Lemongrass
Cymbopogon citratus
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.
| 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 |
|
Friendly
