Useful properties and contraindications of lemongrass or lemongrass. Lemongrass: beneficial properties, contraindications, benefits and harms

Lemongrass is perennial, belonging to the family of cereals, or bluegrass. Common in America, China, India, Africa and Southern Europe, cymbopogon, or lemongrass (another name for the plant), is characterized by rapid growth and can reach a height of 1.8 meters in tropical climates. One and a half meters is its average size. In nature, lemon grass (the photo conveys all the beauty of such an unusual culture) has more than 50 species.

Description

lemon grass, beneficial features which is appreciated in the pharmacological industry, it is quite light-loving, although it can easily tolerate shady places, but is afraid of cold weather. Sandy soil is most suitable as a soil composition for this crop. IN natural conditions the plant can be found in wetlands, as it is moisture-loving.

Lemon grass grows pointwise, in bunches, does not grow and does not clog areas. The inflorescences are spike-shaped, located on erect, rigid shoots that have a cylindrical shape. Lemon grass is grown in greenhouses and gardens, and also as an ornamental plant (because it creates the appearance of a rare tropical representative), for which it is loved by many gardeners. Characteristic feature Cymbopogon has a well-developed root system, which, unfortunately, very quickly, like a pump, depletes the soil, pumping nutrients out of it.

Excellent natural mosquito repellent

Characterized by light green, long, narrow leaves arranged alternately, lemongrass has a citrusy flavor with pleasant almond notes and a light lemon aroma that repels various insects, particularly mosquitoes and flies. One has only to rub the stem and apply the resulting juice to the skin, and for 4 hours you can calmly forget about such annoying insects.

Using Lemongrass in Cooking

Due to its rich composition, lemongrass, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which have been fully studied by specialists, is widely in demand in folk medicine and cooking. The main component of such a plant is essential oils (geraniol and central), their total share is 70-85%, the rest of the elements are vitamin A and B, ascorbic acid, calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium and sodium salts, natural antiseptics and antioxidants.

The stems are mainly used in cooking lemon grass(how in fresh, and dried), pre-crushed: either finely chopped or ground into powder. The leaves are not edible, so they are most often thrown away. Lemongrass is most in demand in Asian cuisine, where it is an important component of stews, soups, seafood dishes, chicken, beef and pork. Pairs well with red pepper and cilantro. The properties of lemongrass allow it to be used as an excellent supplement to various drinks, giving them a delicate citrus aroma. To prepare a refreshing product from lemongrass, the stems of the latter are cut and brewed with boiling water, after which they are cooled. It is recommended to add milk with sugar or ice cubes to the resulting drink.

Beneficial features

Lemon grass is powerful antiseptic, which has pronounced anti-inflammatory and disinfectant properties. Lemongrass refreshes, tones, relieves muscle pain, reduces weakness and dizziness, normalizes blood circulation, metabolism, removes excess fat, treats cellulite and skin diseases.

Lemon grass (the photo fully conveys the tropical charm of this plant) cures insomnia, helps with stress and depression. This effective remedy to reduce excessive sweating of the feet, it is successfully used in the composition base oils, used in therapeutic, sports and general massage. The beneficial components of this herb act as if taken medicinal infusions internally and locally essential oil on the affected areas of the skin.

Lemongrass increases stamina physical activity, increases lactation and optimizes metabolic processes in organism. This plant eliminates flatulence, intestinal dysfunction, inflammatory processes gastric mucosa.

Refreshes and tones

Lemongrass is very tasty and healthy in tea. It increases appetite and helps with colitis, indigestion and gastroenteritis. This drink, both hot and cold, in addition to its refreshing effect, saturates the body with a complex useful microelements and vitamins, removes toxins and increases resistance to infectious diseases. Pleasant food has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. citrus aroma, relieving nervous tension.

Lemongrass oil will help with headaches, but it is worth knowing that it should be combined with a base. Massaging the forehead and temples with this composition is recommended to be done extremely carefully, otherwise you may end up with red, itchy and irritated skin. The manifestation of the antibacterial effect is observed in the therapeutic effect on skin lesions purulent in nature: microbial eczema, acne, boils.

Lemongrass essential oil can resist fungal skin diseases. The pronounced anti-inflammatory and healing effect allows this herb to be used in dermatological practice.

