Lemongrass, Cymbopogon citratus
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| Botanical Name |
Cymbopogon citratus |
| Essence |
A Stimulating and Reviving Tonic |
| Function |
A stimulating reviving aroma that helps with mental
exhaustion, jet lag, clearing headaches, relieving fatigue. Strong
antiseptic. Effective with respiratory infections. Use on aching muscles,
stimulates circulation, tones the skin. Helps keep insects away, a
pleasant alternative to Citronella. |
| Usage |
Use as a compress to alleviate muscular aches and pains.
10 drops in a 60 ml container of distilled water makes a wonderful
disinfectant room spray. 2 drops in a tumbler of warm water to gargle
for sore throats (do not swallow ).
Bath: 3 drops in a foot bath will help with tired and aching feet. |
| Aromatherapy |
Antiseptic, diuretic, lymph drainage, stimulating digestion,
tonic, refreshing, helps concentration, great for driving, aids in
alertness, vitalizing, cleansing. |
| Caution |
Use diluted and in small quantities. Do not apply directly
to the skin. |
Family: Gramineae / Poaceae (grass family)
Common Names: lemongrass, oil grass
Description
This fragrant Thai grass is a versatile performer in the kitchen where
it can be used in teas, beverages, herbal medicines, and Eastern inspired
soups and other dishes.
Lemongrass is equally versatile in the garden. This tropical grass grows
in dense clumps that can grow to 6 feet in height to about 4 feet in width.
The strap-like leaves are 1/2 to 1 inch wide, about 3 feet long, and have
gracefully drooping tips. The evergreen leaves are bright yellow-green
and release a citrus aroma when crushed. It is the leaves that are used
as flavoring and in medicine. They are steam distilled to extract lemongrass
oil, an old standby in the the perfurmer's palette of scents.
Location
Lemongrass is native to India and the nearby island of Sri Lanka. It is
found growing naturally in tropical grasslands. It is also extensively
cultivated throughout tropical Asia.
Features
Lemongrass has been used for centuries as the source of an aromatic oil
that is used in perfumery, flavorings and herbal medicine. Keep some around
the house to add a lemony snap to ice tea and interest to your stir fries.
The next time you visit a Thai restaurant I recommend that you try the
Tom Yum Goon soup for an exotic introduction to this beautiful and useful
herb.
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