Lemongrass, Cymbopogon, is found in Africa, Asia, Australia and many tropical islands. It belongs to the family of grasses.

Lemongrass plant

Lemongrass belongs to the gramminaces family. It grows like rice with high tillering ability. The roots are shallow like other members of the family. In fertile soil and with adequate sunlight lemon grass can grow up to 1.5 meters.The name lemon grass derives from the aromatic scent of the leaves

Certain species grow as culinary and medicinal plants. They resemble citrus lemon.

Usage of lemon grass

Lemongrass is used as culinary plant in Asian foods. Also, used as medicinal plants in India. It is dried as a powder, or used in fresh condition. Made as tea in African countries and Latin American countries.

Lemon grass bioactive agents

It has essential oils. Contains highly volatile and other aromatic components or substances, that may have not been fully investigated. It also has high vitamin C content

Lemon grass has many medicinal properties

Lemon grass as a medicine

The leaves and oil are effective as medicine. Lemon grass is effective in treatment of high blood pressure, cough, fever, colds, cramp, vomiting and others. It is very effective in killing bacteria. Apply the grass directly to the skin, with its essential oil, to handle headache, muscle aches, and stomach pain.

Lemongrass as a Tonic

Boil the leaves and the rhizomatous roots together or the leaves taken alone like tea. It makes one sweat, and cleanses the body while urinating also increases, eliminating waste products from the body.

It is reputed to be very curative of malaria and stomach upset, especially those caused by intestinal toxins.

Lemongrass used for indigestion and constipation

Correct indigestion and constipation. Take lemon tea after meals.

It stimulates the body and like coffee makes for activeness and vitality of the body, but unlike coffee, it does not make one nervous or jittery.

High cholesterol level

Research shows that taking lemongrass oil, within 90 days, helps in lowering cholesterol level, in people that have high level of cholesterol.

Fungal infections

Read more on lemon grass

Symptoms of rash is reduced in people with HIV, by taking lemongrass infusion. Research suggests that drinking this, within 10days is great for the body.

Uses of lemongrass in food and drink as an aroma

Use the leaves of lemongrass as lemon flavor in herbal teas. Also used as scent in soaps and cosmetics. The grass is very vital in the production of Vitamin A.

Lemongrass prevents growth of some bacteria and yeast

Lemongrass has antioxidant properties. It has contents that relieve pain, reduce temperature, and prevent the growth of some bacteria and yeast. It also, stimulates the uterus and menstruation

Uses of lemon grass during pregnancy

During pregnancy, it is not appropriate to use lemongrass. It may cause an abortion.

Preparation of lemongrass tea

Cut the leaves and dry under shade to preserve their greenness.

Two handfuls of the leaves in a cup of water boiled to boiling point of 100 degree centigrade will extract the bioactive ingredient.

A cup or two daily after eating will be helpful in toning the entire body system. It promotes sweating, promotes urination, and it’s a powerful detoxifier