Lemongrass

Cymbopogon citratus

Family: Gramineae / Poaceae (grass family)
Common Names: lemongrass, oil grass

Description
This fragrant Thai grass is a versatile performer in the kitchen where it can be used in teas, beverages, herbal medicines, and Eastern inspired soups and other dishes.

Lemongrass is equally versatile in the garden. This tropical grass grows in dense clumps that can grow to 6 feet in height to about 4 feet in width. The strap-like leaves are 1/2 to 1 inch wide, about 3 feet long, and have gracefully drooping tips. The evergreen leaves are bright yellow-green and release a citrus aroma when crushed. It is the leaves that are used as flavoring and in medicine. They are steam distilled to extract lemongrass oil, an old standby in the the perfurmer's palette of scents.

Location
Lemongrass is native to India and the nearby island of Sri Lanka. It is found growing naturally in tropical grasslands. It is also extensively cultivated throughout tropical Asia.

Features
Lemongrass has been used for centuries as the source of an aromatic oil that is used in perfumery, flavorings and herbal medicine. Keep some around the house to add a lemony snap to ice tea and interest to your stir fries. The next time you visit a Thai restaurant I recommend that you try the Tom Yum Goon soup for an exotic introduction to this beautiful and useful herb.

Essence	A Stimulating and Reviving Tonic
Function	A stimulating reviving aroma that helps with mental exhaustion, jet lag, clearing headaches, relieving fatigue. Strong antiseptic. Effective with respiratory infections. Use on aching muscles, stimulates circulation, tones the skin. Helps keep insects away, a pleasant alternative to Citronella.
Usage	Use as a compress to alleviate muscular aches and pains. 10 drops in a 60 ml container of distilled water makes a wonderful disinfectant room spray. 2 drops in a tumbler of warm water to gargle for sore throats (do not swallow ). Bath: 3 drops in a foot bath will help with tired and aching feet.
Aromatherapy	Antiseptic, diuretic, lymph drainage, stimulating digestion, tonic, refreshing, helps concentration, great for driving, aids in alertness, vitalizing, cleansing.
Caution	Use diluted and in small quantities. Do not apply directly to the skin