What is the history of lemongrass?
The History of Lemongrass In Asia and Africa, lemongrass has been used in cooking and as an herbal remedy for thousands of years. While the commercial distillation of lemongrass essential oil for export reportedly began in the 17th century in the Philippines, lemongrass wasn’t widely distributed until the last hundred years or so.
Why is using lemongrass essential oil benefits you?
What is it?
- It has antibacterial properties Lemongrass is used as a natural remedy to heal wounds and help prevent infection. ...
- It has antifungal properties Fungi are organisms like yeast and mold. ...
- It has anti-inflammatory properties Chronic inflammation is thought to cause many health problems, including arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer. ...
What are the health benefits of eating lemon grass?
What Are the Health Benefits of Lemongrass?
- Heart Disease and Diabetes. Lemongrass has been used to treat both diabetes and heart disease in traditional medicine. ...
- Cancer Prevention. Most plant foods contain powerful compounds called antioxidants that help to prevent cancer by stopping free radical formation.
- Malaria. ...
- Dosage and Side Effects. ...
What are the common names of lemongrass?
Species included in the genus include:
- Cymbopogon ambiguus (Australian lemon-scented grass) – Australia, Timor
- Cymbopogon annamensis – Yunnan, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand
- Cymbopogon bhutanicus – Bhutan
- Cymbopogon bombycinus silky oilgrass – Australia
- Cymbopogon caesius – Sub-Saharan Africa, Indian Subcontinent, Yemen, Afghanistan, Madagascar, Comoros, Réunion
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Who invented lemon grass?
It is believed that news about the Lemongrass plant and its therapeutic essential oils began to spread quickly in 1905, when a Sri Lankan researcher by the name of J.F. Jovit acquired several “Kochin Sera” plants (Cymbopogon citrates) from South India and planted them at a farm in order to conduct research.
Why lemongrass is called lemongrass?
Lemongrass is a tropical perennial plant which yields aromatic oil. The name lemongrass is derived from the typical lemon-like odour of the essential oil present in the shoot. The lemongrass oil of commerce is popularly known as Cochin oil in world trade, since 90% of it is shipped from Cochin port.
Where does lemongrass grow naturally?
Botanical Basics of Lemongrass Like many of the other species grouped into the Cymbopogon genus, lemongrass is native to the temperate, warm, and tropical regions of Oceania, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia. It is a tall, bushy, perennial grass that grows up from a tightly packed central clump.
What is lemon grass also known as?
Lemon grass ( Cymbopogon flexuosus ) [8], also called Cochin grass or Malabar grass, is native to India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, and Burma.
Is lemongrass toxic to humans?
Lemongrass is LIKELY SAFE for most people when used in food amounts. It is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth, applied to the skin, or inhaled as aromatherapy short-term for medicinal purposes. Rarely, lemongrass oil might cause a rash of skin irritation when applied to the skin.
Why is lemon grass good for you?
Lemongrass contains quercetin, a flavonoid known for having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Quercetin reduces inflammation, which inhibits cancer cell growth and prevents heart disease. Lemongrass is used in Africa as a treatment for coronary heart disease.
Does lemon grass repel snakes?
Lemongrass is a great herb to grow on your homestead. Not only is it beautiful and easy to grow, it repels mosquitos, ticks, and also helps repel snakes. You'll want to plant lemongrass around the perimeter of the area to keep snakes away.
Does lemongrass keep mosquitoes away?
In any case, citronella and lemongrass are used extensively as a natural mosquito repellent. Both of them contain the compound citronella that helps to mask the scents that mosquitoes rely on to target hosts which is carbon dioxide and lactic acid.
What are the two types of lemongrass?
Two varieties are commonly found in nurseries: West Indian lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) and East Indian lemon grass (Cymbopogon flexuosus). Both can be used for cooking, but the thicker West Indian variety is better.
What happens if you drink lemongrass tea everyday?
