Added/Modified on November 21, 2014
Also Known As: Cymbopogon citratus, lemon grass, oil grass, citronella, citronella grass, fever grass, barbed wire grass
Cymbopogon citratus, or lemongrass, looks like grass, grows in warmer weather and is native to India and Asia. This quick growing herb can also be found in Central America and is a fixture in many gardens.
The leaves of this plant have a lemony fragrance and taste.
Lemongrass is used for cooking and flavoring food in Thai and Asian cuisine.
It can also be found in beauty products, creams and shampoos.
Lemongrass can be made into a tea. The tea is made from the leaves. They can be cut directly from the plant, right from the garden, or found dried or already prepared in tea bags. It can also come in herbal pill form and tincture.
Home Remedies Using Lemongrass Tea:
Lemongrass was used in Mexican folk medicine for gastrointestinal problems due to nervousness and for fevers. Its smoke was used as an insect repellent.
Historically it was used in Chinese medicine and cuisine.
Lemongrass tastes good as a refreshing relaxing tea but it also has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal qualities. It can help with athlete’s foot, skin lesions and cuts.
The tea can be hot or poured over ice.
Lemongrass contains citronellol which is a scent that repels mosquitoes but smells good to humans.
It contains myrcene which can act like a pain killer. This can help with some symptoms of arthritis like pain and inflammation. It is also used as a muscle relaxer and can relieve muscle spasms and cramps. Lemongrass can ease the pain of menstrual cramps.
Lemongrass tea has been used for insomnia. It is a first choice addition to other teas that are used to promote sleep and relaxation.
It contains citral and this is said to help the digestive system for relief from nausea and flatulence. You can see lemongrass sometimes paired with ginger for a tea that soothes the digestive system.
This tea can increase the frequency of urination that can rid the body of toxins, help with water retention and possibly be used as a weight loss aide.
Lemongrass tea has anti-depressant qualities and can help with the nervous system. It helps with fatigue and can give one a brighter outlook.
It may have cancer fighting qualities by causing the malignant cells to commit suicide. This is also called apoptosis which means “cell self-destruction”. Of course more research needs to be done in this area.
Not only is it full of natural antioxidants it is also said to lower cholesterol levels and reduce high blood pressure.
It contains vitamins and minerals like C, A, B, B9, calcium, manganese, magnesium and phosphorous.
Side Effects if Lemongrass Tea:
There are little or no side effects for short term use and is considered safe for use in food.
Avoid use of lemongrass if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as not enough is known about this to say if it is safe for use.
Please consult with your doctor before using lemongrass if you have arthritis.
Please consult with your doctor before using any kind of herbal remedy.
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