This grass-like herb is well-known not just for flavouring tea but its health benefits as well. It has a distinct citrusy aroma guaranteed to arouse your sense of smell. It also contains vitamins and nutrients that help prevent some diseases and improve some body functions.
Here are some of the health benefits of lemongrass.
- Improves Oral Health
Oral health is important as it is an indication of good grooming. Traditionally, people chewed its stalks to improve oral health and keep the mouth smelling fresh. Recent studies confirmed that the herb contains one of the most potent inhibitors of bacterial growth including bacteria that causes cavities in the mouth.
2. Reduces Anxiety
It’s said that inhaling lemongrass can instantly calm you down. Its refreshing aroma lightens up your mood relieving stress, anxiety and insomnia. 5 Ways To Deal With Anxiety And Panic Attacks
3. Relieves Pain
A cup of lemongrass tea is just what the doctor recommended for menstrual pain. Apart from soothing, it contains ingredients that are effective painkillers. It acts as a muscle relaxer hence a great remedy for sore muscles. Additionally, lemongrass has the ability to block pain. Therefore, it can prevent someone from sensing pain.
4. Prevents Infection
The herb contains anti-fungal properties that fight fungal infections caused by low immunity. It’s good for people suffering from immune deficiency causing diseases like HIV.
5. Promotes Skin And Hair Health
If you’re struggling with hair loss, lemongrass might be the solution. It’s rich in Vitamins A and C which are great for hair and skin. It has powerful antiseptic properties that treat oily and acne-prone skin. However, you should only use it in lemongrass products as it causes irritation when applied directly to the skin.
6. Helps In Digestion
It is commonly used for digestive problems such as bloating, constipation and diarrhoea. Its antiseptic compounds kill parasites and bad bacteria that cause digestive problems.
7. Detoxifies The Body
If I knew earlier that lemongrass detoxifies, I wouldn’t have tortured myself with those kale juices. It cleanses the liver and kidneys by removing uric acid and bad cholesterol from your system. This, in turn, leads to an increase in urination keeping your system clean. Detoxing is important since it gets rid of any impurities in the blood that might lead to serious health issues.
Though lemongrass has a number of benefits, there are also some side effects that come with this herb. People prone to food allergies may notice itchiness or redness when they take lemongrass. They should exercise caution or avoid the herb altogether.
It is also not recommended for children or pregnant women. There are no proven safe dosages for children so it’s best to avoid it completely. Also, it’s advisable to avoid lemongrass products if you suffer from liver or kidney problems as it can be toxic to these organs.
Lemongrass, as a beverage, is delicious and helps with numerous health issues. It is also readily available at most spice and herb shops. Here’s a recipe on how to make lemongrass tea if you’re interested.
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