Verbena and lemongrass – although these plants were until recently exotic in our country, they are becoming increasingly popular. And not only because of their refreshing lemony aroma, but above all – thanks to their health-promoting properties. What properties do these plants have? How are they used? How verbena and lemongrass improve immunity. How to use them to strengthen the body? We suggest.
Long known and used in the perfume and cosmetic industries, it is also increasingly used as an aromatic ingredient in dishes. What’s more, lemongrass and verbena are also becoming increasingly popular for their wealth of ingredients that have positive effects on health. They are no longer used only in the form of infusions and herbal teas, but also as an ingredient in preparations for improving immunity, strengthening the body and its natural vitality.
Lemongrass – what properties does it have?
Lemongrass (otherwise known as lemon palm or citronella) is a small plant that has been used in natural medicine in Asia and South America for centuries. The lemongrass oil contained in the plant is mainly responsible for its medicinal properties. The ingredients contained in lemongrass have wide-ranging effects. The plant has been used as a cough suppressant, decongestant, for headaches, to treat indigestion and lack of appetite.
Lemongrass is also a rich source of vitamins and minerals needed for metabolic processes, energy production and distribution, and for muscle function. The plant contains, among other things: vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin A, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, sodium and potassium.
In South America, lemongrass is added to the infusion obtained from yerba mate. It gives it a refreshing and slightly lemony flavor. However, the aroma is not the only thing at stake here. Yerba mate is a stimulating brew, increasingly popular outside South America as well, with properties similar to coffee. The addition of lemongrass further improves vitality, brightens the mind and improves concentration. Scientific studies confirm the beneficial effects of lemongrass on blood glucose and cholesterol levels, which helps regulate metabolism.
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Lemongrass is a common addition to dishes in Eastern cuisines. Due to its unique aroma, it gives a specific flavor to dishes. But not only that. In addition, it warms and gives energy. It is consumed raw, dried or frozen. In the herbal and pharmaceutical industry, lemongrass extract is used as ingredients in preparations for strengthening the body, adding energy and improving vitality. Also for athletes. Although it is still rarely found in Polish cuisine, it is gaining popularity for its health-promoting and flavorful qualities.
Curiosity:
Lemongrass is not only an ingredient in dishes, infusions and herbal teas. It is also used:
- For refreshing mouth odor,
- Rubbed into the skin: it refreshes and gives the skin a pleasant and energizing fragrance,
- used in the form of cosmetics or preparations on the skin, reduces sebum secretion, so cosmetics with lemon verbena are recommended for people with oily skin or shampoos for oily hair.
Lemon verbena – uses
Lemon verbena (also known as trifoliate lippia) naturally occurs in the Americas and Europe. It is easily recognized by its distinctive leaf arrangement and intense lemon fragrance. It has been valued for its health-promoting properties for many years, and is also used in the cosmetic and perfume industry due to its refreshing aroma.
It has properties somewhat similar to lemongrass, but in addition it has a diastolic and anti-inflammatory effect. It relaxes, has relaxing properties, relieves migraines and neuralgia, improves digestion. Also used as a remedy for stress, it calms and makes it easier to fall asleep. Lemon verbena leaves for brewing are worth using as a way to strengthen immunity, not only in weakened states of the body. It strengthens and adds energy.
Lemon verbena for immunity
Due to their anti-inflammatory, antiviral, analgesic and antibacterial properties, preparations based on verbena extracts have a positive effect on the immune system. They are worth using throughout the year to strengthen immunity. However, they are especially recommended during autumn and winter, a time of increased incidence of flu and colds.
Ingredients in it help lower fevers, soothe coughs and, according to recent studies, are even able to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. The antioxidants contained in lemon verbena not only slow down the aging process of cells (including skin cells), but also neutralize free radicals, which is one of the elements of prevention and fight against cancer.
Preparations with lemon verbena are also recommended for athletes and people struggling with joint inflammation. The plant has anti-inflammatory properties and also helps treat and counteract autoimmune diseases.
