Lemongrass

Lemongrass

Scientifically known as Cymbopogan citrates, lemongrass is a herb that is used for its culinary and medicinal uses.  Lemongrass is cultivated around the world for a variety of reasons. It’s mainly grown for its oils, which have a number of uses including for vitamin A, perfumes, insect spray, cosmetics, perfumes and food and drink. Lemongrass is also enjoyed as a tea throughout the world.

The lemongrass stalk is too tough to eat on its own so has to be finely crushed or chopped.

It is essential in many Asian cuisines, especially Thai dishes, giving them a subtle citrus flavour.

Flavour

Lemongrass has a refreshing lemon-lime taste with a tinge of mint and ginger.lemongrass

Aroma

Fresh lemongrass has a delicate, floral rose-like fragrance mixed with a fresh and grassy aroma.

History

Indigenous Australians used lemongrass leaves to make a drink and applied it to sore eyes, cuts and skin conditions as a wash.

Medicinal

Where lemongrass is native it is made into a tea called ‘fever tea’ that is used to treat diarrhoea, stomach cramps and headaches. The oil of lemongrass is applied to treat ringworm in India. Studies have shown that lemongrass kills multiple types of bacteria and fungi and has deodorant properties. The lemongrass contains five constituents that inhibit blood coagulation.

Essential oils in lemongrass help strengthen blood vessels and decrease the chance of varicose veins.

Facts about Lemongrass

You can use lemongrass as a steam by adding lemongrass leaves to boiling water. This will cause the pores to open up and clear out pimples and blackheads,

Lemongrass is used in aromatherapy as a mood lifter.

USES:

  • Pesticide/insect repellent
  • Antifungal/antibacterial
  • The oil is used to treat ringworm
  • Used to treat a fever by inducing sweating
  • Calm upset stomachs/diarrhoea
  • Alleviates headaches
  • Treats lice, athlete’s foot, and scabies
  • Alleviates cold symptoms
  • Perfumes and soaps
  • Aids with insomnia
  • Powerful antioxidant
  • Aids with stress and anxiety
  • Relieves muscle pains
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Good source of vitamins A and C, folic acid, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and manganese
  • Some studies say lemongrass has anti-cancer properties
  • Aids with arthritis and gout
  • Used to treat skin problems such as acne

 

CAUTION:

Undiluted lemongrass oil can cause skin irritation, rashes, and burning sensations. Not recommended for children, pregnant women, and nursing women.

People with liver or kidney disease should consult a doctor before using this herb.

 

REFERENCES:

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/lemongrass.html

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

http://www.gourmetgarden.com/en/herb/198/lemongrass

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cymbopogon

http://www.motherearthliving.com/plant-profile/an-herb-to-know-26.aspx

http://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/lemongrass-oil.aspx

http://lemongrassherbal.blogspot.com.au/p/lemongrass-benefits.html