Bright ideas for a fragrant garden: plants with fruit and berry aromas. What are the benefits of lemongrass? Are there any herbs with lemon aroma?

Melissa is one of the main honey plants in the garden. There are three versions of the origin of the name of the plant. One of them refers to the Greek words meli - "honey", and phyllon - "leaves", which were given to the plant because of its honey smell. The other is related to mythology. According to it, the nymph, the daughter of King Melisseus, fed Zeus with milk and honey and taught people how to get honey. The third version says that she was a beautiful young woman who claimed to become the mistress of the gods. But the goddesses did not like this, and they turned her into a bee.

However, lemon balm also has another name.

What does lemon balm look like?

Melissa, which is often called lemon balm, has a height of thirty to one hundred and fifty centimeters, a tetrahedral stem with heart-shaped, ovate petiolate leaves made of large teeth. Its flowers are small, pale pink, purple or white. Lemon mint (photo illustrates the flowers of the plant) blooms in July-August and has a pleasant smell at this time, which then disappears.

The plant originated in the Middle East and North Africa. In the Middle Ages it spread throughout Europe.

Today the plant is cultivated as a medicinal plant in many countries. It is specially grown in gardens, orchards and plantations.

Differences from mint

The leaves of both plants are similar, because they are representatives of the Lamiaceae family. However, there are also noticeable differences. Regarding appearance, then mint has a straight stem, while lemon balm has a branched stem. The flowers of one plant are collected in a spike, but lemon balm has the appearance of false rings. The photo demonstrates their external similarities and differences.

In addition, they can be easily distinguished by their smell. Mint gives off a menthol aroma, and lemon balm smells like lemon.

As for the application, both plants are used in cooking. But one is more like a flavoring, and the other is more like a seasoning.

Peppermint contains much more essential oils than lemon balm.

Useful properties

However, thanks to the essential oils contained in the leaves, even if not in large quantities, it can manifest itself as a medicinal remedy.

The plant has a sedative effect and helps relieve pain in many diseases.

In addition, lemon balm is used for insomnia, heart disease and low blood pressure, both when used independently and in combination with other herbs. It will help relieve general fatigue, calm nervous system, relieve an apathetic and depressive state and allow you to again feel the taste for life.

This plant, among other things, has an antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effect, will help with constipation and reduce fever, as it has a diaphoretic effect.

Lemon balm also reveals properties through the use of infusion, which alleviates the condition of heart diseases, normalizes blood pressure and relieves shortness of breath; has a beneficial effect on bronchial asthma, anemia, migraine and neuralgia.

Decoctions and infusions are taken internally and externally. IN the latter case a positive effect is achieved for toothache and throat diseases. In this case, rinsing is indicated.

Compresses have an anti-inflammatory effect for gout and joint diseases. If you treat wounds and damage with a decoction, the skin will regenerate faster.

It will soothe headaches. Since ancient times, it has been used for fainting and hysterical attacks.

Contraindications

Lemon balm has beneficial properties and contraindications. Much has already been said about the medicinal properties above. However, like any medicinal plant, lemon balm also has a number of contraindications.

For example, those people who have low blood pressure should try to use it very carefully, because due to its sedative effect on this problem, it can cause weakness.

If you abuse it during hypotension, you may experience dizziness and even fainting.

Among other things, individual intolerance may occur, manifested in the form of muscle weakness, fatigue, and drowsiness. Some may experience diarrhea. Others, on the contrary, have constipation, cramps and heartburn.

If a person is engaged in activities that require accuracy and speed of reaction, activity and attention, then it is better to refrain from consuming lemon balm.

Application

The plant uses leaves and stems, both fresh and dried. IN fresh they are often found in pickled and canned vegetables and fruits, thanks to which the preparations receive a pleasant aroma.

Lemon balm can be added to many sauces for meat, fish dishes and various salads.

But its most famous use is, of course, tea, which will not only perfectly quench thirst, but will also help stimulate appetite and improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Essential oils are made from it, which are successfully used in perfumery and cosmetology, as well as to improve taste qualities dishes and flavoring of alcohol.

