Last Updated on August 8, 2022 by Josh
Lemongrass is a citrusy-flavored herb that grows in warm climates worldwide. The herb’s unique fragrance is prized for its ability to add flavor and freshness to foods, mainly Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. In addition to its culinary uses, lemongrass can be used as an essential oil, a natural insect repellent, and an anti-inflammatory agent.
Lemongrass scientific name
Cymbopogon, a genus of Asian, African, Australian, and tropical island plants in the grass family, is also known as lemongrass, barbed wire grass, silky heads, Cochin grass, Malabar grass, oily heads, citronella grass, or fever grass.
Several species, most notably Cymbopogon citratus, are frequently grown as culinary and therapeutic herbs due to their aroma, similar to lemons (Citrus limon).
Lemongrass in Tagalog
Lemon grass is called “tanglad” or “tangad” in Tagalog. It is often used when cooking tinola, a clear broth soup usually made with chicken, garlic, ginger, papaya or chayote, and boiled leafy greens.
Citronella vs lemongrass
Most people frequently mistake lemongrass for citronella grass. It’s crucial to understand that these are two different plants. While citronella grass has many culinary applications, particularly in South Asian cuisine, its primary uses are as an essential oil and an insect repellent.
Similarities
Both citronella and lemongrass are perennial grasses found only in tropical climates. Additionally, they smell citrusy, and both of these plants are used in aromatherapy and medicine.
Differences
Lemongrass is a tropical grass with a lemony aroma frequently utilized in Asian cuisine, perfumery, and medicine. On the other hand, citronella is a fragrant grass from southern Asia cultivated to produce citronella oil.
Lemongrass plant
Clusters of lemongrass in their natural environment appear unassuming from a distance. Long, thin leaves of an unremarkable green fan out from the stem immediately emit a strong lemon scent when touched.
How to grow lemongrass in containers
Pick a 5-gallon or bigger container to grow lemongrass in pots (minimum 14 inches across). If you use a too tiny pot, lemongrass roots will probably shatter it. These roots swell and spread out when given enough water and nutrients.
Use commercial potting soil prepared for use in containers to fill pots. Place little lemongrass plants in the ground and give them plenty of water. When growing lemongrass in pots, containers may become top heavy once plants reach a certain height. Remember to place the pots in a somewhat protected area away from areas of high winds.
Lemongrass benefits
Lemongrass could provide several health benefits, according to research. Flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which contain antioxidants, are abundant in lemongrass. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities and is good against germs and fungi.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Quercetin, a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, is a component of lemongrass. By reducing inflammation, quercetin slows the formation of cancerous cells and guards against heart disease.
Reduced Cholesterol
In Africa, lemongrass is used to treat coronary heart disease. In one study, mice were given a seven-day lemongrass extract treatment; as a result, their high cholesterol levels considerably decreased.
Topical Antifungal
When applied topically, lemongrass essential oil has demonstrated antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Lemongrass oil was tried on mice with inflammatory skin disorders and fungi infections. Even though it showed promise as a successful treatment for skin diseases, more research is required.
E. Coli Infection
If you eat contaminated food, E. coli bacterial infections can make you sick. It may also result in pneumonia and urinary tract infections. According to one study, lemongrass extract significantly lessens the toxicity of E. Coli cultures. It can aid in the treatment of gastrointestinal bacterial infections.
Lemongrass benefits for skin
There are significant benefits of lemongrass for the skin. It is claimed to be a strong cleanser that may rid the pores of pollutants and debris, detoxify the skin, and leave it looking cleaner and more refreshed. With its mild yet lemony aroma, this miraculous elixir has a variety of applications and few adverse side effects. Lemongrass oil is a fantastic ingredient for skin care because it is packed with cleansing qualities.
Lowers oily skin
Extra oil on the skin can draw dirt and pollutants, causing acne and pimples. By addressing oiliness and managing shine, lemongrass oil can help minimize oily skin. It acts as a natural astringent to restrain the formation of lubricating oil. Additionally, lemongrass oil helps to tighten the skin and reduce pore size. Lemongrass essential oil used in a steam facial helps to clear the face, preventing acne flare-ups and lowering greasiness.
