Lemongrass Tea
The Benefits Of Lemongrass Tea
If you haven't tried lemongrass tea, or perhaps haven't even heard of it before, the chances are you've experienced at least one of the uses of lemongrass at one time or another. Lemongrass is a weed, a rather tall weed, approaching 5 feet in height, with a pleasant citrus-like aroma, which is widely used in cooking, especially Asian cooking, and has medicinal values as well. If you've ever eaten Thai food, and noticed a pleasant lemon-like smell, no doubt lemongrass is responsible. Since the grass is rather coarse and not easily digestible, it is often only the juices or aroma which will be found in the food, not the grass itself.
Candles Are Familiar - Many of us are familiar with lemongrass but by another name, citronella, widely used as a very effective insect repellent. We've used citronella juice and citronella candles to fight off the bugs, never realizing that the very same substance is used in cooking in many countries and also makes a very fine tea.
Benefits Of Lemongrass Tea -Lemongrass tea appears to have many benefits and few if any side effects. As is the case with other herbal teas, safe dosages are seldom known, nor is it known if dosages need to be controlled in the first place. The situation is a little different when it comes to lemongrass tinctures or essential oils, as the concentration of the plant's compounds is much higher, but even the tinctures and oils are regarded as being reasonably safe. Possibly the only exception to this is the fact that some are allergic to lemongrass, even to the tea, but these individuals appear to be in a definite minority. It is also recommended that small children or pregnant women not drink lemongrass tea, simply because adverse effects, if any, have not yet been established, nor has the case been definitely proven that there are none.
Insofar as the benefits of lemongrass tea are concerned, it has known antibacterial properties and anti fungal properties as well. Lemongrass tea is also a diuretic, and has excellent cleansing properties. Lemon grass has a long history as a home remedy and is considered a powerful detoxifying agent which is beneficial to the liver, the kidneys, the bladder, and the digestive tract in general. Lemongrass essential oils and lemongrass tea are often taken as a digestive aid, relieving indigestion and other gastric conditions.
Lemongrass tea can be made from either fresh or dried grasses, using one to two teaspoons of the herb to a cup of water. The herb is placed in water that has been brought to a boil and then steeped for about 15 minutes, after which the grass is strained away. Those who drink lemongrass tea for its beneficial effects usually drink several cups a day.
An Eye Irritant - About the only precautionary note when preparing lemongrass tea or using the herb in cooking or as food flavoring or coloring, is to avoid getting the herb or the oils in the eyes, as it can definitely be an irritant. Another precaution is the long term effects of drinking the tea is an unknown, simply as the use has not been subjected to formal studies or testing. However, people have been drinking the tea for years, and with the exception of an occasional allergic reaction affecting some, there is no record of any pronounced side effects.
Outside of southeast Asia and Brazil, where lemongrass is grown, it would be difficult to find fresh lemongrass on the market, but lemongrass tea bags are available in many places. Don't confuse lemongrass with lemon balm, which is an entirely different herb with entirely different uses and characteristics.