Tea

It is an excellent antibacterial and antiviral agent. green tea with the addition of lemon balm to the tea leaves. It is advisable to drink it with honey.

Lemon balm is easy to grow right in your garden or garden. It is better if it grows in the shade. Already in May, you can collect leaves a little at a time to add to tea and prepare for the winter.

This tea will be useful, but it should be consumed in moderation. Two cups a day is a completely normal and acceptable dose.

This drink will not only calm you down when you are nervous and invigorate you when you are depressed, but will also have a general strengthening effect on the body, improving appetite and normalizing cardiac activity.

To prepare it, you must adhere to a number of rules:

• this tea is brewed in porcelain or glass containers;
• the water should be boiled, cooled to about eighty degrees;
• green tea and lemon balm are taken in equal quantities: one teaspoon of ingredients per liter of water will be enough;
• It is best to drink freshly brewed tea, and not already used or brewed for too long.

Cooking

Both fresh and dried, the herb is used as a seasoning for salads, game dishes, fish, soups and various drinks. It can be used instead of allspice or black pepper. Melissa is also added when salting cabbage and cucumbers.

Oil

The aroma from freshly brewed lemon balm immediately spreads everywhere. And this is natural, because it contains a considerable amount of essential oils. They are actively used in cosmetology, homeopathy and medicine.

Even in ancient times, in Rome and Greece, the essential oil of this plant was used as a remedy.

However, in addition to medical purposes, lemon balm is also actively used in cosmetology. For example, it has a beneficial effect on the condition of the lips. By regularly lubricating them with oil, the formation of crusts and cracks is prevented. At the same time, the border of the lips will again acquire its natural freshness and brightness, and the appearance as a whole will become even more attractive.

lemongrass, or Lemongrass (or Cymbopogon, or Citronella) - a type of perennial herbaceous plants family of cereals, or bluegrass, essential oil crop. Unknown in the wild. They are grown in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Italy, Brazil, Cuba, and Western Georgia. The green mass contains 0.32-0.44% essential oil with a lemon scent.

Finely chopped or crushed lemongrass provides a lemony flavor due to the presence of citrus oils in sorghum. It is often used in fish dishes and curries, to flavor salads and soups.

Photos from open sources

Lemongrass is often used in marinades. Lemongrass can be purchased fresh or dried. Sorghum stalks are very hard and are used whole and removed before serving.

The shoots have a cylindrical shape. The leaves of citronella are harsh to the touch, light green in color, surround the stem and emit a noticeable citrus smell, which is how the plant got its name.

Sowing lemon grass

The soil for lemon grass should be light and fertile, with plenty of sand. For greater fertility and moisture retention, it is recommended to add humus and perlite to the substrate.
You can sow grass in prepared soil for vegetable crops, adding a little perlite and humus.
You need to sow in small cups. Distribute the earth over a glass, compact it a little, pour boiling water over it, literally 4-5 tbsp. l. And immediately distribute the seeds over the surface. Gently pour a little spoon over the seeds hot water. Do not sprinkle. Cover with film and place on a warm windowsill.

In this way, I got seedlings after 1.5 weeks.

photo Varvara Plyushkina

The best time to sow lemongrass is March, but in our region you can sow from the beginning of February. Since, if you then plant them outside, the bushes should already be quite large.

As the seedlings grow, they need to be water. Water abundantly, preferably with soft rainwater. If there is no such thing, then tap water should sit and warm up.

Lemongrass seedlings need a lot Sveta. A south window works well.

Once every 10 days, lemon grass seedlings need feed organic fertilizers such as Gummat and mineral (complex) with a higher nitrogen content. Organics and minerals need to be alternated.

As soon as the seedlings in the cup become crowded, they need to be cross into a larger pot. You must make holes at the bottom and put a layer of expanded clay for drainage.

