Health Benefits of Lemon grass....(compiled)

Health Benefits of Lemon Grass

Be it ever so humble, there is no grass like a lemon grass. A very useful medicinal plant and a tasty food flavoring.
Lemon grass or the local tanglad (scientific name: Cymbopogon ciatrus) is one of those wondrous herbs that one can always associate with Asian cooking Thai, Malaysian and Vietnamese homegrown meal enthusiasts always have this tropical grass at hand for its aromatic citrus flavor with a trace of ginger. Few people know that its other popular name is citronella - the common scent you usually find in candles, perfumes and soaps. 

1) The Lemon grass is a good cleanser that helps to detoxify the Liver, pancreas, kidney, bladder and the digestive tract.
2) It cuts down uric acid, cholesterol, excess fats and other toxins in the body while stimulating digestion, blood circulation, and lactation; it also alleviates indigestion and gastroenteritis.
3) It is said that lemongrass also helps improve the skin by reducing acne and pimples and acts as a muscle and tissue toner.
4) Also, it can reduce blood pressure. Just make a concoction by boiling some lemon grass leaves, let it cool for a while and drink the liquid.
5) A recent study by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the department of Science and technology ( DOST ) claims that every 100g of edible tanglad when boiled can contain up to 24.205 micrograms of beta-carotene the anti-oxidant that scientists believe can help prevent cancer.
 Another DOST study shows that lemon grass oil has the potential as a tropical eye medication against keratomycosis, an inflammation of cornea often associated with burning or blurring of vision.
(From Manolito Montala's Article)
 
More Health Benefits of Lemon Grass:
It contains an antibacterial and antifungal properties
It helps to detoxify the liver, pancreas, kidney, bladder and the digestive tract.
Helps boost the immune system
Helps reduce uric acid, cholesterol, excess fats
It helps alleviates indigestion and gastroenteritis.
Helps improve the skin by reducing acne and pimples
It helps tone the muscle and tissues.
Helps in menstrual troubles
Helps reduce blood pressure and improve blood circulation
Helps reduce cellulite
Act as sedative for the central nervous system.
May help prevent color cancer.
Helps in reducing fevers
Help in flatulence and colic
Relieves arthritic pain and rheumatism
Some more Health benefits:
A mild sedative with antidepressant, anti-microbial, antiseptic, antioxidant and insecticidal properties. Lemon grass tea or lemon grass juice is taken to relieve fever. Lemon grass used in cooking will relieve flatulence. Adding lemon grass into food not only enhances digestion but also stimulates the immune system to fight infectious diseases. Lemon grass may be brewed as a tea and taken to increase appetite and relieve cold. Likewise, lemon grass may be added into soups and taken to relieve flatulence and to increase blood circulation.
1. As a beverage: Brew one or two stems of crushed lemon grass with the leaves removed, in some hot water. Honey or raw sugar may be added for a sweeter taste.
2. To relieve flatulence and strengthen your immune system, lightly boil 4 to 6 stems of lemon grass with about 7 cm of crushed old ginger in 1 litre of water for 10 minutes. Add 2 teaspoons molasses and honey into the brew when it is lukewarm for a sweeter more pleasant taste. Drink one cup about 250 ml 4 times a day to relieve flatulence, stimulate circulation and enhance your immune system against flu, chill and colds.
3.External Use: Lemon Grass Massage Oil for Colds and Coughs.
Lightly fried 6 to 8 stems of crushed lemon grass without the leaves in one cup of extra virgin olive oil, or sesame oil, for about 5 minutes. Pour this hot mixture into a container. Cover and leave it overnight. The lemon grass oil is ready to be used for massage. The oil may also be used a a chest rub for colds and coughs.