Western Bulk Herbs – Lemongrass

Western Bulk Herbs Lemongrass

This thick-stemmed, dense perennial grass has sharply tapered leaves that emit a strong lemon scent when broken. The name Cymbopogon derives from the Greek words kymbe (boat) and pogon (beard)—a reference to the appearance of the tiny flowers of plants in this genus. Although the precise origin of lemongrass is unknown, scientists believe it could be native to the tropical region of southern India and Sri Lanka, where it has been used for centuries as a treatment for fevers, digestive problems, and nervous conditions.

Culinary use
Lemongrass is an integral part of Thai, Vietnamese, and Sri Lankan cuisines. The hearts are eaten as a vegetable with rice, and the chopped leaves are used for sauces, curries, and pastes, as well as in seafood, poultry, and pork dishes. A major source of lemon flavoring and fragrance, lemongrass is used commercially in ice cream, candies, and baked goods. At home, use the herb in curries, soups, stews, and seafood dishes — or whenever you want to add a refreshing lemony note to food or beverages without the acidity of lemon juice or lemon peel.

Medicinal use
In East India and Sri Lanka, lemongrass tea (called “fever tea”) is traditionally used to reduce fever, and modern herbalists also use the herb for this purpose. Because the herb is believed to relax your stomach and intestines, the tea is also used to help relieve flatulence and diarrhea. Lemongrass oil has anti-fungal and antiseptic properties. To treat skin conditions such as ringworm and athlete’s foot, herbalists sometimes recommend a compress of lemongrass oil. You can also apply the leaves directly to your skin to repel insects.

Other uses
Highly aromatic lemongrass oil is one of the bestselling essential oils in the world. It is used commercially in perfumes, sachets, candles, cosmetics, and bath products. At home, you can infuse bathwater with this soothing herb: Fill a mesh bag with chopped lemongrass leaves, then place the bag under hot running water in your bathtub.

How to grow it
Lemongrass thrives in tropical and subtropical climates in well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. In cold climates, you can try to root lemongrass clumps sold in Asian markets. Place a clump in a shallow container filled with about 1 inch of water. Several weeks later, after roots have formed, plant the lemongrass in a pot filled with a medium rich in organic matter. Or plant it directly in your garden, if all danger of frost has passed. Water regularly. Be sure to bring this tropical species indoors before the first frost, and you can enjoy it all winter. Harvest the bulb and leaves for cooking, or use the leaves to make a soothing tea. To propagate, divide and replant roots in spring.

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Cymbopogon citratus

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*Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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Lemongrass (cymbopogon citratus) (herbs.tips)