Plants generally found around us can be used for managing illness to provide immediate relief if we only know how to use them. One known plant that has many medicinal benefits, but normally ignored is Lemongrass or Tanglad.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon) is a plant that grows in thick cluster and has bright green, sharp-edged leaves, similar to grass
Lemongrass having a refreshingly mild flavour is use in flavouring food and beverages. The lemongrass oil is use in various skin care and cosmetic products. It is also use to repel mosquitoes and ants.
Lemongrass has full of essential vitamins: Vitamins A, B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic acid), B6 (Pyridoxne), Vitamin C and Folate. It also stores essential minerals like calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and zinc.
Lemongrass contains anti-oxidants, flavonoids and phenolic compounds. They all provide striking medicinal aids as follows:
Lowers cholesterol.
Prevent cancer, diabetes, rheumatism and stomach disorders.
Treat edema, infections, insomnia and respiratory disorders.
Detoxify the body.
My observations reveal that some senior citizens tend to eat less than they normally take because of the aging process. They have chronic conditions like coronary artery disease, diabetes, hypertension, prostatitis and rheumatism. And their maintenance medications reduced the appetite.
As a senior bothered by benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) since Y2007, I started to plant and propagate lemongrass simply for the fun of making & drinking lemongrass tea mixed with fresh Dalandan juice. I take the tea “leisurely” or in the manner I would drink water daily. It becomes my hydrating drink second to water. BPH is prostate gland enlargement; a noncancerous growth of the prostate gland that makes urination difficult and uncomfortable.
Preparation of lemongrass tea is easy. Boil 1 piece of fresh lemongrass leaves and stalk in a small pot containing 6 cups or 960ml of water. Once boiled, transfer the mixture in a flask or heat resistant container. And you can start to drink your home-made lemongrass tea. I drink my first mixture of lemongrass tea plainly. In the course of time, I start mixing it with seasonal fresh juices from Bananas, Calamansi, Dalandan, Dragon Fruit, Guava and Rambutan that I have grown at geannhomegarden. http://geannhomegardenmyhome.blogspot.com/
As a reminder, boil in low flame and do not cover the pot when boiling the leaves & stalk. The mixture loose effectiveness after some time; usually after a day. To keep fresh, keep it in the fridge. To drink, pour the mixture in the tea cup and add lukewarm water. Don’t forget to throw the mixture after one day. The fresh lemongrass leaves & stalk are preserved in freezer by placing them in plastic bags or airtight containers. Freezing will retain the flavour of the leaves & stalk.
Until now, lemongrass tea helps me to perform well in my daily 5-hours morning farm drills. Indeed, it connects me to the vitality of life! Start taking lemongrass; it is readily available at geannhomegarden.
Caution: To some people, allergic reactions may result in drinking lemongrass tea; discontinue drinking the tea and seek medical advice quickly.
