The statements in this editorial are simply for informational purposes, entertainment, and objective research and do not represent the views or policies of the publication, or any other organization with which the author may be affiliated. They are also not to be viewed as personal medical care, but rather for the purpose of general knowledge. The author is not a medical professional. The reader is strongly encouraged to speak to his/her own physician for medical advice.
What’s the Tea on: Lemongrass?
Grass here in Vegas is accepted as a less than ideal add on to your landscape, lemongrass on the other hand is one perennial plant that actually does wonderful year around here! This is a plant that can grow up to 5 feet tall, and if after reading this, you want to add this hearty herb or ornamental grass, please check out and support the Doolittle Senior Community Garden (a wonderful place that is currently growing local herbs and foods) to grab a very healthy root to start within your own home.
Lemongrass brewed as a tea is fragrant, refreshing, and absolutely packed with health benefits that have been used for centuries. If you have yet to try this citrusy concoction, you're missing out on more than just a tasty drink. Benefitting everything from easing digestion to supporting the nervous system, this herbal brew is a powerhouse of wellness in a cup.
An Abundant Grass Turned Zesty Elixir for Improved Health
Lemongrass is made from the stalks of the Cymbopogon Citratus, and is made by steeping the fresh or dried stalks (obviously chopped up) in hot water (depending on your level of chop, tea bags might not be required). Lemongrass is an unsung hero of herbal beverages as it is suitable for every season. This caffeine-free citrus-infused brew is wonderful for winter as a hot yet invigorating cup of tea, or (if in this desert, regardless of the season) you are simply trying to increase your hydration, lemongrass is so refreshing and can be enjoyed cold as well.
Lab Work: The Bioactive Compounds
When studying edible plants, scientists find which compounds are naturally occurring within the plant and this is usually what is responsible for the flavor, aroma, and sometimes color for this vegetation. These bioactive compounds also contribute to its therapeutic properties. Some of the more notable compounds found in lemongrass include citral and geraniol, these are also found in lemons which are responsible for the lemony flavor and fragrance. Citral is actually a mixture of two isomers which are neral and geranial, and these both have strong antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, making lemongrass a supportive remedy for the ailments that arise during the colder months.
Lemongrass also has essential oils (that are also known as terpenes) which include myrcene, linalool, and limonene, which enhance the medicinal effects. These bioactive compounds synergistically work together to offer pain relief, reduce occasional inflammation, and promote relaxation. Lemongrass is rich in antioxidants, which include flavonoids and phenolic acids, that help to neutralize harmful free radicals while concurrently reducing oxidative stress within the body.
Top Health Goals: Weight Loss
Lemongrass is a natural diuretic which helps reduce water retention and bloating as it simultaneously stimulates digestion which can support your metabolism and weight-management, all while being delicious, and calorie-free. Lemongrass can support the improvement of insulin sensitivity due to its above-mentioned compounds such as polyphenols which support healthy glucose metabolism.
Liver Support and Increased Iron
Supporting your detox organs are some of the most effective ways to aid your body in increasing efficiency, as it is already designed to do all the important jobs. The liver is responsible for the storage of vitamins, hormones, and has an important role in metabolism (which is how things are broken down, utilized, and eliminated within the body). Because the liver does a lot of heavy lifting, an herb like lemongrass which is rich in citric acid supports the liver's efficiency. Lemongrass is also high in iron which makes it very supportive for those of us who experience cold hands and feet, regardless of the season. Iron is an essential nutrient for healthy red blood cells, and increasing iron through whole foods (such as herbs), helps support energy levels, and in this case simultaneously supports hydration (which is oxygen for the blood), so it’s a win-win!
Oral Health and Anxiety
Those two might sound like two separate issues, but both are of great magnitude when it comes to full body health and should be addressed as such. First and foremost, oral health is based on the balance of bacteria within the mouth. If there is decomposition in any area, it will affect the smell of your breath and the nerves which connect to your entire nervous system. This too can be addressed with focus, research, and application. To your luck, lemongrass has antimicrobial properties which can reduce oral pathogens. Think of this when it comes to anything you put into your mouth (which is the first place digestion begins in conjunction with chewing and saliva): is this feeding good bacteria or “bad” bacteria? As we know, the gut has a huge correlation with our brain and moods, so this is the same question here. Supporting digestion is going to also support moods to a degree. Lemongrass is also known for its calming properties, making it wonderful for everyday consumption.
Valuable Asset in Modern Wellness and Cuisine
Lemongrass is a very versatile herb, and many know it as a staple in Southeast Asian cuisines such as Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian cooking. It’s a staple in Ayurvedic medicine, TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), and amongst various African folk medicine practices. Here in the west it is probably most commonly known as an essential oil for skin and beauty products. If you are interested in trying it blended with some other (seemingly miraculous) herbs, come visit us at your local farmers market, or visit us at www.hightechteas.com
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3217679/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8773226/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9578511/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29389585/
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