Lemongrass tea may the secret elixir to eternal health and I am pretty sure by the time you finish reading this you’ll be wanting a big ol’ cup of lemongrass tea too.
My parents, of Indian decent, have been using lemongrass they grow in their backyard to flavor their regular black tea for many years whereas for me I was used to having it as part of a delicious Thai meal but it was only after a conversation with an aunt in Sydney, (thanks Phiruzeh Aunty), that I began researching the health benefits of this deceptively simple looking tropical grass and after everything I learned it is now my new favorite drink, I enjoy it hot or cold)!
As the name suggests, lemongrass has a lemon-like aroma and taste but not the sour quality typical of lemons. The plant is made up of many stalks from which multiple long leaves (grass) grow. The stalks are used in cooking and the leaves are perfect for liquid preparations like tea etc.
Modern research has revealed it has a multitude of significant health benefits due to its anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer properties and the fact it is so nutritious.
Lemongrass tea is great way to detox your body as it helps to cleanse and purify many of our often stressed organs including the liver, kidneys, bladder and pancreas. It also increases blood circulation plus its diuretic effect helps carry out the toxins from the process to be eliminated very effectively. (Do be sure to re-hydrate yourself with pure, clean water if you are drinking this tea regularly.)
One of the things that really impresses me about lemongrass is the way it has the ability to re-balance intestinal flora (making sure you have lots of good bacteria in your gut which keeps you healthy) which is great if you’ve been sick, on antibiotics, suffer from Chron's Disease, colitis or suffer from indigestion, constipation, diarrhea bloating, cramps or any other intestinal disturbances.
Lemongrass is packed with nutrients and contains vitamins A, C and B vitamins (in trace amounts) as well as folate, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and manganese.
Drinking lemongrass tea on a regular basis has also been shown to be effective in treating many chronic health conditions including anemia due to its high content in iron (which really surprised me!). The strong anti-inflammatory effect of lemongrass on the body can also provide relief from conditions including arthritis, gout and inflammation of the urinary tract. The antiseptic properties of lemongrass tea also help to eliminate the bad microorganisms and parasites, detoxify and purify the blood and successfully treat bacterial, fungal or yeast infections.
Lemongrass also has a beneficial effect on the respiratory tract and sipping on warm tea (alone or with honey) can greatly relieve symptoms of cold, flu and hay fever.
For diabetics lemongrass tea can help to detoxify the pancreas and improve its function therefore help lower blood sugar levels.
For those who suffer from gastritis or heartburn, regularly drinking a warm mug of lemongrass tea can be very and will help gradually reduce the recurrence of this disorder.
Lemongrass is very heart-healthy as it has anti-cholesterol and anti-atherosclerosis properties. It helps reduce the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream as well as the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol in the blood, reducing the chance for formation of atherosclerotic plaques which can lead to heart attack/stroke. The high potassium content which has a diuretic effect helps relieve high blood pressure. Drinking lemongrass tea regularly will help easy blood pressure levels.
Lemongrass also had the ability to calm the nervous system and keep it functioning well due to its high mineral content. Regularly drinking lemongrass tea will help improve concentration, memory and the brain’s ability to process information. It can also assist with insomnia (sleeplessness) which happens due to internal chemical imbalance or nervous disorders. The purifying and calming action of lemongrass helps improve sleep.
If you have problem skin lemongrass tea is here to help! When drunk regularly, lemongrass tea has the ability to purify the blood and help circulation which in turn helps to clear the skin and can help ease symptoms associated with acne, eczema and psoriasis.
Some sources suggest that drinking lemongrass tea helps to melt fat – I’ll let you know how that works out!
With so many health benefits, you can see why lemongrass tea is now a part of my staple diet and I hope it will become a part of yours too.
Check out my recipe for Lemongrass Tea below - it is so easy to do and very refreshing!
This tea can be drunk hot or cold.
I usually use the leaves and ginger twice, that is, I will add some more boiling water and brew again after I have finished the pot.
If you have a mortar and pestle, use the pestle to slightly flatten out the ginger so it is easy for the flavor to permeate the tea.
LEMONGRASS TEA
YOU WILL NEED
4-5 long stalks lemongrass, roughly cut into 6-8cm/2-3 inch pieces (basically so you can easily put them into the pot/kettle you are going to brew the tea in.)
1/2 inch/small piece roughly chopped fresh ginger (optional but adds some zing)
3-4 cups of boiling water
METHOD
In a medium pot or kettle place in lemongrass and ginger.
Add boiling water.
Cover and allow to to brew for 4-5 minutes, pour into your cup and enjoy!
MAKES 3-4 LARGE CUPS OF TEA