Lemongrass is probably the most popular plant in Asia, found everywhere in the form of spices, tea leaves, and even as an insect repellent. It has a fairly large list of useful properties and, moreover, is very pleasant to taste and smell. So let's get to know this plant!
Lemongrass is cultivated for its specific flavor, reminiscent of both lemon and ginger. Therefore, it is used in those dishes where notes of lemon and ginger are required.
Dried chopped leaves are added as a spice to fish and meat dishes, soups and sauces. The bases of the stems are a must in famous Thai soups like tom yum and tom kha. You can also add lemongrass when making shrimp or asparagus soup, Thai noodles, boiling grape snails.
Lemongrass is most often used for making drinks. And not only in mixtures with herbs, but also independently. Especially tasty and healthy is lemongrass tea, which can be drunk both hot and cold.
Many people love lemongrass tea exclusively for its unusual taste and aroma, and few people know that at the same time such a drink is a storehouse of various substances that have a beneficial effect on our health. I will list some of them.
- Antioxidant action. Drinking a lemon grass drink gives your body a boost of youth and recovery. Lemongrass polyphenols are especially good for blood vessels, helping to prevent atherosclerosis.
- Anti-inflammatory effect. Lemongrass citral fights inflammation well at any stage, including the initial one. This means that lemon tea will be very suitable when you are just starting to catch a cold and your throat is starting to bother.
- Soothing properties. Lemongrass helps against stress, depression and fatigue, has a calming effect on the nervous system, it refreshes and tones up. It may relieve headaches.
- Detoxifying properties. Lemongrass tea is good for the stomach and digestion. It is good to drink it in case of nausea. The tea is used to cleanse the entire digestive tract and detoxify, it is great for cleansing the kidneys and urinary tract.
By the way, lemongrass can also be called tea for weight loss, because it makes you feel full. Lemongrass tea and its soothing properties will also help fight nervous overeating.
- Increased red blood cell levels. Results from a study show that daily consumption of lemongrass tea infusions can increase hemoglobin concentration and red blood cell counts in the body.
- Improving oral health. The antibacterial effect of lemongrass has been noticed by people for a long time. Modern research has shown that there is a strong rationale for this action: lemongrass extracts are among the most potent inhibitors of bacterial growth, including those that cause tooth caries.
After so much information, I think we need to have some tea. Lemongrass tea will be perfect. You can try one of these recipes:
- Basic recipe. Lemongrass tea is brewed at the rate of 1 teaspoon for one cup of boiling water (about 200 ml). Let the drink infuse for about 3 minutes and it will be ready to drink. You can add honey for flavor.
- Lemongrass and green tea. Lemongrass is often used as an additive to green tea. Brew green tea – 1/2 teaspoon per 200 ml of boiling water or according to any other recipe you are used to. Add a pinch of lemongrass and let infuse for 5 minutes. You can use honey as a sweetener.
- Summer tea. A deliciously refreshing drink made from chilled tea. Simply brew lemongrass with the basic recipe or with green tea, chill in the refrigerator, and serve with ice cubes on a hot summer day. For added freshness, you can add a slice of lemon.
- Soothing tea. Lemongrass itself is already a good sedative, but if you want to enhance this effect, then prepare tea according to the main recipe and add a few mint leaves, because, as you know, mint tea normalizes blood pressure and helps to concentrate in stressful situations. By brewing these herbs together, you will get an even healthier and tastier drink.
Whatever tea you choose, enjoy it with pleasure!