Lemongrass – Cymbopogon ssp. – tastes lemony and warm. Try this Easy Lemongrass Tea Recipe to help boost mood.
Easy Lemongrass Tea Recipe Ingredients
- 3 stalks of fresh lemongrass, sliced (2 Tbsp fresh or 1 Tbsp dried)
- 6 cups of boiling water
- Honey to taste
Easy Lemongrass Tea Recipe Instructions
- Instructions: Pour boiling water over the lemongrass. Cover and steep for about 9 minutes. Strain, add honey to taste, enjoy.
Contraindications: Both lemongrass essential oil and the herb can cause contact skin irritation in some people, so avoid with sensitive skin. Avoid with low blood sugar, and with blood sugar medications as it may further lower blood sugar. Avoid with liver conditions, as lemongrass may increase liver functions. Avoid with pregnancy, breastfeeding, and young children (1).
References
- Ulbricht, C. (2010). Natural Standard. Herb & Supplement Guide. An Evidence-Based Reference. Mosby Elsevier.
RESEARCH ABOUT LEMONGRASS AND MOOD
- In a study with 60 healthy women, the inhalation of a blend of lemongrass, patchouli, and ylang ylang was more effective than inhaling lavender in reducing anxiety. Both the lavender group and the blend group showed reduced anxiety compared to the placebo. From: Siahaan, R., Rahardjo, T. B., & Ranti, A. (2015). Effectiveness of Indonesian Essential Oil Mixture of Lemongrass, Cananga, and Patchouli in Relaxation through Inhalation: A Clinical Test on Healthy Woman with High Potential for Stress. Makara Journal of Health Research, 143-151.
- In mice, Cymbopogon citratus was anxiolytic, sedative or anticonvulsive. From: Blanco, M. M., Costa, C. A. R. A., Freire, A. O., Santos, J. G., & Costa, M. (2009). Neurobehavioral effect of essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus in mice. Phytomedicine, 16(2), 265-270.
- Women who inhaled lemongrass aroma for 5 minutes had improved mood and cognition compared to the placebo. From: Sriraksa, N., Kaewwongse, M., Phachonpai, W., & Hawiset, T. (2018). Effects of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) Essential Oil Inhalation on Cognitive Performance and Mood in Healthy Women. Thai Pharmaceutical and Health Science Journal-วารสาร ไทย เภสัชศาสตร์ และ วิทยาการ สุขภาพ, 13(2), 80-88.
- A study of lemongrass massage oil on 29 Taiwanese participants resulted in reduction in decreased diastolic blood pressure (DBP) but no significant variations in systolic blood pressure (SBP) or pulse rate. The author suggested that lemongrass oil had a harmonizing effect on emotional state. From: Kamkaen, N., Ruangrungsi, N., Patalung, N. N., & Watthanachaiyingcharoen, R. (2015). Physiological and psychological effects of lemongrass and sweet almond massage oil. J Health Res vol, 29(2).
Click below for more research about lemongrass.
By: Kathy Sadowski
10/10/19
