Lemongrass, a staple in Thai cuisine, is celebrated for its delicious flavor world over. However, it has much more to offer, including its amazing gout benefits as well as a variety of other health benefits that this article intends to discuss.

What is lemongrass?

• Also known as citronella grass, it is a perennial grass that grows in tropical climates.
• Mild citrus notes characterize the flavor of lemongrass.
• It is a common ingredient used in Thai or Vietnamese meat, soups, and seafood dishes.
• It is also brewed as a tea in Africa and is used as a medicinal herb in India.
• It has tremendous medicinal and nutritional properties.
• It is a storehouse of iron, folate, magnesium, zinc, potassium, and phosphorus.
• Lemongrass also has several antioxidants and boasts anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties.

Lemongrass side effects and safety precautions

• When used in food, lemongrass is generally safe for most people.
• You can apply it to the skin, eat it, or inhale as aromatherapy.
• Rarely does it cause a rash when applied directly on the skin.
• Few people are allergic to its smell.
• Consuming lemongrass by mouth during pregnancy may be unsafe, as it is known to prompt menstrual flow.

What are the health benefits of Lemongrass?

Following are the several health benefits that lemongrass can offer you:

• Body Detox – Lemongrass, like other herbs, possesses remarkable body detoxification properties and eliminates bloat , inflammation, and fatigue.
• Aids Digestion – Lemongrass tea helps indigestion , as it prevents the formation of intestinal gas and keeps intestinal cramps, abdominal pain, and etc. at bay.
• Acne – Boasting fabulous antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, lemongrass oil usually serves as a brilliant astringent for people suffering acne
• Breast Cancer – To go by several researchers, lemongrass extracts help suppress breast cancer , ovarian cancer, and other cancer-causing cells.
• Stress and Anxiety – Massage using lemongrass oil or aromatherapy is known to relieve stress and Those who receive lemongrass oil massages every now and then tend to have lower blood pressure and stress levels.

How does lemongrass help in treating gout?

• As lemongrass is known for cutting down uric acid in the body, it is widely used in the treatment of gout .
• The best way is to drink lemongrass tea as a gout cure, as it helps reduce acidity in the body.
• Simply cut lemongrass into 1-inch long pieces and then boil them in two large cups of water.
• Make sure you use most of the green parts, leaf, white bits, and the root.
• Let the tonic cool, strain, and drink. Add some ginger or honey for taste.
• It is a superb remedy for arthritis due to the folate, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, manganese, and vitamin A and C present in lemongrass, which flush out toxins and reduce uric acid in the body.

What are some helpful lemongrass storage tips?

After buying firm lemongrass stalks, you must follow these useful storage tips:

• You can store good quality lemongrass tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• However, if you find the stalks have dried out, simply place them into pots of soil. They will grow into new, bright lemongrass blades.
• You can also freeze lemongrass, as its unique flavor doesn’t diminish. However, the aroma and freshness may be lost if frozen for for long.
• You can also cut lemongrass stalks into small pieces to dry them. String the pieces in airtight jars, and even grind dry pieces for further use.