Lemongrass or Cymbopogoncitratus is commonly used in Asian recipes for its citrus flavor and health benefits. It has a tangy, aromatic flavor much like lemon, but it is not sour. Lemongrass is a powerful home remedy commonly used in Chinese and Thai traditional medicine. It is usually grown nearby and also called fever grass because of its prominent use in treating fevers. Lemongrass is available both as dried or fresh leaves. The oil is expressed by the steam distillation of the dried leaves, while simple infusions can be made at home by soaking the fresh leaves in hot water.
Health Benefits
Lemongrass has broad antibacterial and antifungal activities. Therefore, it is used in treating cold, cough and fever as well as in the management of stress and high blood pressure. It lowers cholesterol levels, improves blood circulation and the digestive system, and is useful in detoxifying the body. Lemongrass provides the best benefits when regularly ingested as tea or alongside other herbs such as cinnamon and turmeric powder.
Culinary Use
Thai, Chinese and Indian recipes routinely use lemongrass to add flavor to food. Lemongrass adds a distinct fruity flavor to soups and fish dishes where it counterbalances the spicy flavor of hot chilies. The stalks of the grass are chopped or pounded before inclusion in the dish. Alternatively, fresh leaves can be used in preparing dishes, and then removed just before serving them. Using lemongrass in your recipes is one important way of regularly getting the health benefits from this plant.
Other Uses
Lemongrass is used in making soaps, perfumes and candles for its pleasant scent. It is also a natural deodorant when properly diluted and perfectly suited as an alternative for those allergic to substances in synthetic skin-care products. The grass is also used as insect repellent -- it is used to kill insects when it is crushed and rubbed on the skin.
Lemongrass Oil
The essential oil produced from lemongrass contains useful active ingredients such as citral, citronella, myrcene, neral and geraniol. These are responsible for the medicinal properties of lemongrass oil and contribute to its analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, antipyretic, astringent, diuretic and anti-carcinogenic properties.
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