If lemongrass is grown indoors, then you don’t need to do anything special with it, just transfer it to a larger pot as it grows. In summer you can take it out onto the loggia, balcony, open veranda. Just remember to water it generously, it loves water.

photo elichka007

If you decide to plant it in open ground, then lemon grass must be harden.
To do this, in warm weather, take it out onto the balcony for a couple of hours, always shading the seedlings from direct sun during the first days; the same procedure will not harm seedlings intended for indoor keeping. Then you can leave the plant, directly in the pots, outside overnight for several days.

After this, the lemon grass can be safely transplanted to a permanent place on the site and not be afraid that it will not take root.

Place in the garden Lemon grass should have a warm and sunny environment, and the plant should not be exposed to cold northern winds. Lemongrass grows strictly in the place where it is planted, and does not spread throughout the entire area, unlike similar ornamental grasses.

If citronella is grown in containers or boxes, then it will be enough to simply move them indoors for the winter, since at temperatures below +10 degrees the leaves quickly die off. Preferably those plants that grew in open ground, for the winter, transplant into pots for wintering in the house.

Photos from open sources

Harvest lemongrass begins to be harvested when the bases of its leaves thicken and turn whitish, that is, after about a year.

Properties and uses of lemon grass

This herb has a lot useful properties and is used in folk medicine. It increases mental and physical performance, adapts the body to external unfavorable conditions. For depression, it helps balance appetite and restores interest in life.
Since lemongrass has antipyretic and bactericidal effects, it helps fight many diseases. The plant is actively used for colds and bronchitis, sore throat and rhinitis. It prevents infection from spreading throughout the body, which is especially important for herpes and laryngitis. Lemon grass helps stop the development of rosacea and varicose veins, enhances microcirculation, and has an angiotonic effect in anemia and hypotension.

At the same time, it stimulates the gastrointestinal tract and speeds up metabolism (which is effective for obesity and excess weight). In case of alcohol intoxication syndrome, it fights hangover. Regarding the musculoskeletal system - it strengthens the muscular and ligamentous apparatus, increases the tone and flexibility of the body, and makes the muscles more elastic.
It is effective to use lemon grass after training, as it helps remove lactic acid from the muscles and relieve fatigue. In a nursing mother, it increases the amount of milk.

Sibling moms about lemon grass

I really like lemongrass, they have it in Austria mineral water With her addition, the whole company went crazy. IN herbal teas often found, we bought dry herbs in an “Indian spices” store, brewed them as herbal tea, also nothing. However, I haven’t tried it for food.
If our climate allows, I will grow it; I have no experience in growing herbs; tarragon only grew as a huge bush without care and did not freeze in the winter, but our region is different, I have not looked for seeds yet.
Maybe someone was unlucky with the purchase of mate (to be honest, it seems to me that mate and lemongrass are incompatible in taste, mate has its own, harsh and specific taste, and for me mate has its own smell, however, my sense of smell is very good thing, even in teas and other things, fragrances are often made of all sorts of semi-synthetic ones instead of real grass/oil). It could also be the oil - it is more specific than the grass; in a hotel in Italy there was a jar of lemongrass oil, so we put it in the bathroom because of the strong sweetish smell, and kept the window open, then only the freshness from the grass appeared and the whole room was.
There are no comrades in taste and color, we like it...

Anya B

I would love to grow this kind of grass, we just really love its taste and aroma.
We were in Thailand, they add it to large quantities in soups (Tom Yum, coconut milk soup with seafood, etc.). I brought it with me dried and fresh, we ate it all, we want more.
If you can find seeds or information, I will be glad.

particle

I grew lemon grass, but I don’t remember if it was called that. It looks like an ordinary herb, only with a lemon aroma. Annual. I don’t remember any difficulties, the only thing was that I was afraid of confusing it with ordinary grass; I had to pinch off a leaf from each blade of grass and smell it until it grew and became different from a weed.
In tea, fresh leaves feel like hay, while dried leaves feel like hay. I didn’t know you could add it to other dishes.

TUMAN

In the fall I leave the bush and dry or freeze the rest for consumption. The plant simply grows on the window in winter. I water it abundantly, I’ve never seen the seeds, most likely they won’t grow in our climate. I propagate by layering, plant it in a greenhouse in the spring, watering is also very plentiful.

