What is Lemongrass tea? What are the Benefits and How to Prepare?

Lemongrass tea is a refreshing and uplifting, supremely healthy beverage. It has a cheery citrusy flavor and is made from the perennial Lemongrass plant. You can easily grow Lemongrass in your garden or even as a potted plant – sun, good soil, and water – are all that this plant requires. While it is one of the main ingredients in Thai cuisine, the Ayurveda system uses it for its medicinal purposes and health benefits. Here are some of the top benefits of drinking Lemongrass tea:

1.   Alleviates Anxiety

Tea is known to be relaxing and Lemongrass tea certainly tops the list. The refreshing taste complemented by its uplifting and exhilarating smell helps to relieve anxiety.

 

2.   Lowers Cholesterol

Some research shows that drinking Lemongrass tea can help maintain optimal cholesterol and triglyceride levels. High levels of either of these can have disastrous effects on health, including a higher risk of heart disease. It is advisable, however, to check with your doctor if you are unwell and or on medication.

 

3.   Combats Infection

Studies indicate that Lemongrass has infection-fighting and preventing abilities. It is able to reduce the chances of contracting thrush, a fungal infection, commonly affecting HIV-positive persons. Drinking Lemongrass tea can thus help to combat infections from fungus and bacteria.

 

4.   Elevates Oral Health

The citrusy and fresh taste of Lemongrass tea leaves the mouth feeling clean and healthy. It works well to elevate dental health, without added sweeteners, by inhibiting the growth of bacteria such as Streptococcus sanguinis, which exists on tooth surfaces, oral mucosa surfaces, and in human saliva.

 

5.   Relieves Bloating

Lemongrass tea has diuretic effects, which help to release toxins from the body via the urinary tract and urine. This is helpful in getting rid of excess water in the body, which could otherwise lead to bloating. Water retention is a common symptom during menstruation and for those people who consume salt in excess.

 

 

How to Prepare Lemongrass Tea

Chop and crush three to four, 2-inch pieces of Lemongrass and a piece of ginger root that is either crushed or grated. Place these in water and bring them to a boil. Allow them to simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes to gain maximum benefits from the plant. This herbal tisane is caffeine-free and including it in your diet can deliver some powerful benefits. This can be served with or without sugar.  

For easier preparation, simply buy Lemongrass tea bags from a reputed brand. Take a tea bag and place it in a cup and pour hot water. Allow it to brew for some time, and enjoy the refreshing health benefits of this tea. Tea bags would use green or black teas as the base, and hence these would contain caffeine.

 

Adapt to your Taste

Sweeteners such as maple syrup, jaggery, sugar, or honey can be added to your lemongrass tea, as per your taste.

Lemongrass tea can also be had cold by cooling the hot tea and refrigerating it for a while. You could also add ice cubes for a superb refreshing drink in the hot summer months.

Add powerful antioxidants to your Lemongrass tea by adding cinnamon or turmeric to it. These will lend a delicate hue and taste to your Lemongrass tea.

While drinking this fresh is the best option, Lemongrass tea can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, in case you are short on time.

 

 

Finally, Lemongrass tea is not just a super-exciting and palate-tingling beverage, but it also packs a host of health benefits. Studies are still on to know more about the positive health impacts of this wonderful plant. If in doubt, always check with your doctor before including or excluding anything in or from your diet. 

Wishing you cheer and health!