Lemongrass tea is a tasty and health-promoting beverage that is also very simple to add to your wellness regime. One cup of this tea which comes from a plant supports appetite, enhances moods, and offers antioxidant properties among many other health benefits. With a handful of ingredients and simple methods, one can easily make either hot or iced tea lemongrass.
What is Lemongrass Tea?
Lemongrass tea is an herbal beverage that is made from the leaves or stems of the lemongrass plant (scientific name Cymbopogon citratus). It has been used for centuries in traditional and modern medicine and cuisines of Southeast Asia, thanks to its light and refreshing lemony taste and calmness-inducing scent. Apart from its heavy lemon fragrance, it is also caffeine-free and hence can be taken in any geography, and prevalence drawn by the beverage. Taste aside, the health drink there whether hot or cold has a soothing effect that is appreciated by those fond of teas, and by health seekers as well.
What is Lemongrass Tea Good For?
Lemongrass tea is celebrated for its various health benefits, which make it a great addition to daily routines. To enhance your well-being in these positive ways:
- Digestive Support: Lemongrass tea contains elements that can calm the digestive system, and help ease gas and stomach aching discomforts. Many would claim that a cup after meals helps to digest food safely without the use of any medicines.
- Relaxation and Stress Relief: The lemon grass tea has a soothing scent, not only as a pleasant aroma, but has a slight calming effect so that imbibing it relieves tension and promotes relaxation making it perfect for use in the evening.
- Immune Boosting: As it is rich in vitamins A and C, lemongrass tea contains vital nutrients that boost the immune system, enabling the body to fight off common diseases.
- Antioxidant Benefits: Lemongrass tea contains a lot of antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic compounds, and these among others protect the skin from free radicals that cause damage to the cells, and also promote healthy skin and reduce wrinkle formation.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: The chemicals present in lemongrass can also possess anti-inflammatory properties that may help in alleviating mild pain and swelling.
How to Make Lemongrass Tea at Home
Making lemongrass tea at home is easy and can be modified to suit your taste. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1-2 stalks of fresh lemongrass or 1 tablespoon of dried lemongrass
- 2 cups of water
- Optional: honey, lemon, ginger, or mint for added flavor
Instructions:
- Prepare the Lemongrass: If fresh lemongrass is used, wash and chop the stalks into small pieces to release their natural oils.
- Boil the Water: Bring the water to a boil, and add the lemongrass.
- Steep the Tea: Lower the heat and steep the lemongrass for five to ten minutes, varying the steeping time according to the degree of flavor you like.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the tea into your mug, and add honey, lemon, or other flavors if you wish.
Lemongrass Tea Benefits and Side Effects
Benefits of Lemongrass Tea
- Natural Detox: The consumption of lemongrass tea helps the body achieve natural detoxification effects by acting as a mild diuretic.
- Skin Health: The antioxidants, as well as the vitamin C loaded in the content, are known to help promote healthy skin, reduce acne breakouts, and increase glow.
- Mild Pain Relief: Largely, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, lemongrass is also used to combat minor pain and strain-related discomfort.
Side Effects of Lemongrass Tea
- Potential Digestive Sensitivity: Because excessive consumption might result in slight stomach disturbances, it is recommended to use caution.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Precautions: Certain herbs may disrupt hormonal balance, so it is advised to discuss with a healthcare provider before drinking lemongrass tea during pregnancy or while nursing.
- Allergic Reactions: Those with grass allergies may have mild reactions to lemongrass; therefore, it is advisable to sample a small quantity first.
Can I Drink Lemongrass Tea Every Day?
Lemongrass tea can be taken daily by the majority of people without the worry of adverse side effects. Nonetheless, it is prudent to limit one’s intake to a reasonable level, for instance, a cup in a day before taking too much, especially if one is new to the herbal drink. This is also made easier by the fact that the tea can generally be enjoyed every day without fear of overdoing it given the effects of aiding digestion and providing relaxation and antioxidants. If there are adverse effects, one should cut down their consumption or seek medical attention to make sure that it applies to them.
Is Lemongrass Tea Hot or Cold?
Lemongrass tea can be enjoyed either hot or cold depending on the individual and the season. Hot lemongrass tea helps to relax a person which is suitable when it is cold outside or when one is indoors in the evening. Iced lemongrass tea on the other hand is made for sunny and warm weather conditions and can have simple additions such as mint or even a bit of lemon to give it a rich taste.
What is the Best Time to Drink Lemongrass Tea?
Drinking lemongrass tea at certain times depends on the benefits you wish to achieve from it:
- After Meals: Although most people tend to have it after heavy meals, it can help ease bloating and digestive problems as well as pain caused by gas.
- In the Evening: For such persons who smoke lemongrass and drink it with water, typically take it in the evening before going to bed. This is because language has a mild sedating effect and is hence helpful in enhancing sleep.
- Anytime Hydration: With its natural flavor and hydrating benefits, lemongrass tea is a great way to stay hydrated throughout the day, whether hot or iced.