As far as I know (from forum members and acquaintances), unfortunately, no one’s seeds sprouted. Try to look in the metro for cash & carry greens with a “heel”, like bulbous ones, there is a very high probability that you will get roots. I even saw plants there with a small sprout from below. The grass goes on sale without roots, but “defects in processing” occur, although rarely. If you really need it, but have nowhere to get it, you can look for it.
But in general, so many people fly to Thailand that you can always ask to bring grass from the Thai market (also with a root, like poorly trimmed). They sell it for food, but the grass there is fresh, and it hasn’t been around for a long time. We brought it from Tay, from the market. Stored in a bottle of water to help the roots grow.

Last year I sowed Citronella; the store clerk highly recommended its seeds to me both as a mosquito repellent in the country and as a very healthy herb. In the summer this grass grew in a pot at the dacha, in the fall we brought it home, and it grows well in room conditions. The stem is very tough, but the lemon flavor is just superb. I really like tea with it. :-)

Lun@riya

I can’t judge what the brewed DRY lemongrass smells like in the finished tea mixture - I haven’t tried it. And it’s not a fact that it’s actually grass, and not with added flavoring. I brewed pure green tea, without any additives, with finely chopped fresh citronella (I accidentally saw a tea set in the store recently - mint + thyme + lemongrass). To my nose the scent is simply amazing! Thin, light, and the tea has a slight sourness. Well, it probably depends on the quantity.
And for those who come across grass with an onion. To make it easier for it to give roots, I removed 1-2 of the top “scales”, this will open a small stem, and the roots will come out of it faster.
I bought 2 of these sets, I specifically chose them only by the type of lemon grass, so that it would come with the bottom. I ended up with 4 potential cuttings. She took off the top “scales” and put them in water. Now they have already given roots, decent ones. They even managed to get intertwined. It's time to plant it in a pot.

Lemongrass (lemongrass, lemongrass, citronella, blackbeard) – perennial genus Cymbopogon with hard, long, narrow linear-lanceolate leaves of a light green color. Its height, depending on the climate, can reach from 70 centimeters to 1.5 meters. The rhizome is short, tuberous, the inflorescence is formed by spikelets and is located in the axils of the apical leaves.

The leaves of the plant are collected before the onset of cold weather, laid out in a thin layer protected from sun rays and a well-ventilated place for drying. Dried lemongrass can be stored in a glass jar with a tightly closed lid in a dark room. The bases of the rosettes are wrapped in cling film and placed in the refrigerator. They can be stored this way for several weeks.

Composition and beneficial properties

The main substance that gives this plant a pleasant citrus aroma and taste is citral. In addition to it, the plant contains geraniol, farnesol, myrcene with aldehydes and other elements. Lemongrass also contains large amounts of ascorbic and niacin, vitamin A, calcium, iron, potassium, sodium and phosphorus.

Thanks to the rich chemical composition Lemongrass has many beneficial effects on the human body:

• Painkiller.
• Antioxidant.
• Antimicrobial.
• Wound healing.
• Anti-inflammatory.
• Fungicidal.
• Antiseptic.
• Astringent.
• Calming.

Drugs

For medicinal purposes, the plant is used in the form of tincture, tea, juice, creams, essential oil, and ointments. It is also included in herbal preparations.

• Infusion: 1 tablespoon of crushed leaves, pour 250 milliliters of boiling water, leave for 5 minutes, strain and take 200 milliliters orally 2 times a day. Adding honey helps enhance the healing properties of the product. The water infusion can also be used for external use.
• Tincture: Place 2 tablespoons of chopped lemongrass stem in a glass container, add 1 liter of alcohol and place in a dark, cool place for 21 days. Take the prepared tincture 2 tablespoons 3 times a day.

Juice herbs are used externally as a powerful insecticide. It effectively repels various insects. It is necessary to tear off the stem of the plant, squeeze it and apply the squeezed juice to open areas bodies. The product will also relieve itching after bites.

