Lemongrass

Lemongrass stalks infuse meals and teas with a warm

flavor of – you guessed it – lemon. This flavor comes from citral, a compound that is also found in lemon zest, hence the similarity in taste. In Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines, lemongrass is used in cure-all medicinal tonics, as it offers aid to so many of the body’s systems.

It is full of antioxidants and beneficial essential oils, as well as vitamins A and C, B-vitamins, and minerals including calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and zinc. These nutrients and antioxidants combine to combat oxidative stress and free radical damage in the body, helping to prevent a wide range of chronic ailments.

The citral found in lemongrass has been found to have potent antibacterial and antifungal properties. Some research has found that citral has been effective at killing E. coli bacteria, and it may also have potential in fighting cancer cells.

Traditional medicinal uses of lemongrass are vast. In Ayurvedic medicine, it was used to treat coughs and colds. It has also been used to benefit the digestive system, liver, pancreas, bladder and kidneys, and as a tonic for upset stomachs, headaches, fevers and muscle cramps. Lemongrass has also traditionally been used as a treatment for anxiety, due to its natural sedative characteristics.