Characteristics of Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a perennial plant of the Gramineae family and a member of the grass family Poaceae, which also includes wheat and corn. There are at least 55 different species of lemongrass. The plant is native to Southeast Asia, specifically Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. It also grows in Australia.
It thrives in a tropical climate and its growth is favored by heavy rainfall, fertile and well-drained sandy soil. It can reach 2 meters in height and resembles grass, as it has long, lanceolate blades that grow in clumps. Its blue-green blades are sharp, thick and almost bulbous at the base.
It is an impressive plant that many people prefer for its benevolent qualities in their garden.
With its botanical name Cympopogon citratus, lemongrass is currently cultivated in the USA, Africa, South America and Brazil.

History of Lemongrass

The botanical name of the plant comes from the Greek words "kumbe" and "pogon" which refer to the boat-shaped shape of the leaves. Its common name, "lemongrass", comes from the distinctive lemony aroma of the leaves.
According to Sri Lankan accounts of the plant's appearance, the first written reference to lemongrass oil comes from the Philippines in the 17th century. The plant was introduced to Jamaica in 1799 and shortly thereafter to Haiti and the United States.
It has been consumed fresh by Asian peoples for centuries. Its light, refreshing, lemony flavor, reminiscent of ginger, makes it an important culinary herb.
It is a staple in Thai cuisine, which uses it to flavor soups, curries, and sauces.
In Jamaica, lemongrass is known as “fever grass.” Specifically, the country’s residents brew lemongrass tea that is said to combat fever and other symptoms of colds and flu.

Recommendation

Lemongrass essential oil obtained from the leaves of the Cympopogon citratus plant, by the hydrodistillation method.

Chemical composition of lemongrass essential oil

Citral, geraniol, nerali, myrcene, isogeraniol, geranyl acetate, citronellol, germacrene - D, limonene and other substances.

Instructions for use

- As an insect repellent in the combustion device. 2 drops of lemongrass essential oil combined with 2 drops of citronella.
- The aroma of lemongrass calms the nervous system. Add 1-2 drops to 200 ml of your favorite cream and apply to the body after an evening bath.
- Provides free breathing. Let the water evaporate in a wide container, at low temperature and add 2-3 drops of lemongrass combined with 2 drops of eucalyptus oil.
- For headaches: Add 1-2 drops of lemongrass to 100 ml of jojoba oil and massage lightly high on the forehead near the scalp, away from the eyes.
- For cramps and tired legs: add 4 - 5 drops of lemongrass essential oil to a warm foot bath after a tiring day (standing, exercising) combined with 2 drops of lavender oil.

Chinese medicine

Lemongrass, known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as Xiang Mao, has the property of clearing excess heat from the body and was therefore traditionally recommended for treating fever. A few drops of lemongrass essential oil, always diluted in a base oil (e.g. almond oil), soothes headaches and muscle spasms.
Its aroma calms the Shen spirit and activates the heart, lung and stomach meridians,

Useful tips

- The use of essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy, breastfeeding and by young children.
- Avoid direct contact with skin, eyes and mouth.
- Always use essential oils dissolved in a base oil or other catalyst.