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Time of India
11-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Can adding Lemongrass stalks to green tea heal headaches?
Green tea and lemongrass both possess strong anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate headaches caused by muscle tension or sinus inflammation. Green tea contains catechins, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), known for reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food (2010) confirmed that lemongrass essential oil reduces inflammation and swelling, making the combination effective for managing pain and pressure associated with headaches. Why lemongrass? Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a fragrant herb known for its citrusy aroma and a wide range of medicinal properties. It contains essential oils like citral, limonene, and myrcene, which have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and calming effects. Traditionally used in herbal teas and home remedies, lemongrass has long been praised in Ayurveda and folk medicine for its ability to relieve pain and tension. Reduces pain and inflammation One of the key ways lemongrass helps ease headaches is through its natural anti-inflammatory action. Studies published in The Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research show that lemongrass extracts can reduce inflammation and muscle tension, which are often underlying causes of tension headaches and migraines. The compound citral acts similarly to mild pain relievers, offering natural comfort without side effects. Stress related headaches Drinking lemongrass tea made by steeping fresh or dried stalks can promote relaxation and reduce stress-induced headaches. It works as a mild sedative, helping lower cortisol levels and calming the nervous system. This makes it especially effective for headaches caused by anxiety, fatigue, or lack of sleep. The soothing aroma itself contributes to mental calmness and clearer focus. Boosts circulation and detoxification Lemongrass also enhances blood circulation, which is essential for delivering oxygen to brain cells and relieving vascular headaches. Its detoxifying properties help clear toxins from the body that may trigger or worsen headaches. A well-functioning liver and digestive system, supported by lemongrass, also play an indirect role in reducing headache frequency. What studies say Lemongrass is a mild sedative that calms the nervous system, while green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid known to improve mental focus and reduce anxiety. According to a study in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition (2007), L-theanine in green tea significantly lowers cortisol levels and improves relaxation without sedation. When used together, they target tension-related headaches by reducing mental and physical stress, a common trigger for headaches. Can't eat your food without snapping a picture first? Join our Food Photography Contest and stand a chance to win exciting prizes! Click HERE for details. Join our WhatsApp Food Community to discover delicious recipes, enjoy fascinating food stories, and stay updated with the latest food news! Click here One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change


Los Angeles Times
28-05-2025
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
6 Fermented Foods Everyone's Eating This Summer for Gut Health and Glowing Energy
LA Times Studios may earn commission from purchases made through our links. As summer approaches, fermented foods are emerging as a smarter, science-backed way to support gut health, hormonal balance, skin vitality, and even mood. Once confined to the margins of natural food stores, these age-old staples are now earning center-stage status — appearing in everything from probiotic tonics to microbiome-friendly twists on comfort food. And while the buzz is loud, the underlying science (though still evolving) is increasingly compelling. Interest in fermented foods has surged in 2025, as more people seek out natural ways to support digestion, boost energy, and maintain overall wellness. With kefir, kimchi, and even fermented skincare taking off, it's clear that gut health has become a priority, not just a passing trend. This probiotic-packed, slightly fizzy fermented milk drink is dominating breakfast routines. Known for its gut-soothing benefits and high microbial diversity, it's being dubbed 'yogurt's overachieving cousin.' In fact, kefir is considered one of the most promising functional foods due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and even anticarcinogenic potential, according to a 2021 NIH review. Spicy, crunchy, and full of personality, kimchi's tangy mix of fermented cabbage and chili paste is now a fridge staple well beyond Korean households. It's also rich in lactic acid bacteria and has been shown to support anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and even cholesterol-lowering benefits, according to research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food. This tangy, effervescent tea has evolved into a multibillion-dollar industry. What started as a hippie health-store staple is now a mainstream favorite, with innovations like adaptogen-infused brews, nootropic blends, and zero-sugar options hitting shelves everywhere. This umami-rich fermented soybean paste is popping up not just in soup but in salad dressings, marinades, and even desserts. Once niche vegan proteins, these traditional soy ferments are gaining broader recognition for their dense nutrient profile and probiotic perks. Yes, it's a thing. Beauty brands are now experimenting with fermented ingredients to promote skin barrier health, microbiome diversity, and inflammation control. Think of it as skincare that's been cultured, literally. 'Your microbiome plays an important two-way role with your hormones,' says Dr. Colleen Cutcliffe, co-founder and CEO of Pendulum Therapeutics. 'A diet high in fibers and polyphenols will ensure a diverse gut microbiome that is metabolically healthy.' In other words, feeding your gut might be the most foundational thing you can do for your overall wellness, especially when hormone balance and inflammation are involved. Gut health isn't just about what happens below the belt. As research shows, new research is shedding light on the gut-skin axis, linking a thriving microbiome to radiant skin and fewer inflammatory flare-ups. 'We know there is a huge opportunity to impact the immune and inflammatory responses through the gut,' she explains. 'And those are tied to how things appear on our skin.' In layman's terms: while topical products might not be miracle workers, nourishing your gut with probiotics, prebiotics, and fiber-rich foods could help you glow from the inside out. If you're craving a seasonal wellness refresh, fermented foods offer a simple, flavorful way to do it, no cleanse or supplement stack required. 'As we move into spring, look for variety on your plate, particularly when it comes to color,' says Dr. Adam Perlman, MD. 'Probiotics are another key ingredient for springing back into spring.' He points to kimchi and kombucha as simple but powerful tools to reboot digestion, enhance energy, and rebalance after a processed food-heavy winter. While the science behind the gut microbiome is still emerging, what's clear is that fermented foods are no longer a niche interest. They're a cultural and nutritional movement and a delicious one at that. Will kefir cure your burnout or make your skin glow overnight? Probably not. But as part of a diverse, fiber-rich, minimally processed diet, it might help support the systems that do. Click here to learn more about Pendulum Theraputics