Benefits of Lemon Grass

The Benefits of Lemon Grass will definitely amaze you.

• it gives flavor and aroma to your dish;
• the leaves and oil are used to make medicine – treating digestive tract spasms, stomachache, high blood pressure, convulsions, pain, vomiting, cough, achy joints (rheumatism), fever,  common cold, and exhaustion;
• it relieves anxiety, bloating, and pain, lowers cholesterol, prevents infection, boost oral health and red blood cell levels;
• helps in cleansing and flushing harmful toxic wastes out of the body;
• increases metabolism and helps weight loss;
• helps to soothe the stomach and keeps the digestive system functioning well; and many more.

Lemon Grass in Bhutan

I have started using lemon grass after our family vacation in the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan.  The country known as the last Shangri-La, the first and only carbon negative country in the whole world, and with the only one Gross National Happiness (GNH) index as their economic growth compass.  They have five distinct seasons:  summer, monsoon, autumn, winter and spring; have a very rich culture, simple way of living and warm, accommodating, hospitable citizens.  Our accommodation in Thimphu (Bhutan’s capital) welcomed us with an amazing, refreshing, and relaxing scent.  I have immediately asked the front desk about that distinctive aroma, it was lemon grass oil that they are using for cleaning.

I brought home few bottles of lemon grass oil and used the same at Mima’s Homey until now.  In addition, I also make lemon grass tea (hot and cold) with ginger and honey.  We are using lemon grass in cooking roasted chicken, fish pinangat, sinigang, adobo, and nilaga.  My mother also drinks and makes her own lemon grass concoction tea.  She planted and trying to grow some in a pot.  Here in our country, lemon grass are in abundance and very affordable in public market.  And in the south, they also use them in one of their famous dish called “Sutukil”.   There are times that I have served chilled lemon grass tea (with ginger and honey), as refreshments for our guests.  Healthier and inexpensive compared to instant fruit juice/tea and soda. 

Adopting a Healthy Lifestyle

Trying to have a healthy lifestyle includes an all natural diet.  You can alter instant food additives and flavors by using fresh herbs and spices.  There are alternatives such as lemon grass which are not seasonal and costly.  You can even plant them at home in a pot or if you have a spacious garden to make it handy and have a fresh, unlimited supply.  These plants are also insect repellants, not only you will have a natural air freshener in your garden, but you can get rid of unpleasant insects at the same time. 

I would like to take this opportunity, to again express my gratitude to my awesome friend Singay Dorji, our generous host in Bhutan, and his wonderful family (wife Leki and two sons – Tenzin and Rangdel), as well as Singay’s cool and energetic colleague Chencho Dorji.  You’ve made our visit unforgettable, stunning, and keeps me wanting to go back visit the east and climb the majestic Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang Palphug Monastery)!  And Richen Dorji, many thanks again for giving me another of box of lemon grass oil during our first meeting.  May you always have snow during winter, stay warm and well.  Tashi Delek!

About the Author:

Renell A. Dela Cruz – Pacrin is a development worker (support staff) for seventeen years who loves to cook and bake.  She earned a degree in Secretarial Administration and passed the NC II (National Certificate) in Bread and Pastry Production.  She dreamt to become an interior designer but was inspired during her internship to pursue a career indirectly helping the rural poor and farmers.  During her free time, she bakes cookies, cakes, and pastries, mostly for her lovely daughter’s packed snacks, family occasions, and sometimes made to order.  Currently self-employed, she focuses more on her spouse’ van rental business, home duties, exploring handicrafts, and taking care of the homey.

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