Botanical Name: Cymbopogon Citratus
Family Name: Poaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae (Gramineae)
Sub-family: Panicoideae
Tribe: Andropogoneae
Genus: Cymbopogon
Species: 55 species of grasses
Popular Names: Barbed Wire Grass, Silky Heads, Citronella Grass, Fever Grass, Hierba Luisa
Parts Used: Leaves, roots
Habitat: Tropical grasslands
Description
Lemongrass is a thick, tropical and long grass that is native to India and an important ingredient in the Asian cuisine. Its thin, grass-like, grey-green leaves grow up to 6 feet in the tropics, and about 3 feet in more northerly climates. The plant has leaves at the top and a solid portion, several inches long, at the root end. The lower portion is sliced or pounded. It is known with a variety of names, including barbed wire grass, lemongrass, fever grass, silky heads, citronella grass and hierba luisa. Lemongrass has dense fibrous roots, with ringed segments and short underground stems. The blades of the grass reach 90 cm in length and 0.5 cm in breadth. The plant emits lemon-like odour and a citrus taste. It can easily be grown from seed or a stalk, with a few roots attached and immersed in water. This can further be transplanted to the garden. Today, lemongrass is grown throughout Southeast Asia, Southern India, Sri Lanka, Central Africa, Brazil, Guatemala, the US and the West Indies, for its medicinal and culinary benefits.
Plant Chemicals
Lemongrass is comprised of volatile oil (0.4%), 65- 85% citral (a composition of isomers, geraniol and neral), geraniol, geranic acid, nerolic acid, myrcene (12% to 25%), diterpenes, methylheptenone, citronellol, linalol, farnesol, other alcohols, aldehydes, linalool, terpineol, minor fragrant components. Non-volatile components of C. citratus consist of luteolins, homo-orientin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, p -coumaric acid, fructose, sucrose, octacosanol, Flavonoids luteolin and 6-C-glucoside.
Uses and Benefits of Lemongrass
- Lemongrass is commonly used in the cuisine of Asian countries, like Thailand and Vietnam, as it provides an aromatic flavour to the dish. In addition, it also balances the spicy hot chilies used in these cuisines.
- The herb is used in detoxifying the digestive organs of the body, like pancreas, liver, kidney and bladder.
- It stimulates digestion and blood circulation in the body and hence, keeps gastric and indigestion problems at bay.
- Indians use lemongrass as citronella (an element) in making scents for soaps, perfumes and candles. The same component is also used as a mosquito- repellant.
- The sweet-smelling oil obtained from lemongrass is of significant use in aromatherapy, as it helps relieve stress and tension from the body.
- The plant is used in Brazil to treat nervous disorders, stomachache, diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, flu and headaches.
- Lemongrass is used in herbal teas and other non-alcoholic beverages in baked goods, and in confections.
- The antiseptic and astringent properties of the plant are also used by some people to cleanse oily skin and help close pores.
- A few drops of lemongrass oil can be used to combat greasy hair and as a deodourant to curb perspiration.
Cautions
- People suffering from skin allergy should avoid the excessive use of lemongrass, as it can boost the signs of allergy.
- It should not be taken internally by children, pregnant women and even breast-feeding mothers or people suffering from liver or kidney disease.
- Avoid any contact of the herb with the eyes, in any form, as it can irritate the eyes as well as the respiratory tract, in sensitive people.