Lemongrass against toxins

Traditional medicine also successfully uses the properties of lemon grass to remove toxins from the body, cleanse the intestines, kidneys, and pancreas. At infectious diseases Use lemon grass to reduce fever. The plant also promotes fast healing wounds and cuts. This herb, which has multifaceted properties, helps in weight loss, tightens the skin and improves its elasticity. When caring for your hair, it helps reduce oiliness.

Application in cosmetology

Lemongrass is an effective skin care product for normal and fatty type. This is an excellent tonic for saggy, sagging skin, giving it high tone and helping to open pores. The plant provides a fat balance to the epidermis and is also the basis of an essential oil (used in lamps and candles to repel insects), which is obtained by steam distillation. Lemon grass oil also protects palm leaves used for storing ancient manuscripts from destruction.

Another area of ​​application is aromatherapy, which improves memory, relieves fatigue and restores vitality.

Lemon grass: contraindications

Lemon oil is contraindicated for use in people suffering from increased excitability and hypertension in its severe form. Using the plant can cause a sore throat, contraction of the vocal cords, and short-term hoarseness. The grass is not toxic, but high concentration may cause irritation of sensitive skin, redness, and burning sensation. It is not recommended to use lemongrass for people with medical conditions. gastrointestinal tract. A large amount of fiber in its composition can cause diarrhea or constipation. The use of lemon grass is contraindicated for pregnant women and children under 7 years of age.

By the way, cymbopogonus is attributed to a number of magical properties. Called "Voodoo grass", it is planted around the house to get rid of snakes. This plant is believed to cause sexual attraction and excites passion, which is why it is used to make a potion.

Lemongrass, or lemongrass, (Symborogon) is a plant belonging to the Poaceae, or Poagrass, family. This genus includes just over fifty species that originally grew in regions with warm and tropical weather conditions.

Lemongrass looks like a common herbaceous perennial. It grows in fairly dense and abundant turf. The plant has a short rhizome of white or light purple color and a stem part in the form of a tall straw.

The foliage is linear, 3-10 mm wide, with characteristic pubescence on both sides and fairly sharp edges. The inflorescences are complex, collected on the basis of spike-shaped branches, formed on the apical part of the stem. Flowers are small, inconspicuous appearance, have a gray-white color. The fruits are represented by small elongated grains.

It is quite difficult to grow such a plant in our country. It is quite widely cultivated in the area South-East Asia, and also grows in the tropics and subtropics of Africa and America.

Lemongrass looks like a regular herbaceous perennial

Useful properties and chemical composition of lemongrass

The benefits of culture are undeniable, and The chemical composition of a useful and very unusual tropical plant is presented:

• sodium;
• iron;
• manganese;
• magnesium;
• potassium;
• zinc;
• calcium;
• chrome;
• phosphorus;
• silicon;
• fatty acids.

Also contains vitamin C or ascorbic acid, B vitamins and vitamin A. The essential oils of the plant differ increased amount geraniol and citral. Tropical culture not only has a fairly high nutritional value, but also helps improve appetite, strengthen muscle tissue, and has positive influence on the performance of brain cells and heart muscle.

The presence of antioxidants effectively prevents premature aging, improves metabolic processes and lipid breakdown. Eating it allows you to quickly normalize blood sugar levels and is characterized by an antidepressant effect. This type of plant is useful if you need to boost your immunity.

Gallery: lemongrass (25 photos)

Features of growing lemon grass (video)

Features of growing cymbopogon at home:

Citronella is grown in seedlings, and seed material can be purchased at almost any garden center.

Optimal growing conditions and choice of location

The plant is quite heat-loving and sun-loving, but in the soil and climatic conditions of the central zone of our country it is impossible to grow such a crop in flower beds open ground does not seem possible.

The air temperature in the room cannot be less than 20-22oC. Shoots will appear as quickly and evenly as possible when growing seedlings on south-facing windowsills, with sufficiently bright sun.

Lemongrass is quite heat-loving and sun-loving.

Requirements for soil and planting pot

The tropical medicinal crop not only loves bright sunlight, but also grows best in humus soils with sufficient nutrients and constant humidity levels. The soil for growing crops must be light and sufficiently drained, preferably with plenty of medium-grained sand and a slightly acidic pH.

