柠檬草（Lemongrass），学名香茅（Cymbopogon），是一种多年生草本植物，原产于热带和亚热带地区，如东南亚、非洲和南美洲。它的叶片细长，散发出类似柠檬的清新香气，常被用作调味料、芳香疗法以及草药茶的原料。柠檬草富含芳香油、柠檬醛和黄酮类化合物，是一种集营养、药用和保健于一体的多功能植物。
柠檬草的主要功能：
1. 改善消化：
柠檬草具有刺激消化液分泌的作用，能够帮助缓解胃胀、消化不良和肠胃痉挛，同时还具有轻微的利尿效果，帮助清除体内多余水分。
2. 抗菌抗炎：
柠檬草中的柠檬醛成分具有强效的抗菌和抗炎特性，可帮助抵抗细菌感染，减轻炎症反应，对喉咙痛、咳嗽等轻微感染有一定缓解作用。
3. 提神醒脑：
其清新的香气有助于减轻压力、提神醒脑、改善心情，是一种天然的芳香疗法成分，适合缓解精神疲劳和头痛。
4. 降低血糖：
研究表明，柠檬草可能有助于调节血糖水平，适合需要控制血糖的人群。
5. 抗氧化：
柠檬草富含抗氧化成分，能帮助清除体内自由基，保护细胞免受氧化损伤，从而延缓衰老。
6. 改善睡眠：
柠檬草茶的舒缓作用可以帮助减轻焦虑和压力，从而改善睡眠质量，尤其适合睡眠不佳的人群。
7. 清热解毒：
在传统医学中，柠檬草常被用来清热解毒，缓解体内湿热积聚引起的不适，如发热、头痛等。
冲泡方法：
- 取2-3片新鲜或干燥的柠檬草叶，剪成小段。
- 用热水冲泡，焖5-10分钟。
- 根据个人口味可加入蜂蜜或柠檬调味。
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon), also known as citronella, is a perennial herb native to tropical and subtropical regions such as Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America. Its long, slender leaves exude a fresh lemon-like aroma and are commonly used as a culinary ingredient, in aromatherapy, and as a base for herbal teas. Lemongrass is rich in essential oils, citral, and flavonoids, making it a multifunctional plant with nutritional, medicinal, and wellness applications.
Main Benefits of Lemongrass:
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Improves Digestion: Lemongrass stimulates the secretion of digestive juices, helping to relieve bloating, indigestion, and stomach cramps. It also has a mild diuretic effect, aiding in the elimination of excess water from the body.
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Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory: The citral in lemongrass has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to combat bacterial infections, reduce inflammation, and relieve minor issues like sore throat and coughs.
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Boosts Alertness and Uplifts Mood: Its refreshing scent helps reduce stress, enhance alertness, and improve mood, making it a natural aromatherapy component for mental fatigue and headaches.
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Regulates Blood Sugar: Studies suggest that lemongrass may help regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for individuals needing blood sugar control.
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Antioxidant Properties: Rich in antioxidants, lemongrass helps neutralize free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative damage and slowing down aging.
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Improves Sleep: The calming effects of lemongrass tea help reduce anxiety and stress, improving sleep quality—ideal for individuals with poor sleep.
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Clears Heat and Detoxifies: In traditional medicine, lemongrass is used to clear heat and detoxify the body, relieving discomfort caused by internal heat and dampness, such as fever or headaches.
Brewing Method:
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Take 2–3 pieces of fresh or dried lemongrass leaves and cut them into small sections.
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Steep them in hot water for 5–10 minutes.
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Add honey or lemon to taste, if desired.
Lemongrass tea is a refreshing and healthful drink, perfect for relaxation and wellness.