Lemon Grass
(Cymbopogon Citratus)
It is a tall perennial grass. Common names include lemon
grass, barbed wire grass, silky heads, citronella grass,
fever grass or Hierba Luisa amongst many others. Lemon
grass is widely used as an herb in Asian cuisine. It has
a citrus flavour and can be dried and powdered, or used
fresh.
Dried lemon grass leaves to make a zesty, refreshing
drink that is highly satisfying both hot and cold. A
native of South East Asia, Lemon grass is commonly used
in teas, soups, and curries. It is also suitable for
poultry, fish, and seafood. It has a light lemony taste,
with slight hint of ginger.
It is known to lift a sagging spirit, as well as aid
digestion. Recent studies also show that Lemon Grass has
antibacterial and antifungal properties. Best of all, it
tastes great. Naturally caffeine-free.
Cancer patients in Israel, drink fresh lemon grass tea
on the days that they go in for radiation or
chemotherapy treatments. Ben Gurion University of the
Negev researchers made a discovery last year that the
lemon aroma in herbs like lemon grass kills cancer cells
in vitro, while leaving healthy cells unharmed. In a
fascinating article published in the Health section of
Israel21c, it states that the study found the citral in
lemon grass causes cancer cells to commit suicide in a
process called apoptosis, a mechanism called programmed
cell death.
A drink with as little as one gram of lemon grass
contains enough citral to signal the cancer cells to
commit suicide.
For centuries, herbalists have used the herb as an
effective digestive tonic and nervous system relaxant.
Lemon grass oil is used to help clear blemishes and
maintain balanced skin tone. Lemon grass is also used as
an insect and mosquito repellent. Now, according to
Israeli scientists, they can add cancer prevention to
the list of attributes associated with lemon grass.
back