Lemongrass is a tropical herb native to Southeast Asia that is often used in cooking. It is now grown extensively in Africa, Australia, and North and South America. The lemongrass name is derived from its characteristic lemony fragrance and flavor. This lemony ornamental grass has several culinary, health, and cleaning applications. If you are curious about lemongrass effectiveness, you should check out these 4 unexpected ways to utilize lemongrass!
1. An edible addition to fresh summer salads
Lemongrass stems are an excellent addition to salads because of their fresh smell and crunchy texture. Remove 3-4 inches to the tender base of the stem, where the bulb is. Remove the woody outer leaves to expose their tender center. Crush and finely slice to sprinkle on salads for a citrus kick. Lemongrass has been shown to help decrease harmful cholesterol levels. According to research, this is due to the saponins, sterols, and phenolic chemicals found in lemongrass root, which can lower excess blood fat levels. In addition, lemongrass is rich in potassium so it can increase urine production in the body which has an impact on the rapid stimulation of blood circulation. Thus, eating a combination of veggies and lemongrass in a fresh summer salad can help to lower harmful cholesterol and blood pressure.
2. An effective insect repellent
Many people know that the scents of citrus and lavender repel insects, particularly mosquitoes. Therefore, growing lemongrass in the garden around your house can help keep insects out. If you don’t have enough space in your yard to plant lemongrass, you can spray the steam water of lemongrass. Boil lemongrass for 10-15 minutes, then spray the water in every corner of your house. Mosquitoes will be scared away by the citrus aroma that spreads. It might not only repel mosquitoes but also relish you.
3. A scented furniture polish
Lemongrass oil may be used to polish furniture. Heat 1 cup linseed or mineral oil to a gentle simmer. Put 1/2 cup of dried lemongrass to boil in the oil for 10 minutes. Let it cool. After cooling, used the oil as a furniture polish. It will renew and shine your furniture while leaving a mild citrus smell behind.
4. A relaxing herbal tea
Steeping fresh or dried lemongrass into tea can help you relax. Lemongrass tea contains phytonutrients lonalol, geraniol, a-pinen, kamfen, sabinen, mirsen, psimen, limonene, cisosimen, terpinol, citronellal, borneol, and farsenol. So smelling lemongrass tea will generate alpha waves to be activated in your brain. As a consequence, your muscles and central nerves will relax, making you feel calmer. If you suffer from insomnia, Lemongrass tea can also help with this since alpha waves lead you to relax, close your eyes faster, and fell asleep.
Aside from relaxing, it could help your body’s metabolism. Lemongrass tea’s antioxidants and detoxifiers can assist in detoxifying and purifying the body of impurities by reducing fluid retention. So the lemongrass tea you take protects you from digestive issues. Remember that to make your lemongrass tea taste more delightful, you can add just a little sugar. To be healthier and more effective, instead of using ordinary sugar. Use organic coconut sugar, which is proven to have a low glycemic index.
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