• Tea: Brew 1 tablespoon of dry or fresh herbs in 250 milliliters of boiling water, leave for 5 minutes and strain. It is recommended to use honey or stevia honey as a sweetener.
• Lemongrass tea for weight loss: Pour 2 tablespoons of dry herb into 1 liter of water, add 100 grams of fresh chopped ginger and the juice of two lemons to the mixture. Mix everything thoroughly, boil for about 10 minutes, then leave for 15-20 minutes and strain. Drink 200 milliliters 3 times a day before meals.

Application in medicine

• Herbal tea with citronella is an effective remedy for colds.
• A water infusion is used for pain in the stomach and intestines, gas formation to improve digestion, and also as a diaphoretic.
• Alcohol tincture is indicated for relieving cough and runny nose, relieving headaches, and dyspepsia.

In addition, in medicine, lemongrass preparations are used in complex treatment for the following diseases:

The oil, obtained by steam distillation from the dried leaves, has a lemony and fresh aroma. It can be purchased at a pharmacy and used for external use as an antibacterial, deodorizing, antimicrobial and antiseptic agent.

Lemon grass acts as an effective antidepressant, helps with insomnia and stress, relieves fatigue, refreshes, and improves vitality.

Lemongrass oil also improves mental activity and memory, increases performance and concentrates attention. This oil is recommended for use in the car interior as a fragrance to increase the driver’s reaction speed.

• IN aroma lamp the oil is used to stimulate brain activity, relieve fatigue, improve mood - 2-3 drops per session.
• Inhalations help with diseases of the upper respiratory tract and respiratory organs - 2-3 drops per 200 milliliters of water. Inhalation time is 4-6 minutes.
• Aroma medallion lifts your mood, gives energy, promotes concentration – 1 drop.
• Massage with citronella oil accelerates lymph flow and blood flow, which prevents the development of varicose veins, helps burn excess fat and normalize metabolic processes in the body - 4 drops of the product per 20 grams of massage base.
• Foot and general baths restore strength, tone, help relieve fatigue - 4-6 drops per full bath of water or 4 drops per 200 milliliters of water in nail baths. The reception time should not exceed 15 minutes.

In cooking

Lemon grass is often used in Asian dishes. It gives food an unforgettable aroma, combining light notes of almonds and the smell of citrus.

It is recommended to use the lower part of fresh plant stems; if this is not possible, then powder from dried raw materials will also work. Fresh stems can be added to dishes whole, finely chopped, or thoroughly ground into a paste. The dried plant should be soaked well before use. The stems taste like lemon zest, but have a fresh aroma.

In Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, the plant is added to stews, soups, curries, seafood dishes, fish, beef, chicken and pork. It is also added to tea. Lemongrass pairs perfectly with chili, garlic and cilantro. If this plant is not available, it will be replaced with lemon balm, zest or verbena.

In addition, Thai chefs use the plant to prepare a lemon-scented drink, which perfectly refreshes and tones the body. To do this, several stems of grass are cut into small pieces, placed in a cup and poured with boiling water. The finished lemon drink is served chilled, with ice, sugar and milk.

In cosmetology

Lemongrass essential oil is most often used for cosmetic purposes. It is included in medicinal ointments, creams and lotions for the care of problem skin of the face and body. Ready-made preparations can be purchased at a pharmacy or the composition of your favorite lotions, creams, shampoos can be enriched with oil - 1 drop of oil per 5 grams of the main product.

The effects of essential oil are as follows:

• Reduces eczema, acne, skin irritation.
• Tightens pores.
• Helps get rid of acne.
• Tightens sagging skin.
• Helps get rid of cellulite.
• Stimulates hair growth.
• Strengthens hair follicles.
• Combats increased hair loss.
• Soothes dry itchy scalp.
• Has a deodorizing effect.
• Is a good foot freshener.
• Prevents excessive sweating.

Methods of use in cosmetology:

• For acne The oil is applied in its pure form to the affected areas. After 5 minutes, wash off.
• To cleanse and tighten pores useful applications: mix 7 drops of the product with 10 drops of base oil, apply to problem skin and rinse warm water in 5 minutes.
• To get rid of excess oil on hair: Add 1 drop of lemongrass to a single dose of shampoo, massage your head in a circular motion and rinse with warm water.