Seed preparation and planting technology

The seeds should be prepared by wrapping them in damp cloth, and then into a regular plastic bag, after which it should be left in a warm place for about twelve hours. Before sowing, the seeds should be dried on a paper towel, and then sowed in moist and fairly fertile soil without deep digging. The container with the crops is covered with film to create a greenhouse effect. After the first shoots appear, the film cover is removed, and the sprouts are transplanted into containers, which can be taken outside in the summer.

Before planting, lemongrass seeds must be prepared

The root system must always be well moistened, so the soil around the plant must be mulched with organic matter. Watering lemongrass requires only soft and sufficiently settled water. Rain or melt water at room temperature is best suited for irrigation activities. Container-grown crops winter period must be brought into the premises.

Determining the degree of maturity of the plant

If lemongrass is grown for food purposes, the above-ground portion can be cut at any time of the year. The foliage is cut into small pieces, after which it is laid out to dry under awnings or in a room with sufficient inflow fresh air.It is best to store plant materials in closed glass containers.

Lemongrass tea (video)

Medicinal and beneficial properties of lemon grass

The healing properties are due to the content of essential oil, the main part of which is citral. Among other things, the composition is enriched with limonene, isopulgenol, citronelic and geranic acids, as well as α-camphonene.

Application in perfumery and cosmetology

Bactericidal and restorative properties Lemongrass oils are used in many lines designed to care for problematic or oily skin. In India, Cymbopogon citratus is very widely used not only in medical purposes, but also in the modern perfume industry.

However, perfumes with notes of cymbopogon are not found very often in perfumery, which is due to the difficulty of selecting the most harmonious combinations. More often Frankincense and ginger are used as an effective addition to lemongrass, as well as jasmine and anise.. Particularly popular are the women's perfume Carthusia Io Capri and the men's fragrance Diesel Only The Brave Wild.

The bactericidal and general strengthening properties of lemongrass oils are used in many lines designed to care for problematic or oily skin

Healing recipes of traditional medicine

Lemongrass is traditionally used in folk medicine. The plant is used for cooking medicinal tea, tinctures and infusions, juice, essential oils, cream and ointment, and is also included in various herbal medicinal preparations.

For inhalation, gargling and oral administration, infusions of fresh or dried herbs poured with boiling water are used. To obtain the tincture, the stems are crushed in a blender, after which they are poured with alcohol in a one-to-one ratio. The tincture should be stored in a dark place.

Lemongrass in cooking

The dried seasoning is not inferior in taste and quality characteristics to many widely used aromatic herbs. Lemongrass is widely used as a seasoning in Asian and Caribbean cuisine. Delicious fresh and dried raw materials have a pronounced citrus aroma. Fish dishes, poultry, and as well as seafood and sauces.

Lemongrass is not inferior in taste and quality characteristics to many widespread aromatic herbs

How to brew and drink lemongrass tea correctly

Lemongrass based tea, due to its unique chemical composition, is a very effective antimicrobial, antiseptic and bactericidal agent. To obtain maximum effect, it is necessary to brew healing herbal raw materials correctly. Tea is extremely useful for people working in harmful conditions, since the drink quickly neutralizes all unpleasant consequences.

24.09.2017

You've heard about lemongrass, and probably even tried it, but do you know what it is? Its name suggests that it is an herb that has a lemony scent, but there is more to it than that. Lemongrass has long been known in Asian countries for its medicinal properties, and is also widely used in cooking. Here you will learn about what makes it so popular.

What is lemongrass?

Lemongrass is a tropical herb with a sweet, lemony odor and slightly pungent taste. Particularly popular in Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine. The strongest aroma is in the thickened lower part of the stem. Lemongrass can be added whole to a dish or peeled and then crushed or chopped.

It is sold fresh, dried or in powder form. Commonly used in cooking and herbal teas.

What lemongrass looks like - photo

Cut lemongrass stems are about 20cm long and look a bit like leeks.

general description

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tall, perennial herb that includes about 45 species growing in the tropical and subtropical climates of Asia, Australia and Africa. India is the largest supplier of this spice (80% of world production), where it is grown along the Western Ghats mountain range and in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Lemongrass can grow up to 90 cm in height and width.