The results of a 2015 study suggest that drinking lemongrass tea infusions daily for 30 days can increase hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, and red blood cell count in the body.
What happens if you drink too much lemongrass tea?
Lemongrass tea may cause allergies for people who are allergic to lemongrass plants. Don't drink this tea if you are allergic to lemongrass or citronella. Stop use immediately if you experience symptoms including throat swelling, difficulty breathing, and skin rash.
Is it OK to drink lemongrass tea everyday?
There isn't enough research on lemongrass tea to recommend a standard dosage for any condition. For dosing recommendations, consult your doctor or a qualified natural health practitioner. To limit your risk of side effects, start with one cup daily. If you tolerate this well, you can drink more.
What means lemongrass?
Definition of lemongrass : a grass (Cymbopogon citratus) of robust habit native to southern India and Ceylon that is grown in tropical regions for its lemon-scented foliage used as a seasoning and that is the source of an aromatic essential oil also : its foliage.
Is lemongrass really grass?
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tall, perennial grass in a class of about 45 species of grasses native to the tropical and sub-tropical climates of Asia, Australia and Africa.
Is lemon grass same as lemon?
Despite having a similar scent and flavor, lemons and lemongrass are not actually related at all. Lemons are a tree fruit, while lemongrass is actually a tropical herb from Asia. You'll usually come across lemongrass as either an ingredient for cooking or as an essential oil.
What is lemongrass called in India?
The so called East Indian lemon grass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) , also known as Malabar or Cochin grass is native to India , Sri Lanka, Burma and Thailand ; for the related West Indian lemon grass (C. citratus ), a Malesian origin is generally assumed.
Where does lemon grass come from?
Lemongrass may also be referred to as ginger grass or citronella grass and likely originates from Sri Lanka or Malaysia although a wild form of the plant is not known. Lemon grass. Lemon grass leaves. Lemon grass stems. ‹ › ×.
What is lemongrass?
Lemongrass, Cymbopogon citratus, is a perennial grass in the family Poaceae grown for its fragrant leaves and stalks which are used as a flavoring. The grass grows in dense clumps and has several stiff stems and slender blade-like leaves which droop towards the tips. The leaves are blue-green in color, turning red in the Fall ...
How big does lemongrass grow?
Harvesting Lemongrass can be harvested at any time once the stalks have reached 1.3 cm (0.5 in) in diameter.
What temperature does lemongrass grow?
The plants can be grown at temperatures ranging from 10 to 33°C (50-91.4°F) but will grow optimally at temperatures between 25 and 30°C (77–86°F). The grass will grow in a wide range of soils ...
How long does lemon grass last?
Lemon grass can reach a height of 1.8 m (6 ft) and will grow for several years, typically its economical lifespan is 4 years.
How to divide lemongrass bulbs?
The bulb can be divided prior to planting by slicing through the rhizome with a sharp spade or trowel. Ensure that each new plant has its own rootstock. Planting Commercially grown lemongrass is planted at a higher density than in the home garden with a within row spacing of 20 cm (8 in) and 40 cm (16 in).
Where did lemongrass originate?
In Asia and Africa, lemongrass has been used in cooking and as an herbal remedy for thousands of years. While the commercial distillation of lemongrass essential oil for export reportedly began in the 17th century in the Philippines, lemongrass wasn’t widely distributed until the last hundred years or so. The current popularity of this fresh, lemony herb in essential oil may be attributable to a Sri Lankan researcher named J.F. Jovit, who acquired some lemongrass and researched its beneficial qualities.
What is the science of lemongrass oil?
The Science of Lemongrass Oil. Lemongrass essential oil contains citral (65% to 85%), geraniol, neral, mycene (12% to 25%), diterpenes, methylheptenone, citronellol, linalol, farnesol, other alcohols, aldehydes, linalool, terpineol, and more than a dozen other minor, fragrant components. Lemongrass essential oil has a long history use as ...
