Lemongrass how to use it and its benefits
Are you ready to improve your daily routine and unlock the hidden potential of nature's secret weapon?
Look no further than lemongrass, a versatile herb that offers a multitude of benefits for the mind, body and soul.
From its invigorating aroma to its soothing properties, lemongrass has been used in traditional medicine and culinary specialties for centuries.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the various ways you can harness the power of lemongrass in your daily life.
Whether you are looking for relaxation, rejuvenation or simply a refresher, lemongrass awaits.
Find out how this humble herb can transform your skincare routine, enhance your culinary creations, and even improve your overall well-being.
Get ready to embark on an aromatic journey and unleash the full potential of lemongrass, a natural force that will revolutionize the way you live your life.
Introduction to lemongrass
Lemongrass, known scientifically as Cymbopogon, is a perennial plant native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia.
This herbaceous plant, belonging to the Poaceae family, is characterized by long, narrow leaves with a fresh, citrusy aroma.
For centuries, lemongrass has been used for its many health and wellness benefits.
Today, lemongrass is widely available in the form of essential oil, tea, capsules and skin care products.
Lemongrass is particularly valued for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antifungal properties.
These beneficial properties of lemongrass are attributed to its active compounds, such as citronellol, geraniol and limonene.
Thanks to these properties, lemongrass has become a popular ingredient in many skin care products, supplements and natural remedies.
Health benefits of lemongrass
Lemongrass offers a wide range of health benefits, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
Here are some of the top health benefits of lemongrass:
1. **Reducing Stress & Anxiety**:
The refreshing aroma of lemongrass has been shown to have calming effects on the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety.
Using citronella essential oil in diffusers or massages can help promote a sense of calm and relaxation.
2. **Pain Relief**:
Lemongrass essential oil can be used to relieve muscle and joint pain.
Gently massaging lemongrass oil into the sore area can help reduce inflammation and ease discomfort.
3. **Improved Digestion**:
Lemongrass has carminative properties, which help reduce intestinal gas and promote healthy digestion.
Drinking a cup of lemongrass tea after a meal can help prevent digestive upsets like bloating and colic.
Use of lemongrass in cooking and recipes
Lemongrass is not only a plant with beneficial properties for health, but it is also a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. The fresh, citrusy aroma of lemongrass can add a fresh kick to many dishes, both sweet and savory. Here are some ideas on how to use lemongrass in cooking:
1. **Lemongrass Tea Infusions**:
Brew a soothing cup of tea using fresh or dried lemongrass leaves.
Simply pour hot water over the lemongrass leaves and let them steep for a few minutes.
You can sweeten the tea with a teaspoon of honey for a touch of sweetness.
2. **Marinating meat and fish**:
Lemongrass can be used as the main ingredient in marinades for meat and fish.
Mix lemongrass oil with garlic, ginger, soy sauce and lemon juice to create an aromatic marinade.
Let the meat or fish marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
3. **Sauces and Dressings**:
Add finely chopped lemongrass to sauces and dressings to add a kick of freshness.
You can use it to prepare a sweet and sour sauce, a salad dressing or a dressing for grilled vegetables.
Lemongrass essential oil and its uses
Lemongrass essential oil is one of the most popular products derived from the lemongrass plant.
This aromatic oil is extracted from the leaves and stem of the plant via steam distillation.
Citronella essential oil is used extensively in aromatherapy and in the manufacture of skin care products and insect repellents.
The main use of citronella essential oil is as an insect repellent.
Lemongrass contains a compound called citronellol, which is known to repel mosquitoes, flies, and other pesky insects.
You can use citronella essential oil in diffusers, scented candles, or skin lotions to keep bugs away.
Additionally, lemongrass essential oil also has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it an effective ingredient for treating skin infections, acne, and nail fungus.
You can dilute citronella essential oil in a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply it to the skin to promote healing and prevent infection.
Lemongrass for relaxation and stress relief
If you are looking for a natural way to relax and de-stress from everyday life, lemongrass could be the solution you are looking for.
The refreshing, citrusy aroma of lemongrass has a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce anxiety and tension.
You can create a relaxing atmosphere in your home or office by using citronella essential oil in diffusers or oil lamps.
Just add a few drops of essential oil to your lamp or diffuser and let the delicate scent of lemongrass fill the room.
Alternatively, you can also use lemongrass essential oil for relaxing massages or baths.
Mix a few drops of lemongrass essential oil with a carrier oil such as olive oil or sweet almond oil and gently massage the mixture into the body.
This will help you relax and get rid of accumulated stress.
Lemongrass for skin care and beauty
Lemongrass is a popular ingredient in many skin care and beauty products due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Here are some ways you can use lemongrass in your skincare routine:
1. **Lemongrass Facial Toner**:
Mix rose water with a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to create a refreshing facial toner.
Apply the toner to the face with a cotton pad to refresh and tone the skin.
2. **Lemongrass Face Mask**:
Mix bentonite clay with water and a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to create a purifying face mask.
Apply the mask to your face and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
3. **Lemongrass Body Scrub**:
Mix brown sugar with coconut oil and a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to create an exfoliating body scrub.
Gently massage the scrub into damp skin during the shower to slough off dead skin cells and achieve smooth, glowing skin.
Citronella as a natural insect repellent
Lemongrass is famous for its insect repellent properties, especially for mosquitoes.
Citronella essential oil is often used to make scented candles and mosquito repellent lotions.
The aroma of lemongrass acts as a natural insect deterrent, keeping them away from you and your living space.
You can use citronella scented candles in the garden or on the balcony to create a barrier against mosquitoes and other flying insects.
Just light the candles during the summer evenings and enjoy a peaceful environment free from pesky insects.
Besides, you can also use citronella repellent lotion to protect your skin from insects.
Apply the lotion to exposed skin before going outdoors for effective protection against mosquito bites.
Growing and harvesting lemongrass
Lemongrass is an easy to grow plant that can be grown both in the garden and in pots.
It is a perennial plant that requires a sunny position and well-drained soil.
Lemongrass can be grown from seed or from young plants purchased at a nursery.
To grow lemongrass, prepare the soil by digging an appropriately sized hole and mixing the soil with mature compost or manure.
Plant the lemongrass about 30cm apart and water thoroughly.
Make sure you keep the soil moist, but not too wet.
Lemongrass can be harvested once the leaves reach a length of about 30cm.
You can cut the leaves at ground level using sharp scissors.
Be sure to leave some leaves on the plant to promote continued growth.
Lemongrass products and where to buy them
If you are interested in using citronella in your skin care products, insect repellents or supplements, you can find a variety of citronella products online or at specialty stores.
Here are some tips on where to buy lemongrass products:
1. **Natural Products Stores**:
Health stores often carry a selection of lemongrass-based products, such as creams, lotions, and essential oils.
Look for a health food store in your area or shop online.
2. **Pharmacies**:
Many pharmacies sell citronella-based skin care products and insect repellents.
Ask your pharmacist to show you the products available and choose the ones that best suit your needs.
3. **Specialist Websites**: There are a number of specialist websites offering a wide variety of lemongrass products.