Herbal Spotlight: LEMONGRASS

Matt and I just returned from a weekend away in San Francisco. We went tea tasting in China town. Vital Tea Leaf is a tea place Matt has always ordered premium teas from--they loved us there so when we ordered $20 worth we got 60! My luggage bag home was 3/4 tea and 1/4 clothes. We tried probably 12 or so different varieties--which was a great way to compare tastes, hints, richness, etc. back to back--much like wine tasting. I'll feature the tastes and health benefits of each tea we walked away with as we get to drinking them. Today, because it's the afternoon so I wanted something light and green tasting I went for the Lemongrass. Read on for the facts...

 Lemon grass is a cleanser that helps to detoxify the Liver, pancreas, kidney, bladder and the digestive tract. 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. It is said that lemongrass also helps improve the skin by reducing acne and pimples and acts as a muscle and tissue toner. *Strengthens skin cells and connective tissue and helps to tighten the skin, making it look and feel younger. It also aids lymphatic detoxification, which simply means it helps to cleanse the body of impurities. 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. 


How am I going to use my lemon grass? Right now I'm drinking it as a tea which is an internal health benefit, but I also plan to use it with coconut, rice, and shrimp in a Thai inspired soup this week (click HERE for the recipe I'll be using). I might also use it in something sweet such as these Lemongrass, Ginger, & White Chocolate cookies HERE. While I don't enjoy baths anymore (constantly taking a bath -instead of shower- while living in Botswana, Africa turned me off to it), lemon grass is used in aromatherapy for relaxation as it has a soothing effect on the nervous system. Topically the oil of lemongrass is more popular however soaking in a tub infused with it won't do a lick of harm. Lemon grass is also familiar to people in candles--citronella candles use it to repel mosquitoes. Hate those buggers.