How big is a lemongrass plant?
Lemongrass grows from a rhizome, or bulb, but it doesn’t tend to spread as much as some rhizomes can. Each clump of lemongrass can be up to 1.8 metres (6 feet) high, and 1.2 metres (4 feet) wide. The individual stalks look a bit like spring onions, but they are much woodier. If you look closely, you’ll see tightly packed, grey-green leaves.
What is lemongrass good for?
Invigorating with a cleansing, fresh aroma, lemongrass has uplifting properties that make it a valuable addition to blend s for promoting a sense of joy and releasing stressful thoughts.
Why do museums use lemongrass oil?
Some museums in India even use lemongrass essential oil to help preserve ancient palm-leaf manuscripts, and protect them from insects. The oil helps keep the brittle pages supple, and the naturally hydrophobic molecule keeps out humidity.
Does lemongrass oil help with vata dosha?
Lemongrass essential oil is considered to have a neutral effect on vata dosha, and to help alleviate excess kapha and pitta dosha. Lemongrass is thought to act as a tonic that supports the body’s digestive, nervous and respiratory systems, and can help fortify the nerves and muscles when added to a massage oil.
Can you use lemongrass in soup?
Lemongrass can be added whole in soups and curries, but be sure to remove it before serving, as the tough stalk is inedible. Pound the stalks with a pestle or bend them a few times to bruise them, because this will release more delicious, lemony flavour. If you prefer, the few tender centimeters at the bottom of the stalk can be finely chopped, or pounded into a paste. The tough end of the stalk should be discarded.
What is the botanical name for lemongrass?
botanical classification. In oil grass. Lemongrass, or sweet rush ( Cymbopogon citratus ), contains citral, obtained by steam distillation of the leaves. The plant is common in Asian cuisine and is also used in scented cosmetics and medicine. Citronella grass ( C. nardus) contains geraniol (citronella oil), used in cosmetics and insect repellents. ...
How much citral is in lemongrass oil?
citral content. In citral. Lemongrass oil contains 70–80 percent citral, which may be isolated by distillation. Other natural sources include the oils of verbena and citronella. Citral can be synthesized from myrcene.
Where is lemongrass native to?
It is native to the tropical regions of Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
What is lemongrass used for?
In some parts of India, lemongrass is considered to be an essential plant in the mind-body medicinal practice of Ayurveda. It is commonly used to alleviate colds and congestion and some people compare it to ginger in this regard. Interestingly enough, in Kerala, India, the name for lemongrass translates to "dried ginger coffee."
What is the best soup to serve with lemongrass?
The lemongrass lamb chop recipe is one you won't want to pass up. One of the best-known dishes is tom yum soup, a shrimp and vegetable soup with coconut milk, makrut lime, garlic, and red chili peppers. The Thai chicken noodle soup with lemongrass recipe also uses coconut milk and is an interesting twist on a favorite soup.
What to put in lemongrass iced tea?
The lemongrass iced tea and lemongrass-ginger iced tea are great recipes to start with. Iced lemongrass tea is delicious with peach nectar or sliced cucumber as well. For a soothing hot lemongrass tea, add ginger root along with either mint or cinnamon, or both.
What is lemongrass in cocktails?
Lemongrass is gaining some notoriety in adult beverages as well. There are a number of cocktail recipes that play off its pungent flavor. The Soho cocktail, for instance, combines the herb with ginger, mint, gin, and ginger ale.
Can lemongrass be used in a container?
It's also relatively easy to grow in a home herb garden and is a nice plant for containers. Dried or fresh lemongrass is commonly used to make herbal teas and other drinks. When cooking with lemongrass, you can use fresh, dried, or powdered leaves. It is popular in many Asian cuisines and adds an intriguing flavor to soups and stews.
Is lemongrass a good herb?
