Lemongrass is a kind of herb grown mostly in Sri Lanka and in the Southern part of India, though nowadays, due to its growing demand it is grown in many parts of the world. This herb is known for its lemon-like citrusy flavour and is used as flavouring in many Thai and other Asian Cuisine. However lately, the popularity of lemongrass has grown as a special kind of beverage known to have many a health benefit – The Lemongrass Tea. Known for its revitalising aspects and the ability to reduce stress, lemongrass tea is the next brew you might want to taste.
The Plant
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tall, perennial plant, almost like seagrasses with long leaves. Lemongrass has red base stems and can grow up to 10 feet in its favoured habitat. The best time to grow lemongrass is during the summer in moist, rich soil. There are about 55 species of lemongrass but not all varieties are used in cooking. India is the highest producer of lemongrass producing over 2 million pounds per year. It is cultivated along with the mountain range of the Western Ghats and beside the foothills of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim in the north-eastern part of India.
The Brew
It is fairly simple to brew a quick cup of lemongrass tea. All you need to do is chop the grass, put it in water, bring it to boil, letting it steep for 10 to 15 minutes and a nice hot cup of refreshing tea is ready. Alternatively, you can use a tea bag of dried lemongrass; soak it in hot water or with ice to enjoy an easily brewed cup of tea, hot or cold as per your liking. Herbal lemongrass tea is free of caffeine.
Benefits
What is giving lemongrass tea its growing popularity? It is believed that lemongrass has multiple health benefits, aiding digestion and relieving stress. So here are a few health benefits that lemongrass is known to possess; all the more reason to have lemongrass tea other than its mild flavours and rejuvenating taste-
- Relieving Anxiety: Tea, more so lemongrass tea, is said to reduce stress and anxiety. Does flopping on the coziest chair with that one good cup of smoking hot tea in hand after a long day at work not ease out all that tension from the tired muscles and relax the mind? Think about it!
- Boosts Digestion: Lemongrass tea’s cooling energy helps soothe the stomach. It contains a component called citral that helps to aid digestion. In fact, in age-old Chinese medicine, lemongrass tea is known to remedy various stomach problems like bloating, constipation or indigestion.
- Detoxification: Lemongrass tea is packed with antioxidants that help in detoxification and cleansing of the body from within.
- Regulates High Blood Pressure: Lemongrass is used in taming high blood pressure due to its rich potassium content. It stimulates blood circulation and lowers blood pressure. However, this should also be marked as a caution for diabetic patients who must consult health professionals regarding the consumption of lemongrass tea. Lemongrass is also known to limit cholesterol absorption from the intestines, thus promoting overall heart health.
- Relieves Menstrual Cramps: It is considered excellent for women’s health. It provides relief from hot flashes and helps in reducing menstrual pain due to its soothing effect.
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