Benefits of Lemon Grass Tea

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Acting as a natural diuretic it is known to keep the kidneys and bladder working properly. Its powerful antioxidant benefits help to keep the liver and pancreas healthy and it is also known to help keep cholesterol levels normal.

Significance
• As natural holistic approaches to health and preventative medicine are becoming more popular and better known, people are realizing that there are many remedies which can help prevent or treat common ailments. These are not a replacement for prescription drugs of which there are sometimes no other alternative, but more often than not remedies such as the ones that use herbs like lemongrass can help and do not have the adverse affects of some conventional medications.

Geography
• Lemongrass is a fibrous plant which naturally grows in many countries. Some varieties are specifically native to places including India, Thailand and Sri Lanka and other varieties are native to Malaysia. These are divided into West and East Indian lemon grass.

Effects
• Lemongrass has been found to help in recovery of the common cold and flu, reducing fevers, cramps, flatulence and arthritic pain as well as aid digestion especially in children. It has been used in Chinese medicine for a very long time. Citral is the main element in lemongrass, which gives it its fresh lemon scent and repels insects. Researchers in Israel at Ben Gurion University have found that daily intake of 1,000mg of citral represses cancer cells and helps battle depression.

Considerations for Cooking
• The stalks of lemongrass can be chopped or pounded for use in Thai and Indian cooking. The flavor goes well in sauces, in stir fry, curries, soups and with fish. Current studies are being conducted to investigate the beneficial properties in tom yum soup for which lemongrass is a main ingredient. This soup is thought to have immune-boosting properties and even posses the ability to help fight cancer.

Herbal Insect Repellant
• Lemongrass is similar in properties to citronella grass and has some of the same repellant effects on insects. It can be crushed and rubbed directly onto the skin to help stave off annoying bugs. It is also an ingredient in the making of citronella candles, soaps and sprays.

Other Benefits:
Lemon grass, or tanglad, as it is called in the Philippines, is a tall perennial grass that is widely used in Asian cuisine. Its subtle citrus flavor makes it a favorite ingredient in a wide variety of food preparations like soups and curries. It goes well with poultry, fish, beef and seafood. Some countries also use it as tea. In addition to its flavor- and aroma-enhancing properties, lemon grass also promotes good health.

1. Helps prevent osteoporosis (Manganese-175%)
Did you know that the trace mineral manganese is necessary for bone health? Study participants among postmenopausal women have shown that those who take a combination of calcium, zinc, copper and manganese have lesser spinal bone loss compared to those who didn’t.

2. Prevents PMS
Clinical studies among women suggest that an increased supply of manganese in their diets have resulted in fewer mood swings and cramps. Just one half cup of lemon grass can already supply almost 100% of the daily value (DV) of manganese.

3. Helps fight arthritis
Manganese may also be beneficial in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. If taken along with glucosamine and chondroitin, some people have noticed lowered pain, although some find it to be ineffective.

4. Prevents anemia
Lemon grass is a very good source of iron, a mineral which helps prevent iron-deficiency anemia. If you notice frequent fatigue, weakness, and decreased ability to concentrate, add more lemon grass in your daily diet or increase your natural iron intake by eating more leafy greens and other iron-rich vegetables.

5. Helps prevent cough and colds
Another sign that you may need to up your iron supply is when you easily catch coughs and colds. Iron helps strengthen the immune system.

6. Helps regulate blood pressure levels (Potassium-14%)
Add your natural daily dose of potassium by making sure you have lemon grass readily available when cooking. Potassium has long been proven for its blood pressure-lowering-effects. Avocados, guavas, bananas and kiwifruits are some of the richest sources among fruits.

7. Prevents leg cramps
One cup of lemon grass is packed with half of the potassium in bananas. Potassium is also an electrolyte which relaxes muscles to prevent leg cramps.

8. Supports fertility (Folate-13%)
Lemon grass is beneficial for both men and women in their childbearing years though its supply of folate. This B vitamin (Vitamin B9) aids in spermatogenesis in men and implantation and placentation in women.

9. Prevents birth problems of the brain and spine
Folate also helps protect against serious congenital problems for the developing baby especially neural tube defects and spina bifida.

10. Lowers risk of cardiovascular disease
What makes lemon grass heart-friendly? Increased folate supply in the body has continually been suggested to lower risk of cardiovascular disease by preventing homocysteine build-up in the blood.

Cellular Health:

Lemongrass possesses antioxidant qualities and help in protecting the body cells from the oxygen-derived free radicals. It also helps in the cleansing of blood and strengthens the spleen to discard the tarnished red blood cells. It supports the function of the thymus glands which helps to produce white blood cells. Lemongrass helps in stimulating regeneration of cells. The folate and potassium content in the stem and leaves of lemongrass aids in DNA synthesis and promotes cell division.

