Basic lemongrass drink

These sticks of lemongrass may seem to be nothing to rave about, but the health benefits of consuming lemongrass are aplenty.

This is what I have gathered from simply googling 'lemongrass health benefits':

"Studies have shown that the lemon grass has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Mixed with pepper, it's a home therapy for menstrual troubles and nausea. Drank as tea, it is an effective diuretic."

"[Lemongrass] is a good cleanser that helps to detoxify the Liver, pancreas, kidney, bladder and the digestive tract. It cuts down uric acid, cholesterol, excess fats and other toxins in the body while stimulating digestion, blood circulation, and lactation; it also alleviates indigestion and gastroenteritis. It is said that lemongrass also helps improve the skin by reducing acne and pimples and acts as a muscle and tissue toner. Also, it can reduce blood pressure.

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."

Lemongrass drink

Ingredients:

• 2 sticks of lemongrass
• 1.5L water (or less if a stronger flavour is desired)
• rock sugar or honey to taste (optional)

Method:

1. Rinse the lemongrass and bruise it.
2. Bring lemongrass and the water to a boil and simmer for about 3min on low heat.
3. Turn off fire and let it steep for 10min or more.
4. Add rock sugar or honey to taste (optional).

This glass of lemongrass drink has honey added so the colour's a little different.

Personally, I prefer the drink with rock sugar rather than honey as I find that the honey steals the show. The drink is especially refreshing when no sugar's added and when consumed after a sinful or oily meal! My friend swears by her lemongrass tea (she adds a teabag and some ginger) and calls it the remedy for a char kway teow hangover. :P