Health Benefits of Lemon Grass
By len7288
Lemon grass is a perennial plant that is native to India and Nepal;
it has a light, lemony scent and flavor, with a hint of ginger.
Lemon grass is one of the wondrous herbs; it is very useful as
medicinal plant and a delicious food flavoring. Few knows that the
other name of Lemon grass is citronella,
a popular scent in perfume, candles and soaps. Citronella is known
for its calming effect that relieves insomnia or stress. It is also
popular as a mild insect repellant.
In a study that was conducted it has shown that every 100g of
edible lemon grass, when boiled can contain up to 24.205 micrograms
of beta-carotene the powerful anti-oxidant that scientist believe
can help prevent cancer. In another study it has shown that lemon
grass oil has the potential as topical eye medication
against keratomycosis,
an inflammation of cornea often associated with burning or blurring
of vision. Researchers note that lemongrass oil's antioxidant
qualities and ability to inhibit the enzyme that promotes the
growth of cancer cells are promising.
Health
Benefits of Lemon Grass:
Lemon
grass for Cooking: The leaves and base of lemon grass
are used as a food flavoring especially in Southeast Asian dishes.
The long thin grey-green leaves are tough and fibrous, the outside
leaves and the tips are usually chopped very finely or discarded
from the dish before it is served.
How to
Use Essential Oil: Apply 2 drops of concentrated
lemongrass oil per ounce of organic unrefined almond oil, olive oil
or any of you favorite oil. You can use the mixture to your skin as
massage oil, lotion and moisturizer. As a relaxing scent add 1 - 2
drops in a cloth and inhale to relax your senses.
How to
make Lemon grass Herbal Tea:
Where
to Buy? Lemon grass can be purchased in Asian markets
and health food stores and comes fresh, dried and powered. You can
also grow lemon grass yourself, either indoors or outdoors in a
warm climate. Fresh lemon grass is better than powdered or dried
and the most potent form is lemongrass essential oil. Essential
oils are 70 times more concentrated than their plant counterparts
and have been used throughout history for health and wellness.