Anti-Cancer:

Citral Can Kill Cancer Cell

Doctors as well as scientists have found that 1 gram of lemongrass consists of sufficient Citral to quick cancer cells to commit suicide! Citral is shown to result in apoptosis (self-destruct) in cancer cells. Cancer sufferers in Israel usually are motivated by their doctors to consume fresh lemongrass tea on the days they go in for chemotherapy or radiation treatments to assist the recovery process.

Immune System:

Lemongrass helps in restoring the vital systems which are operational in the body, including digestion, respiration, excretion and nervous system. This assists in better absorption of nutrients and strengthens the immune defense mechanism of the body. Lemongrass extracts have a beneficial effect on the inflammatory actions of cytokines, which are the signaling molecules through which the cells communicate and respond in the body. Studies have shown that lemongrass exerts anti-inflammatory action and its constituents such as citral may be the cause behind its inhibitory effects on cytokine production.

Cancer:

Lemongrass is effective in treating various types of cancers without affecting the healthy normal cells of the body. Research conducted to prove the anti-cancerous activity of lemongrass has shown promising outcomes in the prevention of skin cancer. Studies have shown that a certain component, citral, which is present in lemongrass, helps in inhibiting the growth of hepatic cancer cells during the initial phases and prevents any further production of cancerous cells. Another study has provided supporting evidence regarding the anti-proliferative effect of citral in impeding the growth of human breast cancer cells and the induction of apoptosis.

Lemon grass is also used extensively in herbal medicine.

* Nutrient data source: USDA

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Sources:

http://expertscolumn.com/content/10-health-benefits-lemon-grass

Medical Benefits of Lemongrass | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_4707214_medical-benefits-lemongrass.html#ixzz1ykndY75B

http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-lemongrass.html

http://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/health-benefits-of-lemongrass/

Benefits of Eating Pennywort Herb

Pennywort is also known as centella asiatica, gotu kola, asiatic and indian pennywort, brahmi, marsh pennywort, common pennywort, waternavel, sombrevillo de aqua, bachelor's buttons and penny grass. The various names contribute to the region and language it is being used in around the world.

This herb works by averting a disorderly manner of the absorption of nutrition and corrects this process through an improved progression of digestion of nutrients. Pennywort has properties of being antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti- inflammatory. It contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B6 as well as the minerals, calcium, magnesium, sodium, manganese, and zinc.

The benefits of pennywort tea are numerous and many people use this tea as a health tonic. Maintaining youth and the treatment of arthritis are its most popular use. It is recognized as a longevity herb because of its ability to help rebuild connective tissue, which in turn, can slow the aging process. Plus, it has been commended as a great antidote for improving memory and, therefore, considered food for the brain. Studies have indicated by consuming 2-4 raw pennywort leaves a day may help sharpen alertness and memory and rejuvenate the brain. There is important research being conducted to observe the effects this herb can have on those suffering with Alzheimer’s disease.

The central nervous system can receive amazing benefits with the consumption of pennywort. This herb works well in relaxing the mind and can assist in certain nervous disorders, senility, strokes, ADD, and epilepsy. It can be utilized as a nerve tonic when coping with mental stress and fatigue and encourage sleep due to a nervous condition.

Pennywort can help protect our immune system from toxins. High blood pressure, congestive heart failure, venereal diseases and urinary tract infections are a few of a range of illnesses that can be treated with this remarkable herb. Because of its antibiotic properties, it has the capability to speed up the healing process of wounds. Furthermore, pennywort can improve blood flow while also reinforcing veins and capillaries, making them stronger. Studies have shown it to be beneficial in healing and preventing phlebitis, leg cramps, and blood clots as well as decrease the appearance of varicose veins. It is effective in bringing down fever and treating dysentery in children, which is a severe form of diarrhea.

Pennywort has also proved to cleanse and purify the blood stream and can remedy certain skin conditions such as eczema, chronic ulcers, sores, and scleroderma, which is a condition that hardens the skin. A powder can be made from the leaves of this plant and applied to the eruptions on the skin.　

WAYS TO CONSUME PENNYWORT
Pennywort can be eaten raw in salads or it by itself. Pennywort can also be juiced or made into tea for consumption.

Penny Wort tea can be made by boiling about ½ teaspoon of dried or fresh herb in water and then straining out the solid particles. Health benefits of Penny Wort tea can be achieved and enjoyed by consuming this herb, generally about three times a day.