Eliminates acne
When used in skincare products, lemongrass oil’s antibacterial properties make it an excellent weapon against the bacteria that cause breakouts. Additionally, it contains purifying qualities that make it ideal for cleansing the skin, removing pollutants, and leaving it feeling clear and clean.
How to use: Use a cleanser with lemongrass as an ingredient to wash your face every day in lukewarm water. This will instantly purge pores of debris and pathogens, clearing the skin of bacteria that cause acne, zits, and dark spots.
Lemongrass as mosquito repellent
The lemongrass herb is well renowned for its effectiveness in warding off mosquitoes. A 2011 study found that the strong scent of lemongrass oil effectively killed or repulsed 95 percent of the mosquitoes from a particular range of species.
The effects of lemongrass essential oil are reported to continue for about two and a half hours. It’s significantly worse for some mosquito species.
Due to these established advantages, lemongrass has been hailed as one of the most remarkable plants for dealing with mosquitoes’ effects. However, suppose you are considering utilizing lemongrass oil. In that case, we urge you to wait to do so until you have seen a doctor. This is because some people’s skin may become irritated by lemongrass oil.
Lemongrass and ginger tea benefits
Ginger and lemongrass are two of the best food items for aiding digestion and anti-inflammatory qualities. Additionally, they may have the ability to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as stomach discomfort. Still, the tea also has several other health benefits:
- alleviates anxiety. Although many people find drinking hot tea calming, lemongrass tea may also have other anxiety-reducing qualities.
- reduction of cholesterol
- infection prevention
- alleviating pain
- increasing red blood cell counts
- packed with antioxidants
- control of hypertension
- Increase in metabolism and fat burning
- Relieves cold and flu
- eases the pain of menstruation
How much lemongrass tea should I drink?
Begin with one cup of lemongrass tea daily, then increase that amount if desired over the following days.
Lemongrass tea side effects
In general, lemongrass is regarded as safe for usage in culinary quantities, including the amount commonly used to prepare tea.
Possible side effects include:
- dizziness
- increased appetitecontainer
- dry mouth
- more frequent urination
- tiredness
Lemongrass might cause allergies in certain people. If you develop symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as:
- rash
- itching
- having trouble breathing
- quick heartbeat
If any of the following apply to you, you should not drink lemongrass tea:
- are expecting
- use diuretics on prescription
- possess a slow heartbeat
- having low amounts of potassium
Is lemongrass safe for dogs?
Numerous things are okay for humans to eat but could harm dogs.
When consumed in high amounts, lemongrass can cause nausea, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems.
Ingesting a little quantity won’t likely hurt your dog, but if you’re worried, always call a vet or the ASPCA Poison Control.
Shampoos frequently contain the essential oils of lemongrass.
This will probably not be a problem, but like with any new product, test a small amount on a small region first to be sure they don’t react negatively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, lemongrass is a versatile herb that has many uses. It can be added to food or drinks, used in aromatherapy, or applied to the skin. Lemongrass is an excellent choice for people who want to try aromatherapy or use natural remedies.
In conclusion, lemongrass is a versatile herb with many potential health benefits. It can be enjoyed fresh or dried and used in teas and cooking. Lemongrass is an excellent addition to any home garden and is easy to grow and care for.
Source:
- https://www.britannica.com/plant/lemongrass
- https://www.tagaloglang.com/tanglad/
- https://pediaa.com/what-is-the-difference-between-lemon-grass-and-citronella/
- https://www.gardeningchannel.com/citronella-grass-vs-lemongrass/
- https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/gardens/grow-your-own-lemongrass
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/lemongrass-health-benefits
- https://swirlster.ndtv.com/wellness/5-surprising-benefits-of-lemongrass-for-skin-and-hair-3022042
- https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/is-lemongrass-mosquito-repellent.php
- https://beleafandco.com/2019/01/30/need-a-health-boost-lemongrass-ginger-tea-is-your-answer/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320031
- https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/lemongrass-tea
- https://sundaysfordogs.com/blog/is-lemongrass-safe-for-dogs
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