Lemon grass is an herb that is prepared in a wide variety of ways including teas, curry and many specialties of Indian cooking. Lemon grass also has been found to have many health benefits. A 2005 study by Ben Gurion University of the Negev found that the oil from lemon grass caused cancer cell death. According to the Sun Star Network, lemon grass may have diuretic properties and can help with digestion. Lemon grass can also help you lose weight, especially when combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
Benefits of Lemon Grass
Antibacterial
Lemongrass is known to have antimicrobial properties that help to avert all kind of viral, fungal and bacterial infections, thus offering a strong resistance against both internal and external microbes. It tenders protection against all kind of microbial infections in urinary tracts, respiratory tracts, colon, stomach and wounds. What more, it is used to treat skin diseases and works fine against ailments like malaria, typhoid, food-poisoning etc. Lemongrass also consists of antipyretic property that helps to bring down high fever.
Digestion
Lemongrass helps in digestion and works best against flatulence and gastroenteritis. Lemongrass is known to relax the abdominal region of the body and allows the air trapped inside to move down easily, thereby reducing the affect of belching and stomach pain.
Nervous System
Lemongrass oil provides a soothing effect to the agitated nerves and offers relief against several neuro disorders. Essential oils obtained from lemongrass help to boost the nervous system and work against nervous disorders like vertigo, nervousness, convulsions, shaking limbs, Parkinson’s diseases. Alzheimer’s disease and other nerve related issues. Lemongrass is known for its calming effect and is hence used to treat insomnia and stress too.
Painkillers
Lemongrass is known to be a great analgesic that helps to offer relief against all kinds of inflammation and irritability related to pains and aches. If you have toothache, muscle ache, joint pain or any other pain, just remember to munch on lemongrass for instant relief from pain.
Detoxifies
Lemongrass helps the body to detoxify by increasing the regularity and extent of urination. It assists the body to get rid of unwanted toxic substances and uric acid and helps the liver, digestive tract, kidney, pancreas, bladder and so on to stay clean and healthy. This effective diuretic helps to cleanse the system and helps in weight loss too. If mixed and consumed with pepper, lemongrass can offer relief from menstrual troubles and nausea too.
Blood Pressure
Since lemongrass is best known for its detoxifying properties, it aids the body to get rid of cholesterol, harmful toxins, uric acid and fats. It boosts blood circulation and eases all problem of the blood pressure. Drinking a glass of lemongrass juice can bring down your blood pressure considerably.
Lose Weight With Lemon Grass
Have a cup of lemon grass tea with breakfast. You can find loose tea leaves or pre-portioned bags in your local health food store. Add a teaspoon of honey for sweetness and enjoy this hot beverage that will fill your stomach and help you eat less. During your morning, the lemon grass can help you digest your breakfast, which should consist of lean proteins like turkey sausage and whole grains such as oatmeal. Eating breakfast is one of the best ways to lose weight because it keeps your metabolism from slowing down, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Make a pot of lemon grass chicken soup and divide it into single-serve portions, freezing the excess. At just 105 calories per serving, this delicious soup can be reheated in a microwave and eaten before lunch. In many cultures, soup is served first to whet the appetite and slow down the pace of eating the main meal. In addition, you will find that by drinking lemon grass soup, you will eat less of your lunch or dinner, thereby cutting calories.
Drop a small cotton bag filled with fresh or dried lemon grass into the corner of the shower or in the bath tub before you bathe. Let the hot water run for a few minutes to release the lemon grass scent. When you take a bath or shower, you will enjoy the relaxing scent of the lemon grass which, according to Gardens Ablaze, acts as a mild sedative.
Steep several bags of lemon grass tea in a quart of hot water for 10 minutes. Remove the bags and add 2 tbsp. of honey and place in a pitcher in your fridge. Have a glass of iced lemon grass tea before dinner to aid in digestion and relax you naturally so you can enjoy your meal. Eat a healthy dinner consisting of single servings of a lean protein, fresh or frozen vegetables and a starch such as corn or a baked potato with low-fat sour cream. By maintaining portion control, you can reduce your caloric intake by as much as 50 percent. In addition, the water in the tea will fill your stomach before you eat, so you will be inclined to eat less.
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