Source:
http://rls8994.hubpages.com/hub/Pennywort-Tea-And-Its-Many-Benefits

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Dill Weed Nutrtition Facts

Dill weed is a unique perennial herbal plant in the sense that both its leaves as well as seeds are used as a seasoning. It is the member of the Umbelliferae family, a large group of flowering herbs and spices, which includes caraway, parsley, cumin, fennel etc. Botanically, it belongs to the family of apiaceae, of the genus: Anethum and scientifically named as Anethum graveolens.

Dill is native to Mediterranean and East European regions. Just like cilantro, the plant requires warm summer climates with well-drained fertile soil to flourish. It grows 1 to 2 feet in height and features dark green leaves (sprigs) that are wispy and fern-like, have a soft texture with rich pleasant aroma and sweet taste.

Dill seeds, used as spice, are similar in taste and appearance to "caraway seeds." They feature light brown color, oval shape with vertical ridges and flavor that is aromatic, sweet, and citrus, but also slightly bitterly.

Health benefits of dill
* Dill weed contains numerous plant derived chemical compounds that are known to have anti-oxidant, disease preventing, and health promoting properties.

* This popular herb contains no cholesterol and low in calories. However, it is contains many anti-oxidants, vitamins like niacin, pyridoxine etc, and dietary fibers which help to control blood cholesterol levels.

* Dill leaves (sprigs) and seeds contain many essential volatile oils such as d-carvone, dillapiol, DHC, eugenol, limonene, terpinene and myristicin.

* The essential oil, Eugenol in the dill has been in therapeutic usage as local anesthetic and anti-septic. Eugenol has also been found to reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics. (Further detailed studies required to establish its role.)

* Dill oil, extracted from dill seeds has anti-spasmodic, carminative, digestive, disinfectant, galactagogue (helps breast milk secretion), sedative properties.
* It is also rich in many vital vitamins including folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin A, ß-carotene, vitamin-C that are essential for optimum metabolism inside the body.

* Vitamin-A and beta carotene are natural flavonoid antioxidants. 100 g of dill weed sprigs provide 7718 IU or 257% of recommended-daily levels of this vitamin. Vitamin A is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin and is essential for vision. Consumption of natural foods rich in flavonoids helps body to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.

* Fresh dill is an excellent source of antioxidant vitamin; vitamin-C. 100 g contain about 85 g or 140% of vitamin C. Vitamin-C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals.

* Dill weed is a good source of minerals like copper, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, and magnesium. Copper is a cofactor for many vital enzymes, including cytochrome c-oxidase and superoxide dismutase (other minerals function as cofactors for this enzyme are manganese and zinc). Zinc is a co-factor in many enzymes that regulate growth and development, sperm generation, digestion and nucleic acid synthesis. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.

Other Benefits: Dill is relaxant, fortifying (strength giving), diuretic (increases urination helping removal of toxic substances from the body), carminative (helps removal of gases), anti spasmodic (prevents cramps), anti flatulent, stimulates lactation (galactagogue) and endocrinal secretions, enhances libido due to presence of Arginine and last but not the least, it ensures bone and dental health being a good source of calcium.

Dill has all the characters to consider it has one of the most valuable functional foods. 100 g of dill weed provides only 43 calories, but its phyto-nutrients profile is no less than any other high calorie food source; be it nuts, pulses, cereals, or meat group.
100 g of this herb provides (%of RDA per 100 g)-
37.5% of folates (vitamin B11)
14% of vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine)
23% of riboflavin (vitamin B-2)
140% of vitamin-C
257% of vitamin-A
21% of calcium
82% of iron and
55% of manganese.
(Note: RDA- Recommended daily allowance)

Selection and storage Fresh dill weed in a market Fresh dill herb bushel in a market.
Fresh dill weed as well as dill seeds are available in the markets all around the year. Whenever possible, buy fresh dil sprigs, since it is superior in flavor and rich in many vital vitamins and anti-oxidants such as ß-carotene, vitamin C, folates etc.

Fresh dill should feature vibrant green color sprigs and firm stems. It should be free from any kind of spoilage/bruises or yellowing. Buy dill that has been grown using organic techniques since this will give you more assurance pesticide free, aromatic, as well as nutritious sprigs.
At home, fresh dill weed should be stored in the refrigerator kept in a zip pouch or wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel and should be used as early as possible since it loses flavor and nutrients quickly if kept for longer periods. dill seeds Dill seeds.

Dill seeds as well as dill oil are also available in the markets. The seeds used as spice and condiment. Good quality dill seeds releases pleasant, sweet and slightly peppery flavor when rubbed between index and thumb fingers.

