Nutrition experts say the active ingredients in lemongrass can help the body reduce oxidative stress, promote detoxification and improve liver function when used properly.
Lemongrass is a familiar ingredient in Vietnamese kitchens but is also a natural herb that effectively supports liver cleansing. Thanks to its many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, lemongrass helps the body eliminate toxins, reduce oxidative stress and improve liver function if used properly.
Lemongrass and its ability to support liver protection
The need for liver detoxification is increasing as many people face fatty liver, high liver enzymes and toxins accumulated due to alcohol, tobacco, processed foods or frequent stress.
Nutritionists say lemongrass is one of the ingredients that can support the body's cleansing process thanks to its diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Lemongrass has many health benefits (Photo: Getty).
Lemongrass contains active ingredients such as citral, geraniol, flavonoids, and polyphenols. These substances have been shown to reduce oxidative stress, a factor that causes damage to liver cells.
Lemongrass also helps promote blood purification and aids in the elimination of toxins through the urinary tract. Cleveland Clinic believes that foods rich in antioxidants play an important role in protecting the liver from free radical damage.
Three ways to detoxify the liver with lemongrass that can be applied at home
Lemongrass tea combined with ginger
Prepare 4 to 5 lemongrass stalks, crushed, and a few slices of ginger. Boil with one liter of water for about ten minutes. You can drink 250-300ml per day.
This water helps warm the body, helps reduce inflammation, increases blood circulation and aids the kidneys in eliminating toxins.
Lemongrass water mixed with lemon and honey
Use boiled lemongrass water, let it cool down then add lemon juice and a little honey. Should drink in the morning about 20 minutes before meals.
This mixture helps stimulate digestion, increases the ability to eliminate toxins, and creates a balance between alkaline and acid in the body, a factor that is beneficial for liver function.
Steam with lemongrass
Combine lemongrass, grapefruit leaves and ginger, boil for 10-15 minutes. Then use the water to steam for 10 minutes. Can be done 1-2 times per week.
This method helps dilate pores, promotes detoxification through sweat and at the same time helps reduce stress, one of the causes contributing to increased liver enzymes.
Notes when using lemongrass to detoxify the liver
Do not drink more than 1 liter of lemongrass water per day to avoid the risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. People with low blood pressure, pregnant women or people who are being treated for kidney-related diseases or stomach ulcers should be careful and consult a doctor before use.
In addition to using lemongrass, you should maintain the habit of drinking enough 2-2.5 liters of water per day. Limit alcohol, fried foods, organs and red meat. Increase green vegetables, foods rich in fiber and maintain at least 30 minutes of exercise per day.
Getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night and managing stress also play an important role.
Harvard Health Publishing says that changing lifestyle and nutritional habits is the foundation for reducing the risk of fatty liver and improving liver function over the long term.