangerous combination which hampers our health almost every day. Given how a healthy body and mind helps us be more productive, we should actively work towards improving our health by consuming superfood like lemongrass. This herb has garnered a lot of attention globally because of its multiple health benefits. Loaded with minerals and vitamins, lemongrass not only boosts one’s immunity but is also good for cleansing toxins out of your body. What’s more, is that you can consume it in various forms. You can easily find brands selling powdered lemongrass, lemongrass tea, and even lemongrass tablets. Alternatively, you can also grow the herb at home and brew your own lemongrass tea.

The scientific name of lemongrass is Cymbopogon. Lemongrass can grow anywhere provided the soil is well-drained, there is ample water and no shortage of sunlight. It doesn’t survive in temperatures below 9 degrees Celsius.

You can easily grow lemongrass at home by either planting a graft of the plant in a pot. Put store-bought lemongrass stalks in a shallow bowl of water for a week and keep changing the water every day. After a week, cut the stalks into three-inch pieces and plant them into well-drained soil or in the ground. In about four to six months, the plant will grow into a healthy bush.

To make some homemade lemongrass tea, put a pan of water on the stove, and cut lemongrass to it. You can also add mint to the mixture to make it more refreshing. Bring the mixture to a boil, strain it and sip along. You can also add jaggery or honey to enhance the tea’s taste.

Here are some benefits of lemongrass tea:

• Rich in anti-oxidants: If you are looking for a good way to detox, this herb is a great option. Lemongrass is rich in anti-oxidants which means you can rely on it to flush out the toxins from your body after a day of bingeing. As it helps in relieving fluid retention, lemongrass tea makes for a good detoxifying remedy.

• Treats hypertension: Worried about your high blood pressure? Sip on some lemongrass tea. The tea brewed from this herb is rich in potassium. It stimulates urine and boosts blood circulation, thereby lowers blood pressure. It is also known to make the heart healthier, as it restricts the absorption of cholesterol in the body.

• Good for digestion: If you’re looking for a natural remedy to fix your digestion problems, then lemongrass tea is what you should take a chance on. It contains a nutrient called citral which eases digestion. In ancient Chinese medicine, lemongrass has been widely used to treat several stomach-related problems. Hence, enjoy a cup of lemongrass tea after dinner to solve your digestion woes.

• Helps burn fat: This is one superfood which you should include in your diet if you are trying to shed some flab. Another of lemongrass tea’s health benefits is that it boosts metabolism, which improves digestion thereby burning fat.

• Makes your skin and hair healthier: Lemongrass is known to be a great source of vitamin A and C, which promotes healthy skin and strong hair. Regular consumption of lemongrass tea helps in improving blood circulation and open blocked skin pores. It is also found to be useful in treating skin problems like acne and eczema.

• Keeps flu at bay: Come winter and most of us are prone to flu or the seasonal cold. If you are looking for a natural way to keep these allergies at bay, try giving lemongrass tea a chance. The citrusy, warm tea is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C which will prevent you from falling ill when temperatures dip during winters. To make a special tea to treat cold, just brew some lemongrass, cloves, and turmeric. Strain the mixture and enjoy.

• Relief from menstrual pain: Period cramps are a harsh reality that women across the world are subjected to. While there are over the counter medicines available for menstrual pain, a cup of lemongrass tea can do the same work albeit naturally. It has a soothing effect and offers relief from hot flashes.

• Has anti-microbial properties: Lemongrass tea has anti-microbial properties which is why several doctors recommend it as a natural remedy to treat oral problems like toothache and cavities. In a 2012 study published by the National Institutes of Health, the consumption of lemongrass was found to be helpful in countering a bacteria called streptococcus mutans, which causes tooth decay.

Despite its health benefits, lemongrass tea can have some side-effects especially among those diagnosed with diabetes and pregnant women. Lemongrass is known to lower blood sugar levels; hence diabetics should consult their doctor before consuming it. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should also exercise caution due to the presence of certain chemical compounds present in lemongrass tea.

Its multiple health benefits notwithstanding, health experts are yet to come up with large-scale research about the lemongrass and its medical advantages. However, a cup of lemongrass tea can be a good addition to one’s diet.