Contraindications

• Insomnia.
• Epilepsy.
• Hypertension.
• Increased excitability of the nervous system.
• Individual intolerance.
• Children's age up to 7 years.

Excessive use of lemongrass can cause a sore throat, short-term hoarseness, and contraction of the vocal cords. The herb is not toxic, but in high concentrations it can irritate sensitive skin, causing a burning sensation and redness.

During pregnancy

Preparations based on lemon grass are contraindicated in pregnant women.

24.09.2017

You've heard about lemongrass, and probably even tried it, but do you know what it is? Its name suggests that it is an herb that has a lemony scent, but there is more to it than that. Lemongrass has long been known in Asian countries for its medicinal properties, and is also widely used in cooking. Here you will learn about what makes it so popular.

What is lemongrass?

Lemongrass is a tropical herb with a sweet, lemony odor and slightly pungent taste. Particularly popular in Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine. The strongest aroma is in the thickened lower part of the stem. Lemongrass can be added whole to a dish or peeled and then crushed or chopped.

It is sold fresh, dried or in powder form. Commonly used in cooking and herbal teas.

What lemongrass looks like - photo

Cut lemongrass stems are about 20cm long and look a bit like leeks.

General description

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tall, perennial herb that includes about 45 species growing in the tropical and subtropical climates of Asia, Australia and Africa. India is the largest supplier of this spice (80% of world production), where it is grown along the Western Ghats mountain range and in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Lemongrass can grow up to 90 cm in height and width.

Lemongrass stems have several layers, each wrapped tightly around it. The top layers are hard and green. They rather resemble the outer leaves of corn. When you peel off the top layers, you will find an inner white stem. It is also very complex and difficult to cut.

Other names for lemongrass: cymbopogon, lemongrass, citronella, lemongrass, lemongrass, shuttlebeard.

Where to buy lemongrass

Unless you live near an Asian specialty store, it's unlikely that you'll come across lemongrass. Still, it never hurts to check if it is sold in the produce section of your supermarket. Lemongrass paste is also available for sale.

If this is a problem, you can always buy dried or even fresh lemongrass from an online store.

How to choose lemongrass

Lemongrass is usually sold in bunches of two or three stems. When purchasing, consider a few essential facts:

• Look for firm stems. Soft or limp ones will not taste good.
• The lower part of the stem should be pale yellow and upper part green.
• Avoid lemongrass, which has brown outer leaves.

How and how long to store lemongrass

Lemongrass good quality Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To do this, wash the stems in a clean cold water. Let dry. Separate the green leaves from the stem. Place in a bag and store in the refrigerator separately from other foods.

Lemongrass can be frozen and stored for several months. Some of the aroma will be lost over time, but it will still retain its properties and will be easier to cut.

The stems can also be cut into small pieces and dried. These dried pieces should be stored in airtight jars and used as needed as needed, or ground to a powder. The shelf life of dried lemongrass is up to 6 months.

Chemical composition

The lemongrass plant is rich in nutrients, minerals and vitamins.

Nutritional value of fresh lemongrass per 100 g

Physiological role

Lemongrass has healing effects on the body, including:

• Antioxidant, antifungal and antimicrobial action.
• Contains antioxidants that stimulate the immune system.
• Maintains healthy cholesterol levels and prevents atherosclerosis.
• The diuretic effect helps cleanse the body and flush out toxins.
• Supports digestion.
• May be effective in treating some types of cancer.
• Prevents gastrointestinal disorders.
• Stimulates intestinal function and improves digestion.
• Treats constipation, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea and ulcerative colitis.
• Has a sedative and hypnotic effect.
• Helps calm nerves.
• Relieves various respiratory diseases.
• Treats ulcers, ringworm and urinary tract infections.
• Relieves headaches and migraine pain.
• Improves blood circulation.
• Maintains optimal insulin levels, prevents and treats diabetes.

