WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LEMONGRASS AND GINGER TEA?
Sep 27, 2010 | By
Something special happens when you mix lemongrass and ginger together and steep them in hot water. Lemongrass, a renown anti-fungal, and ginger, a powerful digestive, have the combined effect of creating a tea that is at once calming to the nerves and soothing to the digestive tract. Additionally, lemongrass ginger tea is believed to contribute to the elimination of cancer-causing free radicals, the reduction of blood lipids and can be used as a balm for motion sickness.
THE STOMACH
By and large, lemongrass ginger tea is enjoyed as a digestive aid. According to the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology," it soothes the stomach, relieves nausea, prevents diarrhea and can easy symptoms of gas. The anti-bacterial qualities of lemongrass ginger tea are credited with restoring balance and comfort to the digestive tract, especially after bouts of mild food poisoning, vomiting or motion sickness. This makes lemongrass ginger tea a popular commodity for travelers, especially those bound for less industrial destinations.
THE HEAD
Ancient Chinese and Greek mariners were fond of using ginger to combat nausea and motion sickness. Today, a cup of lemongrass ginger tea---either iced or hot---can provide the same benefits. According, in part, to the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology," the stimulating nature of both ingredients can have a profound effect on symptoms related to anxiety. This, in turn, reduces cortisol levels in the blood stream while promoting the secretion of oxytocin. The end result is a relaxed state of mind, reduced blood pressure and a more amenable outlook. Tangentially, lemongrass ginger tea, particularly when enjoyed hot, can reduce the pain and inflammation symptomatic of sore throats. The addition of a teaspoon of honey can transform lemongrass ginger tea into a syrup that can coat the throat and help alleviate chronic coughs.
THE BODY
The positive effects of ginger on blood lipids are now well-documented, but such effect were once considered anecdotal. Similarly, though the anti-cancer qualities of lemongrass were once considered anecdotal, there is scientific evidence now supporting such claims. According to researchers from Ben Gurion University, the key ingredient in lemongrass, citral, was found to kill cancer cells outright. The researchers concluded ingesting as little as 1 oz. of lemongrass steeped in hot water could have tremendous cancer-fighting benefits. Additionally, clinical trials show the essential oil in ginger, known as gingerol, has been shown to reduce the perception of aches and pains in the body, especially those brought on by seasonal colds and flues. This may help those who suffer from chronic pain as well, especially individuals suffering from various forms of arthritis.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/261356-what-are-the-benefits-of-lemongrass-and-ginger-tea/#ixzz2A6SPeOlR
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