Lemon Grass Benefits:

Health benefits: A mild sedative with antidepressant, anti-microbial, antiseptic, antioxidant and insecticidal properties. Lemon grass tea or lemon grass juice is taken to relieve fever. Lemon grass used in cooking will relieve flatulence. Adding lemon grass into food not only enhances digestion but also stimulates the immune system to fight infectious diseases. Lemon grass may be brewed as a tea and taken to increase appetite and relieve cold. Likewise, lemon grass may be added into soups and taken to relieve flatulence and to increase blood circulation.

1. As a beverage: Brew one or two stems of crushed lemon grass with the leaves removed, in some hot water. Honey or raw sugar may be added for a sweeter taste.

2. To relieve flatulence and strengthen your immune system, lightly boil 4 to 6 stems of lemon grass with about 7 cm of crushed old ginger in 1 litre of water for 10 minutes. Add 2 teaspoons molasses and honey into the brew when it is lukewarm for a sweeter more pleasant taste. Drink one cup about 250 ml 4 times a day to relieve flatulence, stimulate circulation and enhance your immune system against flu, chill and colds.

3.External Use: Lemon Grass Massage Oil for Colds and Coughs.
Lightly fried 6 to 8 stems of crushed lemon grass without the leaves in one cup of extra virgin olive oil, or sesame oil, for about 5 minutes. Pour this hot mixture into a container. Cover and leave it overnight. The lemon grass oil is ready to be used for massage. The oil may also be used a a chest rub for colds and coughs.