Beneficial properties of lemongrass

Health benefits and medicinal use Lemongrass benefits are huge: it contains many essential oils, chemicals, minerals and vitamins that have antioxidant properties and prevent disease.

• The main chemical component in lemongrass is citral, which is responsible for its unique lemony smell. It has strong antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
• Additionally, lemongrass contains mirencene, citronellol, methylheptanone, dipentine, geraniol, limonene, geranyl acetate, nerol, etc. These compounds are known to have anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, antifungal and antiseptic properties.
• The leaves and stems contain folate (per 100 g about 75 mcg or 19% of the daily value). Folates play a vital role in cell division and DNA synthesis, and they prevent neural tube defects in the baby during the period of conception.
• Lemongrass is also rich in many essential vitamins such as pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) and thiamine (vitamin B-1). The body needs them constantly, as they do not accumulate, but require constant replenishment.
• Additionally, fresh lemongrass contains small amounts of antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin A.
• Both fresh and dried, it is a source of minerals such as potassium, zinc, calcium, iron, manganese, copper and magnesium.

Contraindications (harm) of lemongrass

Lemongrass is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

What does lemongrass smell and taste like?

Lemongrass has a lemony, herbaceous-sharp and at the same time sweetish-floral aroma. It tastes softer and sweeter than lemon. There is a ginger note, but without the sour undertone.

Uses of Lemongrass Essential Oil

The fresh and tangy citrus scent of lemongrass essential oil makes it a wonderful natural product that is commonly added to cosmetics and is also used in the making of candles and waxes, deodorants and perfumes.

• Lemongrass oil, when used in aromatherapy, revitalizes the body and relieves the symptoms of headaches and muscle pain, helps with nervous exhaustion and stress.
• Essential oil is often used to relieve symptoms of laryngitis, bronchitis, etc.
• Lemongrass oil is used in massage therapy as a tonic and firming agent for the skin.
• If you are suffering from oily hair, itchy scalp, excessive hair loss or any other hair problems, rubbing this oil on your scalp will help you solve them.
• The antibacterial properties of lemongrass oil will help keep your head clean and leave your hair fresh, shiny, and odor-free.

Do a preliminary test: apply a drop to your skin (where you bend your elbow) and observe for 24 hours to find out if you have any adverse reaction to lemongrass essential oil.

Use of lemongrass in cooking

The lower part of lemongrass is widely used as a seasoning in Asian dishes. Its mild citrus flavor will be at home in soups, poultry, beef and seafood dishes.

How to Peel and Cut Lemongrass

The most commonly used pieces in soups, stews and teas are 2.5 to 5 cm in length. Before cooking, all outer layers are usually removed, leaving only the tender white inner stem.

Many recipes call for “beating” lemongrass to extract the flavor. To do this:

1. Rinse the stems thoroughly with cool running water.
2. Trim off the top green part.
3. Cut and discard the bottom of the stem about 3cm from the base.
4. Remove tough outer leaves and discard.
5. Pound the stem using a meat mallet or the flat side of a kitchen knife.
6. Can be cut into pieces about 5 cm.
7. You can then add it to any soup or curry you are preparing.

The stems can be finely chopped and ground in a food processor to a paste.

Dried lemongrass is soaked before use.

How to prepare lemongrass - video

For a light and delicate taste and aroma, add lemongrass at the end of cooking. The longer you cook this spice, the more intense its flavor. Add the chopped lemongrass stems to the dish and leave them until you achieve the desired concentration of flavor.

Like bay leaves, lemongrass remains hard and should be removed from the dish after it has released its flavor.

Where to add lemongrass

Here are some application ideas:

• The subtle aroma of lemongrass goes well with fish, seafood, meat and poultry.
• Widely used in soups, marinades, curries, etc. in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia.

• Tom Yam is the most popular soup in Thailand. It is made from fresh lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, lime juice, fish sauce and crushed chili peppers. Shrimp, fish, chicken or mushrooms are also usually placed there.
• Lemongrass tea is a very refreshing drink.
• Young stems are used in salads.
• Dry lemongrass powder is used instead of fresh stems in marinades.
• This spice is also added to pickles.

