Lemongrass tea: A caffeine free solution

Introduction

Lemongrass is a perennial tropical plant with a characteristic aromatic oil. Scientifically lemongrass is known as Cymbopogon citratus other common names are citronella grass, barbed wire grass, fever grass, and silky head grass. Lemongrass tea health benefits are due to high citral content, a commercially valuable essential oil.

Besides this lemongrass is also known for its aromatic flavor in various culinary dishes and its wide medicinal property.

Lemongrass is known for its huge medicinal properties which include coughs, flu, malaria, antibacterial, and antifungal. Lemongrass can be consumed in tea form, simply boil lemongrass alone dry or fresh or with some other herbs. like other tea, lemongrass extracts do not contain caffeine, therefore, provides an excellent substitute for normal tea

Health benefits of Lemongrass tea

1. Relieve menstrual trouble

Drinking lemongrass tea along with pepper helps in relieving pain and nausea related to menstruation.

2. Excellent cleanser

Lemongrass tea acts as a good cleanser. Therefore, sipping lemongrass tea helps in detoxifying the liver, kidney, bladder, pancreas, and refresh the digestive system of our body.

3. Helps in losing weight

Lemongrass tea contains many essential oils which not only help in the reduction of cholesterol but also cut down excess fat. Lemongrass tea also increases the metabolism of the body by improving the digestive system and blood circulation. Therefore we can say that lemongrass tea is the best option and for weight reduction (1).

4. Controls Blood pressure

Lemongrass tea helps in normalizing the blood flow and thus sipping lemongrass tea controls the blood pressure (1).

5. Prevents diarrhea

Lemongrass tea is effective against diarrhea. The leaf extract of lemongrass has citral which is the main ingredient for diarrhea prevention.

6. Protects liver

Lemongrass tea helps in detoxifying the liver, removes harmful chemicals produced by the drugs and other things. Thus drinking lemongrass tea keeps the liver healthy thus acts as an antihepatotoxic (2).

7. Reduce anxiety

Lemongrass has the anxiolytic property that is it helps in the reduction of anxiety. Thus drinking lemongrass tea relieve stress and mellow down the anxiety level of our body.

8. Diabetes

Studies (3) showed the antidiabetic nature of lemongrass on rats. Lemongrass essential oils on oral consumption reduce the rate of transformation of pre-diabetic to a diabetic.

9. Helps in the digestion

Lemongrass extract helps in reducing digestive disorders. Lemongrass tea not only helps to recover the stomach but also increases its capacity for digestion. Therefore, drinking lemongrass tea helps in recovering from the upset stomach. Lemongrass tea also helps in proper gas and bowel movement.

10. Sedative

Drinking lemongrass tea helps in the reduction of depression and stress, therefore relaxes the body and induce sleep.

11. Central nervous related problems

Lemongrass extract has the anxiolytic property that is it helps in the reduction of anxiety therefore many folk medicines use lemongrass against central nervous system-related disease.

12. Cough and cold

Lemongrass tea helps in relaxing the body during a cough and cold. Drinking 1-3  cups of lemongrass tea along with pepper and holy basil helps in soothing the throat during a severe cough and clears the nasal congestion.

13. Source of antioxidant

Bioactive compounds in the leaves help in reducing reactive oxygen species (ROSs). ROSs are mainly peroxides and superoxides which are produced in the cells as a byproduct. ROSs causes abnormalities in the cells by altering the DNA and finally leads to cancer.

14. Other health benefits

Other health benefits of lemongrass tea include protection from skin deformities like leprosy, effectiveness against the malarial parasite, prevent pneumonia, and other vascular-related disorders (1).

Side Effects of Lemongrass tea

1. Although there are very little or no side effects of lemongrass tea if consumed in a limited number.
2. In normal condition, one cup of lemongrass tea per day or per alternate day is sufficient for a healthy body, and during a cough and cold 2 to 3 cups per day.
3. If consumed in excess may cause renal disorders that are kidney failure, liver disease (4).
4. Consumption of this tea during pregnancy or lactation and to the children below 6 years is not appreciated (4).

How to prepare a lemongrass tea -1 Cup

1. Take 1 cup water in a pan boil for 2 mins.
2. Add lemongrass leaf 4 to 5 leaves (dry or fresh). Boil for 3 to 4 mins.
3. Add honey as per taste.

Additional ingredients are

1. Whole black pepper
2. Holy basil
3. Fennel seeds
4. Caraway seeds.