Lemongrass stems have several layers, each wrapped tightly around it. The top layers are hard and green. They rather resemble the outer leaves of corn. When you peel off the top layers, you will find an inner white stem. It is also very complex and difficult to cut.

Other names for lemongrass: cymbopogon, lemongrass, citronella, lemongrass, lemongrass, shuttlebeard.

Where to buy lemongrass

Unless you live near an Asian specialty store, it's unlikely that you'll come across lemongrass. Still, it never hurts to check if it is sold in the produce section of your supermarket. Lemongrass paste is also available for sale.

If this is a problem, you can always buy dried or even fresh lemongrass from an online store.

How to choose lemongrass

Lemongrass is usually sold in bunches of two or three stems. When purchasing, consider a few essential facts:

• Look for firm stems. Soft or limp ones will not taste good.
• The lower part of the stem should be pale yellow and top part green.
• Avoid lemongrass, which has brown outer leaves.

How and how long to store lemongrass

Lemongrass good quality Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To do this, wash the stems in a clean cold water. Let dry. Separate the green leaves from the stem. Place in a bag and store in the refrigerator separately from other foods.

Lemongrass can be frozen and stored for several months. Some of the aroma will be lost over time, but it will still retain its properties and will be easier to cut.

The stems can also be cut into small pieces and dried. These dried pieces should be stored in airtight jars and used as needed as needed, or ground to a powder. The shelf life of dried lemongrass is up to 6 months.

Chemical composition

Lemongrass plant is rich useful substances, minerals and vitamins.

Nutritional value of fresh lemongrass per 100 g

Physiological role

Lemongrass renders therapeutic effect on the body, including:

• Antioxidant, antifungal and antimicrobial action.
• Contains antioxidants that stimulate the immune system.
• Supports healthy level cholesterol, prevents atherosclerosis.
• The diuretic effect helps cleanse the body and flush out toxins.
• Supports digestion.
• May be effective in treating some types of cancer.
• Prevents gastrointestinal disorders.
• Stimulates intestinal function and improves digestion.
• Treats constipation, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea and ulcerative colitis.
• Has a sedative and hypnotic effect.
• Helps calm nerves.
• Relieves various respiratory diseases.
• Treats ulcers ringworm and urinary tract infections.
• Weakens headache and migraine pain.
• Improves blood circulation.
• Maintains optimal insulin levels, prevents and treats diabetes.

Beneficial properties of lemongrass

Health benefits and medicinal use lemongrass are huge: it contains a lot of essential oils, chemical substances, minerals and vitamins that have antioxidant properties and prevent disease.

• Main chemical component Lemongrass contains citral, which is responsible for its unique lemony smell. It has strong antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
• Additionally, lemongrass contains mirencene, citronellol, methylheptanone, dipentine, geraniol, limonene, geranyl acetate, nerol, etc. These compounds are known to have anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, antifungal and antiseptic properties.
• The leaves and stems contain folate (per 100 g about 75 mcg or 19% of the daily value). Folate plays vitally important role in cell division and DNA synthesis, they prevent neural tube defects in the child during the period of conception.
• Lemongrass is also rich in many vital important vitamins, such as pantothenic acid(vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) and thiamine (vitamin B-1). The body needs them constantly, as they do not accumulate, but require constant replenishment.
• In addition, fresh lemongrass contains no a large number of antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin A.
• Both fresh and dried, it is a source of minerals such as potassium, zinc, calcium, iron, manganese, copper and magnesium.

Contraindications (harm) of lemongrass

Lemongrass is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

What does lemongrass smell and taste like?

Lemongrass has a lemony, herbaceous-sharp and at the same time sweetish-floral aroma. It tastes softer and sweeter than lemon. There is a ginger note, but without the sour undertone.

Uses of Lemongrass Essential Oil

The fresh and tangy citrus scent of lemongrass essential oil makes it wonderful natural product, which is usually added to cosmetics, and is also used in the manufacture of candles and waxes, deodorants and perfumes.