Lemongrass is a popular herb for cooking and it is used in a wide range of food recipes. It's common in Asian foods and found most often in Thai cuisine. Since it is rather fibrous and can even be woody, it's best when finely minced. Similar to bay leaves, if you use larger pieces, remove them before serving.
When did lemongrass spread?
It is believed that news about the Lemongrass plant and its therapeutic essential oils began to spread quickly in 1905 , when a Sri Lankan researcher by the name of J.F. Jovit acquired several “Kochin Sera” plants (Cymbopogon citrates) from South India and planted them at a farm in order to conduct research.
What is lemongrass?
Also referred to as Cymbopogon, Lemongrass is one of approximately 55 other species of grasses in the Poaceae family of grasses. Of these multiple varieties, the two most popular ones are Cymbopogon citratus and Cymbopogon flexuosus. Though both can be used to produce essential oils, the former is largely used for culinary purposes, ...
HOW IS LEMONGRASS OIL EXTRACTED?
Lemongrass Essential Oil is derived from the steam distillation of the fresh or partly dried Lemongrass leaves. After distillation, the oil ranges in color from yellow to amber and exudes a fresh, sweet, grassy and citrus-like aroma.
What is lemongrass oil used for?
Diluted with a carrier oil and used topically, Lemongrass Oil relieves muscle aches and body pains including headaches and discomforts associated with arthritis. It tones and purifies the skin while its anti-inflammatory properties relieve redness, itching, and swelling. Due to its antiseptic and astringent activities, Lemongrass Oil makes an excellent addition to cosmetics that are meant to help achieve glowing and evenly toned skin. As a toner, it cleanses pores and strengthens skin tissues. Blending Lemongrass Oil into shampoo and body washes and rubbing it into the scalp and body may strengthen hair, stimulate its growth, and relieve itchiness and irritation on the scalp and skin.
Why is lemongrass essential oil so popular?
A common theory states that the success of Lemongrass Essential Oil in the global market is due to the display of Citronella Essential Oil, a close relative of the Lemongrass plant, at the World’s Fair of 1951. According to reports, it is possible that the Philippines might have exported Lemongrass Oil as early as the 17 th century but that distribution was restricted and kept secret. In order to thrive in the United States, the Lemongrass plant was initially introduced to regions with warm climates. Lemongrass is among the most popular essential oils used today for its effectiveness, health benefits, and a wide variety of applications.
How long does it take for lemongrass to dry?
In order to ensure this, Lemongrass leaves should be dried as soon as possible within 24 hours and a conventional dryer may be used for this. An extended drying period, such as in the case of it being left out in the sun to dry, will cause the leaves to lose color and the aroma quality to diminish.
How much sun does lemongrass need?
It requires full sun and a soil temperature that is between 21 áµ’C and 24 áµ’C (70 áµ’F - 75 áµ’F). Lemongrass requires adequate water drainage, as disproportionate watering will lead to a lower oil content.
What is lemongrass used for in Hoodoo?
Lemongrass is used in this preparation and on its own in hoodoo to protect against evil, spiritually clean a house, and to bring good luck in love affairs.
What is citronella grass?
Citronella grass ( Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus) grow to about 2 metres ( 6 1⁄2 feet) and have magenta-colored base stems. These species are used for the production of citronella oil, which is used in soaps, as an insect repellent (especially mosquitoes and houseflies) in insect sprays and candles, and in aromatherapy.
What is the name of the grass that is a cymbopogon?
Cymbopogon, also known as lemongrass, barbed wire grass, silky heads, Cochin grass, Malabar grass, oily heads, citronella grass or fever grass, is a genus of Asian, African, Australian, and tropical island plants in the grass family.
Where did the name Cymbopogon come from?
The name cymbopogon derives from the Greek words kymbe ( κύμβη, 'boat') and pogon ( πώγων, 'beard') "which mean [that] in most species, the hairy spikelets project from boat-shaped spathes.".
What is lemongrass used for?
