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 originates from 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 and fertile, well-drained sandy soil. It can reach 2 meters in height and resembles grass, as it has long, lance-shaped blades that grow in clumps. Its bluish-green blades are sharp, thick and almost bulb-like at the base.
It is an impressive plant that many people choose for ornamental purposes in their gardens.
With the botanical name Cympopogon citratus, lemongrass is now 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 form of the leaves. Its common name, "lemongrass", comes from the distinctive lemony aroma of the leaves.
According to reports from Sri Lanka regarding the appearance of the plant, the first written text referring to lemongrass oil comes from the Philippines in the 17th century. The plant was introduced to Jamaica in 1799 and shortly afterwards to Haiti and the USA.
For centuries it has been consumed fresh by Asian peoples. Its light, refreshing, lemony flavor, reminiscent of ginger, makes it an important culinary herb.
It is a key ingredient in Thai cuisine, where it is used to flavor soups, curries and sauces.
In Jamaica lemongrass is known as “fever grass”. The inhabitants of the country prepare a lemongrass tea that is said to fight fever and other symptoms of colds and flu.

Composition

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

Chemical composition of lemongrass essential oil

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

Instructions for use

- As an insect repellent in a burner device: 2 drops of lemongrass essential oil combined with 2 drops of citronella.
- The scent of lemongrass calms the nervous system. Add 1–2 drops to 200 ml of your favorite cream and apply to the body after the evening bath.
- Offers free breathing: Let water evaporate in a wide vessel over low heat and add 2–3 drops of lemongrass combined with 2 drops of eucalyptus oil.
- For headache: Put 1–2 drops of lemongrass in 100 ml jojoba oil and gently massage high on the forehead near the hairline, away from the eyes.
- For cramps and tired feet: add 4–5 drops of lemongrass essential oil to a warm foot bath after a tiring day (standing, exercise) combined with 2 drops of lavender oil.

Chinese medicine

Lemongrass, known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as Xiang Mao, has the property of clearing excessive heat from the body and was therefore traditionally recommended for treating fever. A few drops of lemongrass essential oil, always diluted in a carrier oil (e.g. almond oil), soothe 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.