• Lemongrass oil, when used in aromatherapy, revitalizes the body and relieves symptoms of headaches and muscle pain, helps with nervous exhaustion and under stress.
• Essential oil is often used to relieve symptoms of laryngitis, bronchitis, etc.
• Lemongrass oil is used in massage therapy as a tonic and firming agent for the skin.
• If you are suffering from oily hair, itchy scalp, excessive hair loss or any other hair problem, rubbing this oil on your scalp will help you solve them.
• The antibacterial properties of lemongrass oil will help keep your head clean and leave your hair fresh, shiny, and odor-free.

Do a preliminary test: apply a drop to the skin (where the elbow is) and observe for 24 hours to find out if you have any adverse reaction for lemongrass essential oil.

Use of lemongrass in cooking

The lower part of lemongrass is widely used as a seasoning in Asian dishes. Its mild citrus aroma will be appropriate in soups, poultry, beef and seafood dishes.

How to Peel and Cut Lemongrass

The most commonly used pieces in soups, stews and teas are 2.5 to 5 cm in length. Before cooking, all outer layers are usually removed, leaving only the tender white inner stem.

Many recipes call for “beating” lemongrass to extract the flavor. For this:

1. Rinse the stems thoroughly with cool running water.
2. Trim off the top green part.
3. Cut and discard the bottom of the stem about 3cm from the base.
4. Remove tough outer leaves and discard.
5. Pound the stem using a meat mallet or the flat side of a kitchen knife.
6. Can be cut into pieces about 5 cm.
7. You can then add it to any soup or curry you are preparing.

The stems can be finely chopped and ground in a food processor to a paste.

Dried lemongrass is soaked before use.

How to prepare lemongrass - video

To get easy and delicate taste and smell, add lemongrass at the end of cooking. The longer you cook this spice, the more intense its flavor. Add the chopped lemongrass stems to the dish and leave them until you achieve the desired concentration of flavor.

Like bay leaves, lemongrass remains hard and should be removed from the dish after it has released its flavor.

Where to add lemongrass

Here are some application ideas:

• The subtle aroma of lemongrass goes well with fish, seafood, meat and poultry.
• Widely used in soups, marinades, curries, etc. in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia.

• Tom Yam is the most popular soup in Thailand. It is made from fresh lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, lime juice, fish sauce and crushed chili peppers. Shrimp, fish, chicken or mushrooms are also usually placed there.
• Lemongrass tea is a very refreshing drink.
• Young stems are used in salads.
• Dry lemongrass powder is used instead of fresh stems in marinades.
• This spice is also added to pickles.

How to brew lemongrass tea

For 1 glass of tea you will need 1 tablespoon of chopped lemongrass.

1. Peel the outer leaves as they impart a bitter taste.
2. Slice white part stem into pieces.
3. Pour one tablespoon of lemongrass into a glass of boiling water.
4. Let steep for 5 minutes and then strain the tea.
5. Sweeten it with sugar or honey if desired.

Both dried and fresh stems can be used for tea.

How to replace lemongrass in a recipe

• 1 teaspoon lemongrass powder = 1 fresh stalk.

The aroma of lemongrass is quite complex and it is difficult to find another product that could replace it. The easiest option is to use lemon as a substitute.

• The zest of one lemon = two stalks of lemongrass.

You can also add something else to it that can replicate the herbal notes of the lemongrass scent. For example, arugula.

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest with one arugula leaf will replace 1 stalk of lemongrass.

Now you know everything about lemongrass: what kind of wonderful herb it is, what its health benefits are, what properties it has and how to use it correctly in cooking. This spice can solve a whole range of problems: from medicinal and cosmetic to preparing delicious food.

lemon grass- a very useful perennial plant, also known as lemongrass, citronella, lemongrass. The plant came to us from the tropics of Europe and Asia. Citronella reaches almost 1.8 meters in favorable climate, in cold zones its length is 1 meter. The long leaves of lemongrass are quite narrow in shape and sharp (see photo).

Citronella is grown from seeds. All types of plants grow quickly and have similar properties. There are two main types of grass:

• West Indian Lemongrass. This type of citronella is grown in Malaysia.
• Cochin, or East Indian, grass that is found in Sri Lanka and Thailand.

In many tropical countries, citronella is specially planted near residential buildings, since insects and snakes cannot stand its smell.

