For teas, soups and broths:
Crush the stalks a little to release their
aromatic oils before cutting them into
1- or 2-inch pieces for brewing.
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Lemongrass, The Aromatic Healer
5 May 2023
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Ingredient of this month:
As a central ingredient in many Southeast Asian cuisines and ancient Ayurvedic medicine, to teas, essential oil and perfumes, lemongrass is one of the most versatile herbs you can have in your kitchen!
- Lemongrass, botanically known as Cymbopogon, belongs to the grass family.
- Nutritionally, lemongrass is a good source of vitamins A, B and C, folate, folic acid, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and manganese.
- Lemongrass with its hydrophobic properties, is used for preserving pickles and ancient palm leaf manuscripts, protecting them from the damage caused by microorganisms.
- From its bulb to its leaves, the entire lemongrass plant can be used.
Whole, sliced, dried or pounded to a paste, there are several ways to infuse this herb into your cuisine.
For marinades, stir-fries and curry paste
As the most flavourful part of lemongrass is the lower part of the plant, use the bottom 4 inches or so. Chop finely, crush or blend into a paste to add into your dish.
Traditional medicine from around the world uses lemongrass to treat and relieve a number of ailments. Here are some of its health benefits:
DETOXIFIES YOUR BODY
Lemongrass helps in cleansing and flushing harmful toxic wastes out of your body. This effect increases the frequency of urination, which helps in maintaining the liver, kidneys and overall digestive health by eliminating accrued fats and lowering uric acid levels.
LOWERS CHOLESTEROL
Research has shown that regular consumption of lemongrass oil extract helps in reducing the Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) aka ‘bad’ cholesterol in the body. Its antihyperlipidemic properties stops the accumulation of lipids in the blood vessels thus preventing various cardiac disorders.
REDUCES INFLAMMATION
Due to its analgesic properties, lemongrass oil or tea can help alleviate pain and joint aches caused by arthritis, sprains, muscle spasms and even migraines.
CURE FOR FEVER AND FLU
Lemongrass has antibacterial and antifungal properties that helps your body cope with cold, fever and flu symptoms. As an antipyretic, it contains certain chemical components that increases sweating, which brings down fevers while also flushing out toxins from the body.
SKIN CARE
Possessing astringent and antiseptic qualities, lemongrass has been treasured as a skin tonic and makes an effective cleanser for oily or acne-prone skin. Rich in Vitamin A, the herb can repair your skin and its youthful elasticity.
BODY ODOUR
Used in the manufacturing of deodorants due to its cleansing and antibacterial properties, lemongrass helps combat unpleasant body-odour and prevents fungal and bacterial infections.
INSECT REPELLENT (EXCEPT FOR BEES!)
Lemongrass can be used as a natural insect repellent especially against ticks, mosquitoes and fleas, thus preventing insect-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Lyme disease. However, lemongrass oil attracts honey bees.
AROMATHERAPY
The therapeutic effects of lemongrass help in revitalising the body. Its cooling effect is beneficial for the body during hot weather and promotes the revival of the mind, body and soul.
- Although it is widely considered safe, ingestion of lemongrass in some people, can result in allergic reactions.
- Topical application of lemongrass oil can also cause skin irritation and rash in some individuals.
- Lemongrass, in herbal or oil form, should be completely avoided during pregnancy because it contains two compounds, citral and myrcene, that can cause birth defects and miscarriages, according to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
The above articles are intended for informational purposes only. AIA accepts no responsibility for loss, which may arise from reliance on information contained in the articles.
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