Soups to salads: 5 ways to make the most of lemongrass

If you’re a tea lover, you must already be aware of lemongrass tea. Lemongrass is one of the most commonly consumed herbal teas. Rich in vitamins and minerals and a great source of antioxidants and antimicrobial properties, lemongrass works well for your overall health. If you delve deeper, you will know it helps to treat several elements such as high blood pressure, stress and anxiety issues, heart diseases, mental health, infection, and much more. 

Let’s find out more about lemongrass

“Lemongrass, also called citronella, is a herb widely used in cooking, essential oils, and medicines. It has an appearance like green onions. It has a fresh aroma and citrus flavor that can help you to de-stress, and perk up the mood when used in aromatherapy. It is jam-packed with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties which will help you to tackle infections, allergies, and inflammation in the body,” Dr Jinal Patel, Dietitian, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Mumbai tells HealthShots. 

You will also be surprised to know that adding lemongrass to your tea can allow you to relieve your stomach problems. Yes, that’s right! It can ease your digestion and stomach cramping. Though lemongrass tea is the most common way to use lemongrass leaves, it’s not the only way. 

From making lemongrass tea to lemongrass oil, this superfood can do it all! Read on to find different ways to use it. 

1. Lemongrass essential oil

Extracted from the leaves and stalks of the lemongrass plants, lemongrass oil has a powerful citrus scent. It has antibacterial, antifungal, inflammatory properties which can prevent certain infections and diseases. 

Dr Patel, says “This oil can help you to prevent skin infections and uplift the mood.  Lemongrass has a compound called eugenol that has similar abilities to aspirin and can help you manage that notorious headache.”

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2. Lemongrass tea

There are a wide variety of tea options available. One of the popular one is lemongrass. It has a fresh lemon centric aroma and citrus flavour. A number of health benefits are associated with this tea making it the perfect choice for being included in your daily routine. 

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“Drinking lemongrass tea can help you enhance oral health, prevent infection, lower cholesterol levels, and ease the pain,” says Dr Patel. 

3. In curries, marinades, and cocktails

Lemongrass is used to add a bright, aromatic flavour to a variety of dishes. And contrary to the popular belief, lemongrass does not taste exactly like lemon. It has a lighter, more herbal flavour like a cross between lemon and lemon mint. 

Dr Patel says, “Try to include lemongrass in your curries, marinades, and cocktails to enhance your digestion and overall well-being.”

4. In salads

Lemongrass can actually be eaten raw and is a popular ingredient in Thai salads. It is widely used in salads in order to tackle swelling, reduce fever, and stimulate the uterus and menstrual flow. Remember raw lemongrass can be tough if not prepared properly. However, so always remove the outer woody stem and slice as thinly as possible. 

5. Add it to your soup

You may find various vegetables, herbs, and spices to add to the soup. But if you add lemongrass, this will work well to add a distinct flavour and aroma to the soup. In fact, this way it will surely boost your immunity as well.

So, use lemongrass in these ways, enjoy its benefits, and thank us later!