Lemongrass is the cornerstone of many Southeast Asian countries and with good reason. Whether it’s adding a whole new flavor dimension to a Tom Yum soup or scenting swanky spas, lemongrass is a power-packed herb that deserves recognition for its health benefits. Here are just some of the numerous reasons why you need to add a stalk of lemongrass to your recipes right away.
1. It Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Sipping on aromatic lemongrass tea might just be the easiest way to beat your cholesterol problems. Many studies have shown that lemongrass is extremely effective at maintaining healthy levels of triglycerides in your body, which in turn lowers the bad LDL cholesterol. Less LDL leads to less plaque buildup in your arteries, allowing your blood to flow unrestricted.
2. Flushes Out Toxins
The detox rage might be under scrutiny, but lemongrass is a safe and effective way to keep your body toxin-free. Lemongrass works as an excellent diuretic, making you urinate more frequently and sending out all the toxins accumulated in your body in the process. If you suffer from water retention, lemongrass can reduce symptoms like swollen feet and a bloated belly.
3. Helps You Sleep Better
The stresses and distractions of modern life can make it harder for us to get a good night’s sleep. Lemongrass has been shown to calm down nerves and bring the body into a state of tranquility. This slows down our mind and makes it easier for us to fall asleep. The soothing aroma of fresh lemongrass is also effective in inducing sleepiness.
4. Used Extensively In Aromatherapy
Even to a novice lemongrass smells divine, but its importance in aromatherapy goes further than that. The scent of lemongrass is said to cool down the body on a hot day and rejuvenates the mind, body and soul. The aromatic herb is also believed to promote blood circulation and revitalize dull, tired skin. As anyone who has treated themselves to a session at an oriental spa knows, there’s nothing like the scent of lemongrass to wake up the senses.
5. It Combats Weight Gain
We are always on the lookout for fat-fighting foods which don’t scrimp on taste. Lemongrass is right up there with the heavyweights of the health food world for its ability to aid weight loss. The fat burning magic in lemongrass boils down to one compound it contains, citral. Citral prevents fat from accumulating and encourages burning fat for fuel by the body. It also helps develop and maintain a healthy metabolism which can break down food more effectively.
6. Prevents Insect-Borne Diseases
Commercial mosquito repellents are often full of harmful chemicals that could be injurious to us in the long run. For those with respiratory problems especially, mosquito season can be a nightmare as most repellents on the market aggravate chronic diseases. Lemongrass oil is a great way to ward off pesky mosquitoes with absolutely zero harmful side effects. Burning lemongrass oil with some water is your best bet to keep your family safe from diseases like malaria and dengue.
7. It Keeps Your Feet Healthy
The next time you decide to DIY a pedicure at home, add a few drops of lemongrass oil to the foot bath. Lemongrass combats bad odor, letting you never having to suffer the embarrassment of smelly feet again. It also has powerful anti-fungal properties, so a few drops could keep foot infections at bay.
8. It’s A Powerful Antioxidant
Lemongrass has antioxidative properties which combat free radicals before they can cause any cellular damage. They prevent cells from mutating and becoming cancerous. A hot cup of lemongrass tea or a few stalks added to your curry could keep you healthy and cancer-free.
