Cymbopogon citratus, also known as lemon grass, fever grass or barbed wire grass, is one of about 45 species of grasses grown in tropical regions. Lemon grass is widely used as a herb in the Caribbean. It can be used fresh, dried or in powdered form. In Grenada, it is often used as tea. It is also used in drinks, soups, curries, poultry, fish and seafood. Lemon grass tea is known to have medicinal properties, containing a wide array of beneficial vitamins and minerals. The list of vitamins includes C, A and B, including B9. The minerals found in lemongrass tea include manganese, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous. Because of this, lemon grass tea is often used as a home remedy to aid with digestive problems and relieve coughs, nasal congestion and the overall symptoms associated with the common cold. Lemon grass tea has other health benefits. One benefit of the tea is that it is naturally caffeine free. Some herbalists believe that lemon grass tea can help to lift the human spirit and may improve mood and sense of well-being. Some researchers found that the tea has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, antioxidant effects and may aid weight loss. In a recent study in Israel, Dr. Rivka Ofir and Prof. Yakov Weinstein at Ben Gurion University discovered that lemon grass tea may have cancer-fighting properties. The study found that citral, the aromatic substance found in lemongrass, kills cancer cells in vitro, while leaving healthy cells unharmed. In another study, researchers at the University of Wisconsin found that cholesterol levels of study participants had significantly decreased with the use of lemon grass tea, and said levels returned to their previous levels when participants stopped drinking the tea. Of course, more research on the potential health benefits of lemon grass tea is needed; however, these findings seem to suggest that adding lemon grass tea to ones diet could offer life-saving benefits. Lemon grass is also used in the production of citronella oil, which is used in soaps, perfumes, candles, aromatherapy and as an insect repellent. The oil is used as a preservative, pesticide and a lure to attract honey bees. Can lemon grass and its value added products help to strengthen self-sufficiency and economic development in Grenada?
Posted on: Fri, 21 Mar 2014 17:11:55 +0000
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