Lemongrass (Cymbopogon ciatrus)
Lemongrass is a perennial grass that belongs to the family Poaceae of the division Liliopsida. It is native of India and Nepal and is commonly found and popular in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Caribbean Islands. Lemongrass has been associated with Asian cooking since ancient times. Even today it is very popular in this part of the world, in fact it is liked all around the world. You can even find special lemongrass restaurants. Another popular name for lemongrass is Citronella, the common scent that you usually find in candles, perfumes, and soaps.
Citronella is known for its stress relieving properties and a good sleeping aid for insomniacs. It is also known for its insect repellent properties. Since dogs hate citronella, it is sometimes sprayed on them to prevent barking or just to calm down their behavior. However, I feel it is a cruel act. Lemongrass is a good cleanser that helps detoxify the liver, pancreas, kidney, bladder and digestive tract. It cuts down uric acid, cholesterol, excess fats, and other toxins in the body. It stimulates digestion, blood circulation, and lactation. It also alleviates indigestion and gastroenteritis. Skin improvements are noticeable with use of lemongrass, like reduction of acne and pimples, toning of muscles and tissues. Lemongrass can also reduce blood pressure, and be used as a remedy for fevers and colds.
The leaves and base of this tender perennial are used as food flavoring and its essential oils are used medicinally. Citral, an essential oil found in lemon peel, is the constituent responsible for its taste and aroma .Lemongrass is also known as Sweet Rush and sometimes called Fever Grass in the Caribbean.
There is no grass like lemongrass, a very useful medicinal herb with a tasty food flavor. It wards off anxiety, headaches, fever, and insomnia and also lowers blood pressure. One can drink lemongrass as a tea 3 to 4 times a day by placing about 2 gram leaves in a cup of hot water. You can also make an extraordinary medicinal drink with lemongrass. Just take a few fresh or dried leaves of lemongrass, 2 to 3 cloves, a small cinnamon stick and some turmeric powder and boil them in milk. Drink it when it cools down. This is also a good remedy to for coughs and colds.
Scientists are now studying Thailand’s favorite soup: Tom Yum Kung, which contains garlic, fresh chillies and cilantro, with lemongrass as the main ingredient. Tom Yum is considered capable of combating colds, the flu, and even some cancers.
Recently Dr. Weinstein, of Ben Gurion University in Israel, published his successful research on the role of lemongrass in apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells in vitro. There is quite a bit of excitement about this research. In fact, in Israel, some doctors advise cancer patients to drink about 8 glasses a day of lemongrass tea before going for radiation treatment.
As always, your doctor should be informed about your eating habits and alternative medicine treatments. Take care of your health with knowledge. My next article will be posted in the first week of October, on Tea - a popular drink.
With much blessings,
Till then……………!
Ali M. Jafri, Ph.D.
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