Beneficial features

The beneficial properties of lemon grass are due to the presence of a natural antioxidant - vitamin A. The plant is used to cleanse the body of toxins. Citronella was found to contain fatty acid, vitamins B and C, a nicotinic acid and a number of microelements. Lemongrass is a natural antidepressant, its smell relieves fatigue, tones, drives away bad thoughts. The smell of lemongrass in the car interior will help the driver concentrate and pay more attention to the road.

The plant has a pleasant lemon aroma and citrus taste. Lemongrass is in particular demand in cosmetology and perfume compositions. Lemongrass essential oil consists mainly of geraniol and central. These substances stimulate skin healing processes, have an anti-inflammatory effect, and are considered effective natural antiseptics.

Lemongrass juice – excellent natural remedy from insect bites. Just rub the skin fresh leaves, and mosquitoes will not bother you for the next few hours. In order to prepare an effective mosquito repellent for future use, just add alcohol to citronella juice.

Lemongrass is effective for treating skin areasaffected by fungus. IN folk recipes it is often used for dermatitis. The herb stimulates lymph flow and blood circulation, which makes it possible to use it for cellulite. For varicose veins, you can use mixtures based on lemongrass: they will strengthen the walls of blood vessels. In sports, lemon grass is used to increase the endurance of the ligamentous and muscular apparatus.

Use in cooking

Lemongrass has been used in cooking for a long time. Many Asian dishes are prepared using citronella, which gives them a subtle zest and subtle notes of almond. It is not customary to use lemongrass leaves in cooking, since only Bottom part The stem has culinary value. As a spice added to soups and stews, citronella pairs wonderfully with... spicy plants, like cilantro.

Thai cuisine has a recipe for a cool tea drink based on lemongrass. The drink is very refreshing and has a lemon scent. How to brew tea? In order to prepare a kind of iced tea, pour boiling water over finely chopped citronella stems and then cool. The drink is served with ice; if desired, you can add a little milk and sugar.

Classic national recipe Thai soup called Tom Yam necessarily includes lemongrass. There are recipes using fresh plants. Lemongrass stems are dipped into a dish while heat treatment and then taken out. Even if the lemongrass stems are left on the plate, no one eats them, as they themselves are very tough. In order to obtain juice from citronella, fresh grass must be mashed and then ground, and then the plant will release all its beneficial substances.

The lemon-ginger taste of the herb will change beyond recognition familiar dishes. The plant can be added to homemade sauces, noodles, and soups. Poultry, seafood, fish and vegetables will take on a new flavor when cooked with a pinch of citronella.

Coconut desserts, sweets with nuts, milk, and a number of soft drinks will be even tastier if combined with lemongrass. A few pinches of the plant can easily replace zest in culinary recipes. Lemongrass is used as a traditional tea drink in Africa.

Lemongrass benefits and treatment

The benefits of lemongrass are manifested in its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. The plant reduces temperature, helps with colds, fever. How food supplement Lemon grass accelerates metabolic processes in the body and activates digestion.

In its homeland, lemongrass is used to treat colds and digestive problems. Lemongrass has long been used to prepare love potions", which cause sexual arousal and are a natural aphrodisiac.

IN Indian medicine the plant is known as a remedy for herpes and skin diseases. Lemongrass is also included in many cleansers for oily skin.

You can buy lemon grass in the form alcohol tincture or essential oil.

Harm of lemon grass and contraindications

Lemongrass is contraindicated in severe hypertension. It is better not to use the plant for people prone to increased excitability. It is not advisable for pregnant women to use citronella.

Lemongrass essential oil itself is not toxic, but can cause irritation on sensitive skin. A burning and tingling sensation may occur within a few minutes after application. Before using essential oil, it is better to do a test for individual tolerance and lack of allergic reactions, for this it will be enough to apply a little oil to the bend of your elbow. Citronella can cause discomfort in the throat, slight hoarseness, which is associated with its effect on vocal cords. In this regard, people who are engaged in vocal or lecturing activities should not use essential oil.

Lemongrass is not recommended for use as a tonic for more than two weeks.

Herbal teas are healthy and have a wide variety of effects on the human body. They refresh and improve emotional condition, soothe and restore strength. Some of them promote weight loss. From the article you will learn about the properties of lemongrass, how to brew it and use it correctly.