In the store, buy whole dill seeds instead of its powder since, oftentimes it may contain adulterated with other spicy powders. The seeds can be stored in cool, dry, dark place, in airtight containers for many months and can be milled using hand mill as and when required. Ground and powdered form should be stored in the refrigerator in airtight containers and should be used as early as possible since it loses flavor rather quickly.

Medicinal uses
* The sprigs of the dill weed have anti-septic, digestive, and carminative properties.

* The essential oil, eugenol, in the dill has been in therapeutic use as local anesthetic and anti-septic. Eugenol also has been found to reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics, however, further detailed studies required to establish its role.

* Dill oil, extracted from dill seeds, has been used in traditional medicines as anti-spasmodic, carminative, appetizer, digestive, disinfectant, to help breast milk secretion in nursing mothers and to relieve neurological symptoms like headaches and nervous irritability. Along with caraway, fennel, aniseed, the seeds are most important ingredients in gripe water preparation.

* Cancer: Now it is the turn of the Monoterpenes to come under the lime light. These chemoprotective Monoterpenes, being stimulant in nature, activates secretion of an enzyme called glutathione-S-transferase (the radical glutathione is an effective anti oxidant) which is very effective in neutralizing carcinogens, particularly Cyano- and Benzo- derivatives and free radicals, thereby protecting from cancer. The other anti oxidants in essential oils of dill also contribute to this.

* Kaempferol and certain other components of Flavonoids and Monoterpenes in the essential oils of dill are anti congestive and anti histaminic in nature and help clear congestion in the respiratory system due to histamine, allergies or cough.

* Diarrhea is caused mainly due to two reasons; indigestion and microbial action. For the first, dill can certainly help as it has very good digestive properties. For the second, it can help again since the Monoterpenes and Flavonoids present in its essential oils are germicidal or bactericidal in nature and can help cure diarrhea by inhibiting microbial infections.

* Dysentery: Dysentery is primarily caused due to fungal infections. Here too, dill can help as its essential oils are disinfectant in nature and help inhibit fungal infection effectively.

* Menstrual Disorders: The Flavonoids in essential oils of dill are stimulant and Emenagogue in nature, that is, they stimulate secretion of certain hormones which in turn help maintain proper menstrual cycles.

* Respiratory Disorders: Kaempferol and certain other components of Flavonoids and Monoterpenes in the essential oils of dill are anti congestive and anti histaminic in nature and help clear congestion in the respiratory system due to histamine, allergies or cough.

* Oral Care: Dill seeds and leaves are very good mouth fresheners. Apart from that, the essential oils in it are germicidal, anti oxidant and disinfectant in nature. Thus they help end microbial infections in the mouth as well as their anti oxidants minimize the damages caused to gums and teeth by the free radicals.

* Digestion: Dill itself is an appetizer and therefore extensively used in culinary. The essential oils present in it are stimulant in nature and activates secretion of bile and digestive juices. These oils also stimulate peristaltic motion of the intestine.

* Insomnia: Essential oils found in herbs have a peculiar property. They are simultaneously stimulant and sedative or hypnotic, that is, they stimulate as well as pacify. The essential oils in dill are no different. The Flavonoids and vitamin-B complex present in its essential oils, being stimulant in nature, activates secretion of certain enzymes and hormones which have calmative and hypnotic effects, thereby helping have a good sleep.

* Hiccups: Hiccups occur due to various reasons, primarily due to trapping and repeated upward movement of gases through the food pipe and secondarily due to certain allergies, hypersensitivity, hyperactivity and nervous malfunctioning etc. Dill can help in all of these situations. Being a carminative, it helps expulsion of gases and also reduces gas formation and being sedative, it helps calm down hiccups due to allergies (which is actually hypersensitivity of the body towards certain foreign elements and bile), hyperactivity, nervous disturbances etc.

Culinary uses
Fresh dill weed should be washed thoroughly in the water in order to remove sand and dirt and to rid off any residual pesticides. In order to keep the fragrance and aromatic flavor intact, dill is generally added just before preparing recipes.

Here are some preparation tips: tilapia-dill Dill herb dressed over tilapia cubes.
* Dill has been used in preparation of many popular dishes in Mediterranean and European cuisine since ancient times. Along with other spicy items, it is being used to enhance the flavor and taste of vegetables, chicken, fish and meat dishes.

* Dill has also been used in the preparation of soups, and sauces.

* Freshly chopped and sautéed dill is a great addition to green salads.

* Dill seeds are used in pickling as well as in spicy dishes.

Source:

http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/seed-and-nut/health-benefits-of-dill.html

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/dill-weed.html

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