Also known as ‘fever grass’, lemon grass is a perennial plant – or a plant that re-grows every year – that has long leaves. As you can probably guess, the plant smells like lemons, which the name suggests; however, the taste is quite the opposite of lemons, as it is sweeter and not as pungent as lemons.
This herb is utilized in a variety of Asian dishes, as the plant is indigenous to Asia, and it is a great flavoring agent, as it has a very potent flavor.
Lemon grass is full of things that are good for you, including vitamins A and C, folate, folic acid, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium. Additionally, it also contains traces of complex B vitamins. Given the fact that it contains so many beneficial vitamins and nutrients, lemon grass provides more benefits than just flavor; it also provides a number of health benefits.
It Helps with Digestion
Lemon grass is a wonderful way to promote healthy digestion. Since it contains antiseptic compounds that are highly effective at killing bad bacteria and parasites that lie in the digestive tract, it is highly effective at treating digestive health problems, including:
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Flatulence
- Stomach spasms
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Cramps
Drink lemon grass on a daily basis and you will notice a big difference in your digestive health.
Keeps Cholesterol in Check
If you have high cholesterol, start taking lemon grass, as it is high in anti-cholesterol and anti-atherosclerosis . It helps to reduce the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine, which helps to keep your cholesterol levels down. It also helps to keep the oxidation of LDL cholesterol in the blood in check.
Detoxifies and Cleanses
Cleanse and detoxify your body with lemon grass tea. It is a diuretic, which means that it helps to remove toxins, uric acid and bad cholesterol because it increases the amount that you urinate, an increased urination helps to clean out the kidneys. It also helps to purify the liver, the bladder, the kidneys and the pancreas.
Eases Colds and the Flu
Thanks to the antibacterial and antifungal properties of lemon grass, it can help your body deal with fevers, coughs, stuffy noses and other symptoms that are commonly associated with head colds and the flu. Plus, it is also of vitamin C, which helps to boost the immune system and fights infection.
Combats Cancer
Lemon grass can actually help to fight certain types of cancer. It contains a component that is called citral, which causes apoptosis in cancer cells without doing damage to the healthy cells. In other words, lemon grass can cause cancer cells to literally die off.
Eases Arthritis Pain
Since it has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, lemon grass is excellent for treating arthritis. It suppresses the activity of cyclooxygenase-2, an enzyme that causes inflammation in the joints.
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-719-lemongrass.aspx?activeingredientid=719&activeingredientname=lemongrass
http://healthers.org/lemongrass/
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-lemongrass.html