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Health Benefits of Lemongrass

Lemongrass, also called fever grass, is a perennial plant with thin, long leaves that is indigenous to many Asian

countries. As the name implies, lemongrass smells like lemon, but it tastes milder and sweeter. This herb is used in

various Asian cuisines as a flavoring agent due to its potent flavor.

Nutritionally, lemongrass is a good source of vitamins A and C, folate, folic acid, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron,

potassium, phosphorus, calcium and manganese. It also has minute traces of B vitamins.

Along with its culinary uses, lemongrass is useful in alternative or complementary remedies for a wide range of

ailments.

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It has many beneficial medicinal properties including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antipyretic,

antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, astringent, carminative, diuretic, febrifuge, galactogogue, insecticidal,

sedative, and anti-cancer properties. The leaves, stems and bulb of lemongrass are used in various treatments.

Fresh and dried lemongrass is readily available in the market. You can also get lemongrass essential oil and

supplements.

Lemongrass tea is most often used in home remedies for various health issues. You can brew the tea by

steeping one teaspoon of fresh or dried lemongrass in a cup of hot water for about 10 minutes. Strain, add any

desired sweetener and your tea is ready. You can also buy ready-to-use tea bags.

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1. Helps Digestion

Lemongrass promotes healthy digestion. It has antiseptic compounds that effectively kill bad bacteria and

parasites in the digestive tract and repopulate the good bacteria in the colon.

This in turn helps treat digestive health problems like indigestion, constipation, heartburn, diarrhea,

bloating, flatulence, stomach spasms, vomiting and cramps. Plus, lemongrass has antimicrobial properties

that help relieve gastroenteritis.

For a healthy digestive tract, drink lemongrass tea on regular basis. Lemongrass tea, however, is not

recommended for small children.

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2. Controls Cholesterol Levels

The anti-cholesterol and anti-atherosclerosis action of lemongrass helps reduce the absorption of cholesterol

from the intestine. Plus, it helps in the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol in the blood, which in turn helps prevent

atherosclerotic plaque buildup.

A University of Wisconsin study in 1989 found that people with high cholesterol who took 140-milligram

capsules of lemongrass oil daily noticed reduction in cholesterol levels. They also experienced a significant

decrease in blood fats.

The high potassium content in lemongrass also helps lower and regulate blood pressure.

Simply drink a cup of lemongrass tea everyday to help lower your cholesterol level and reduce blood

pressure. You can also take this herb in supplement form after consulting your doctor.

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3. Cleanses and Detoxifies

Regular consumption of lemongrass tea helps cleanse and detoxify the body. The diuretic nature of

lemongrass helps remove toxins, uric acid and bad cholesterol from the body by increasing the frequency and

quantity of urination. Urination also helps clean out the kidneys.

Plus, the cleansing properties of this herbal tea help purify the liver, kidneys, bladder and pancreas. It also

plays a key role in increasing blood circulation, which is important for overall health.

Drink lemongrass tea on a regular basis to help your body get rid of harmful elements.

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4. Heals Colds and Flu

Lemongrass has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help your body cope with coughs, fever and other

cold and flu symptoms. Plus, it is loaded with vitamin C that boosts your immune system to fight the infection.

You can use lemongrass oil to relieve pain in muscles and joints, as well as headaches resulting from a cold or

the flu.

Plus, lemongrass can be effective in breaking down mucus and phlegm buildup, which can alleviate problems

with breathing. This is mainly beneficial when suffering from bronchitis or asthma.

You can make the following medicinal drink with lemongrass.

Boil a few fresh strands of lemongrass, two or three cloves, a small piece of cinnamon stick, one teaspoon of

turmeric powder in one cup of milk.

Strain and drink it when it cools down.

Drink this once a day for a few days.

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5. Reduces Arthritis Pain

Due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, lemongrass helps treat arthritis, rheumatism,

osteoarthritis, gout and other types of joint pain. Its anti-inflammatory properties help suppress the activity of

cyclooxygenase-2, an enzyme involved in inflammation that causes pain, especially in joints.

Plus, lemongrass helps to alleviate muscle spasms or sprains by relaxing the muscles, which in turn reduces

the pain-related symptoms.

You can mix lemongrass oil with coconut oil in a 1:2 ratio and rub it over the affected area. Leave it on for a

few hours before rinsing it off. Do this daily for a few weeks.

You can also drink lemongrass tea twice daily for best results.

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