Why Lemongrass?

The Lemongrass plant is so much more than just something used to flavor tea. The scientific name is cymbopogon citrate and is from the Poaceae family. It is tall grass growing in dense clumps with a height of 4 feet and a width up to 2 feet. There are seldom flowers. It is strongly lemon-scented when broken with a hint of rose fragrance.

The history dates back as early as the 17th century that lemongrass was being distilled for export in the Philippines. The first samples of the closely related citronella oil were displayed at the World’s Fair at London’s Crystal Palace in 1951. It is a favorite oil in India for hundreds of years and known locally as ‘choomana poolu’ which refers to the plant’s red grass stems.

Other historical uses of Lemongrass have been for purficiation and digestion support. Lemongrass is an aid for people who have trouble getting started in the morning. It is not only psychologically refreshing, but it also serves as a tonic for tightening weak connective tissue. The essential oil supports blood vessels. It is beneficial in easing of sports injuries. It may be used diluted with water and applied as a cold compress or bandage.

Lemongrass essential oil is one of the 10 largest selling essential oils in the world, with over 1500 tons produced annually. It is used as the natural starting point to produce the fragrance component citral. Lemongrass baths ease muscle soreness. Lemongrass has also been a good insect repellent. Its great to add to fragrance to potpourri. It is used as the starting point in the manufacture of vitamin A. Nutritionally, lemongrass is a good source of vitamins A and C, folate, folic acid, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and manganese. It also has minute traces of B vitamins.

One of my favorite ways to use lemongrass is as a stain remover. I use lemongrass essential oil for this. Simply place a drop or two on the area and wash. Adding a few drops to the laundry freshens and makes the washer smell great!

Recipes

Discomfort Pillow

1 cup dried lemongrass; 1/2 cup dried lavender; 1/4 cup dried marjoram; 1 tsp crushed cloves. Combine all the ingredients, put into a small muslin bag, and slip between the pillow and the pillowcase.

You can also use essential oils if you don't have access to a variety of dried herbs. Here's the recipe:

10 drops of lemongrass essential oil, 15 drops of lavender essential oil, 10 drops of marjoram essential oil, 2 drops of clove essential oil. Place all these drops into a roller bottle with 2-3 tsp of almond oil. Apply to the back of the neck and down the back. Below is a picture of a roller bottle that I use:

Soothing Foot Discomfort Rub

15 drops of Lemongrass essential oil, 10 drops of Frankincense essential oil, 10 drops of marjoram essential oil. Add essential oils to a roller bottle (pictured at right) and add 2 tsp of carrier oil (almond, olive, or coconut oil). Apply to feet morning and evening to ease discomfort.

Yummy Ginger Lemongrass Tea

4 cups pure drinking water. A small amount of water will evaporate during boiling.

​3 drops of Lemongrass essential oil

​2 inches ginger root (less, if you want less pungent).

Note: old ginger is strong than the young one

​Liquid stevia to taste.

Bring water to boil on stove and set aside. Grate ginger root and place in tea steeper. Let steep in water for a few minutes. Mix lemongrass with liquid stevia and pour into water. Drink warm. Will taste warm and bitey. If you are sensitive to spicy foods, use less lemongrass.

Why Lemongrass?

Lemongrass is supportive in every form. The lemongrass plant will be wonderful addition to your patio to keep pests away. Use the plant when you cook. Use lemongrass essential oil to support your muscles. You should know that Lemongrass essential oil is very warming on the skin. If your feet feels cold, lemongrass will feel great. If you are sensitive to spicy foods you may want to use less. My family has found lemongrass to be very supportive to our health and wellness.

All posts and information provided within this blog is for informational and educational purposes only, and is not to be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action should be taken solely on the contents of this website. Please consult your physician or a qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health and well being or on any opinions expressed within this website.