Health Benefits of Lemon Grass/Tanglad

Tanglad

Tanglad or lemon grass is a commercially-viable plant that is cultivated mainly for the fragrance that it produces. It can be easily found in most Asian countries, and is widely cultivated in tropical areas. By nature, tanglad is a permanent or perennial plant, and the benefits of which are not restricted to its fragrance. The utility of tanglad basically lies in its leaves, where all the benefits are derived. What can be seen of this plant are mainly its leaves, which allows easy access to the main part that is needed in order to enjoy tanglad’s health benefits. It constitutes most of what appears of this plant above ground, as the leaves grow up to one meter in length, and are flat in shape.


Health Benefits

• helps ease stomach discomfort
• aids in lessening, if not totally curing toothache and sprain
• prepared as a liniment to be also applied on sprains for easy healing. This can be done by chopping four ounces of the leaves and roots of tanglad and boiling them, along with fresh coconut oil
• also serves as an insect repellant, (particularly mosquitoes) this can be achieved either by applying the liniment or by simply placing crushed tanglad leaves in strategic places at home including the window sills
• possesses anti-bacterial activities and anti-fungal properties thus, eradicates ring worms
• the calming effect derived from the scent it produces helps especially if such person is suffering from insomnia and stress
• therapeutic value; aids in the relief of dysmenorrhea in women and from usual bouts of nausea
• cleansing properties:  a good option to detoxify the various internal organs, like the liver. It  reduces the level of uric acid and of other toxins, as result; better blood circulation and better digestion as excess fats and cholesterol are cut down from the body
• when infused, it effects significantly in the reduction and avoidance of acne and pimples as it tones the muscles and tissues and thus making the skin firmer
• its properties allows it to be used as food flavouring. It is incorporated in a multitude of Asian cuisines and dishes and part of commercial beverages

So aside from the oil that can be extracted from lemon grass leaves, the fluid that is obtained from the boiled leaves of this plant proves to have medicinal purposes as well. Such lemon grass leaves can also be used in its raw form by mixing directly with the food before it is served. Such dishes include, and are especially good, when the primary ingredient is fish or poultry. Besides the health benefits, tanglad balances the chili flavorings in dishes, which makes eating a more enjoyable experience.

Source: Philippine Herbal Medicine