Lemongrass

Cymbopogon, also known as lemongrass, barbed wire grass, silky heads, Cochin grass, Malabar grass, oily heads or fever grass, is a genus of Asian, African, Australian, and tropical island plants in the grass family. Some species (particularly Cymbopogon citratus) are commonly cultivated as culinary and medicinal herbs because of their scent, resembling that of lemons (Citrus limon). The name cymbopogon derives from the Greek words kymbe (κύμβη, 'boat') and pogon (πώγων, 'beard') "which mean [that] in most species, the hairy spikelets project from boat-shaped spathes."

Lemongrass is a plant. The leaves and the oil are used to make medicine.

Lemongrass is commonly taken orally, applied directly to the skin, or inhaled as aromatherapy for many different conditions. But there is limited scientific research to support any of its common uses.

In food and beverages, lemongrass is used as a flavoring. For example, lemongrass leaves are commonly used as "lemon" flavoring in herbal teas.

In manufacturing, lemongrass is used as a fragrance in deodorants, soaps, and cosmetics. Lemongrass is also used in making vitamin A and natural citral.

Benefits:

• Dandruff. Early research suggests that applying a lemongrass oil solution to the hair reduces dandruff in some people.

• High cholesterol. Early research suggests that taking lemongrass oil by mouth does not reduce cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol.

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Early research suggests that applying lemongrass oil to the skin can decrease pain in adults with RA. However, more research is needed to know if this is more than just a placebo effect.

• Yeast infection in the mouth (thrush). Early research suggests that drinking lemongrass tea decreases symptoms of thrush in people with HIV/AIDS.

• Stomach and intestinal cramps.

• Stomach ache.

• High blood pressure.

• Convulsions.

• Pain and swelling.

• Vomiting.

• Cough.

• Achy joints (rheumatism).

• Fever.

• Common cold.

• Diabetes.

• Exhaustion.

• Headache.

• Use as an antiseptic and astringent.

Serving ways:

• Lemongrass Tea: Commercially available herbal tea blends that contain lemongrass include Mighty Leaf's Ginger Twist, Rishi Tea's Turmeric Ginger Chai, and Good Earth's Ginseng Green Tea.

• Lemongrass Cocktails : Lemongrass is gaining some notoriety in adult beverages as well. There are a number of cocktail recipes that play off its pungent flavor. The Soho cocktail, for instance, combines the herb with ginger, mint, gin, and ginger ale. That famous duo of lemongrass and ginger can also be used to create an amazing tequila infusion.

• Lemongrass Foods : Lemongrass is a popular herb for cooking. Very nice complement to chicken and seafood. Try it in recipes like roasted lemongrass chicken, which has a sweet lime sauce, or the zesty Thai lemon-lime shrimp. Lemongrass can also be nice with beef, pork, or lamb. The lemongrass lamb chop recipe is one you won't want to pass up. One of the best-known dishes is tom yum soup, a shrimp and vegetable soup with coconut milk, makrut lime, garlic, and red chili peppers.