In food and beverages, lemongrass is used as a flavoring. For example, lemongrass leaves are commonly used as "lemon" flavoring in herbal teas. In manufacturing, lemongrass is used as a fragrance in deodorants, soaps, and cosmetics. Lemongrass is also used in making vitamin A and natural citral.
Can lemongrass cause a miscarriage?
Lemongras s seems to be able to start menstrual flow, so there is a concern that it might cause a miscarriage. There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking lemongrass if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Does lemongrass help with yeast?
Lemongrass might help prevent the growth of some bacteria and yeast. Lemongrass also contains substances that are thought to relieve pain and swelling, reduce fever, improve levels of sugar and cholesterol in the blood, stimulate the uterus and menstrual flow, and have antioxidant properties.
Is lemongrass oil a plant?
Lemongrass is a plant. The leaves and the oil are used to make medicine. Lemongrass is commonly taken orally, applied directly to the skin, or inhaled as aromatherapy for many different conditions. But there is limited scientific research to support any of its common uses.
Can you take lemongrass while pregnant?
Pregnancyand breast-feeding: It is LIKELY UNSAFEto take lemongrass by mouth during pregnancy. Lemongrass seems to be able to start menstrual flow, so there is a concern that it might cause a miscarriage. There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking lemongrass if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Can lemongrass oil cause rash?
Rarely, lemongrass oil might cause a rash of skin irritation when applied to the skin. However, there have been some toxic side effects, such as lung problems after inhaling lemongrass and a fatal poisoning after a child swallowed a lemongrass oil-based insect repellent. Special Precautions and Warnings.
Is lemongrass safe for diabetics?
Headache. Use as an antiseptic and astringent. Other conditions. More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of lemongrass for these uses. Side Effects. Lemongrass is LIKELY SAFE for most people when used in food amounts.
What is lemongrass good for?
Rich in folic acid, folate, zinc, magnesium, copper, potassium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, calcium, and vitamins A, B, and C, lemongrass is one of the most beneficial food items to add to your weekly diet. Also known as fever grass, lemongrass tastes and smells like lemon, but is sweeter and milder. It has been used for centuries to treat lots of health issues and conditions. Dried or fresh, lemongrass boasts has plenty of beneficial medicinal properties such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidepressant, antiseptic, antipyretic, antibacterial, astringent, antifungal, carminative, febrifuge, diuretic, galactagogue, sedative, insecticidal, anti-cancer, and anti-aging properties.
Why is lemongrass essential oil used in aromatherapy?
Lemongrass essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy because of its therapeutic effects that help to revitalize the body. The healing and cooling effects of lemongrass essential oil are great for the body as they promote the improvement of both the soul and mind.
Does lemongrass tea help with bacterial infections?
Thanks to its antifungal, antiseptic, and antibacterial abilities, lemongrass aids in limiting microbial or bacterial growth on your skin. The daily consumption of lemongrass tea will help to keep your skin free of infections and reduce the skin problems caused by fungal or bacterial infections.
Is lemongrass safe for breastfeeding?
Although lemongrass is dangerous to pregnant women, it’s incredibly beneficial for breastfeeding moms. It boasts the galactagogue properties, which can help to improve the production of breast milk. The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of lemongrass also help the infants stay healthy and ward off infections.
Does lemongrass help with cholesterol?
Regulates cholesterol. The anti-atherosclerosis and anti-cholesterol abilities of lemongrass help to decrease the cholesterol absorption from the intestine. Furthermore, it aids in the LDL-cholesterol oxidation in the blood, preventing the atherosclerotic plaque build-up.
Does lemongrass tea cause cancer?
Another study published in the Journal of Fundamentals of Clinical Pharmacology revealed that citral found in lemongrass suppresses the growth of the cells that cause breast cancer.
Does lemongrass tea help with joint pain?
So, drink a cup of lemongrass tea the next time you need to relieve the pain. Lowers cancer risk.