Beneficial properties of lemongrass

Lemongrass is a lemon grass that is traditional in Asian cuisine and is also common in African countries. It is used not only as a seasoning for many national dishes, but also as medicinal drug in folk medicine, as well as a source of essential oil in cosmetology.

You can also find other names for lemongrass - “Indian verbena”, “lemongrass”, “citronella”.

Parts of lemongrass such as the stem, leaves, and the base of the rosette have been used.

Chemical composition of lemongrass

Citral in lemongrass

It contains citral aldehyde, the concentration of which is up to 85%. It is thanks to this that tea brewed with lemongrass acquires a special spicy taste and citrus aroma. By the way, this substance is often used on an industrial scale as a flavoring agent. It is included in many pharmaceutical drugs.

Vitamin composition of lemongrass

All the value of lemongrass lies in the vitamins and microelements that the grass is rich in. It contains most of the B vitamins - B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, vitamin H, beta-carotene.

In addition, lemongrass is a source of methylheptenol, limonene, geraniol, myrcene.

Macro- and microelements in lemongrass

Lemongrass contains the necessary for normal life elements:

1. sodium for normal metabolism;
2. iron for correct exchange substances hormonal levels, storage and movement of oxygen in cells;
3. phosphorus for strong bones and teeth, muscle activity;
4. copper for hematopoiesis, tissue and cell development, immune system;
5. magnesium, which supports brain activity;
6. silicon for normal height and the formation of bone and connective tissue, reducing the rate of development of atherosclerosis;
7. potassium for kidneys and intestines, protein synthesis, transmission of nerve impulses;
8. zinc for metabolism, brain activity and nervous system etc.

Effect of lemongrass on the body

Thanks to its rich chemical composition, lemongrass has a beneficial effect on all systems of the human body:

1. restorative;
2. strengthens the immune system and the ability to resist infections;
3. relieves depression;
4. helps in the fight against stress;
5. restores the body's strength during physical and mental stress;
6. pain reliever;
7. prevents reproduction pathogenic microorganisms and bacteria;
8. increases the level of metabolism;
9. stimulates thyroid gland and lymphatic system;
10. activates blood circulation;
11. relieves spasms;
12. helps in the fight against viruses, fungi, infections.

How to brew lemongrass?

Lemongrass can be brewed in several ways, using the herb as the main ingredient or as an addition to another drink.

Brewing Lemongrass Tea

The classic brewing recipe is 1 teaspoon of dried lemongrass per 250 ml of boiling water. The drink is infused for 3 to 7 minutes and consumed. To make it sweeter, use honey.

Brewing tea with lemongrass and mint

Lemongrass has a light sedative effect, but to slightly enhance it and enrich the drink with vitamins, add a few mint leaves to the tea.

Brewing and cooling lemongrass tea

In the summer heat, lemongrass tea brewed according to the basic recipe, cooled with pieces of ice or in the refrigerator, will help quench your thirst. You can add a slice of fresh lemon to it.

Brewing green tea with lemongrass

If you want to cook green tea with lemongrass, then use tea without flavorings or additives for the base. After brewing it according to the recipe, add a little lemongrass and steep for at least 3 minutes.

Indications for use of lemongrass tea

Lemongrass tea is not easy vitamin drink. It is almost universal and has therapeutic effect. Thus, its use is recommended for:

1. circulatory disorders;
2. obesity;
3. dizziness;
4. depressive states;
5. dermatological diseases;
6. diseases of the digestive system;
7. anemia;
8. rehabilitation after long-term illnesses;
9. kidney diseases;
10. active sports;

Lemongrass tea is useful for those who are weather sensitive or have difficulty with jet lag and acclimatization.

In addition, its use is important for athletes because lemongrass has a positive effect on muscle recovery and strengthens ligaments.

Contraindications to the use of lemongrass

With all my positive qualities lemongrass has a small list of contraindications. You need to stop using it:

1. pregnant women;
2. those suffering from increased excitability;
3. those who have epilepsy;
4. children under 12 years old;
5. for glaucoma;
6. for hypertension;
7. for symptoms of insomnia.

When including lemongrass tea in your diet, follow the rules proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, the drink is not able to save a person from problems on its own. To achieve the effect, you need to make your own efforts, adjust your menu, lifestyle, and enlist the support of a specialist.