How to brew lemongrass tea

For 1 glass of tea you will need 1 tablespoon of chopped lemongrass.

1. Peel the outer leaves as they impart a bitter taste.
2. Cut the white part of the stem into pieces.
3. Pour one tablespoon of lemongrass into a glass of boiling water.
4. Let steep for 5 minutes and then strain the tea.
5. Sweeten it with sugar or honey if desired.

Both dried and fresh stems can be used for tea.

How to replace lemongrass in a recipe

• 1 teaspoon lemongrass powder = 1 fresh stalk.

The aroma of lemongrass is quite complex and it is difficult to find another product that could replace it. The easiest option is to use lemon as a substitute.

• The zest of one lemon = two stalks of lemongrass.

You can also add something else to it that can replicate the herbal notes of the lemongrass scent. For example, arugula.

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest with one arugula leaf will replace 1 stalk of lemongrass.

Now you know everything about lemongrass: what kind of wonderful herb it is, what its health benefits are, what properties it has and how to use it correctly in cooking. This spice can solve a whole range of problems: from medicinal and cosmetic to preparing delicious food.

lemon grass– a very useful perennial plant, also known as lemongrass, citronella, lemongrass. The plant came to us from the tropics of Europe and Asia. Citronella reaches almost 1.8 meters in a favorable climate; in cold zones its length is 1 meter. The long leaves of lemongrass are quite narrow in shape and sharp (see photo).

Citronella is grown from seeds. All types of plants grow quickly and have similar properties. There are two main types of grass:

• West Indian Lemongrass. This type of citronella is grown in Malaysia.
• Cochina, or East Indian grass, is found in Sri Lanka and Thailand.

In many tropical countries, citronella is specially planted near residential buildings, because insects and snakes cannot stand its smell.

Useful properties

The beneficial properties of lemon grass are due to the presence of a natural antioxidant - vitamin A. The plant is used to cleanse the body of toxins. Fatty acids, vitamins B and C, nicotinic acid and a number of trace elements were found in citronella. Lemongrass is a natural antidepressant; its smell relieves fatigue, tones, and drives away bad thoughts. The smell of lemongrass in the car will help the driver concentrate and pay more attention to the road.

The plant has a pleasant lemon aroma and citrus taste. Lemongrass is in particular demand in cosmetology and perfume compositions. Lemongrass essential oil consists mainly of geraniol and central. These substances stimulate skin healing processes, have an anti-inflammatory effect, and are considered effective natural antiseptics.

Lemongrass juice is an excellent natural remedy for insect bites. It is enough to rub your skin with fresh leaves, and mosquitoes will not bother you for the next few hours. In order to prepare an effective mosquito repellent for future use, just add alcohol to citronella juice.

Lemongrass is effective for treating skin areasaffected by fungus. IN folk recipes it is often used for dermatitis. The herb stimulates lymph flow and blood circulation, which makes it possible to use it for cellulite. For varicose veins, you can use mixtures based on lemongrass: they will strengthen the walls of blood vessels. In sports, lemon grass is used to increase the endurance of the ligamentous and muscular apparatus.

Use in cooking

Lemongrass has been used in cooking for a long time. Many Asian dishes are prepared using citronella, which gives them a subtle zest and subtle notes of almond. It is not customary to use lemongrass leaves in cooking because only the lower part of the stem has culinary value. As a spice added to soups and stews, citronella pairs wonderfully with... spicy plants, like cilantro.

Thai cuisine has a recipe for a cool tea drink based on lemongrass. The drink is very refreshing and has a lemon scent. How to brew tea? In order to prepare a kind of iced tea, you should pour boiling water over finely chopped citronella stems and then cool. The drink is served with ice; if desired, you can add a little milk and sugar.

The classic recipe for the national Thai soup called Tom Yam always includes lemongrass. There are recipes using fresh plants. Lemongrass stems are dipped into the dish during cooking and then removed. Even if the lemongrass stems are left on the plate, no one eats them, as they themselves are very tough. In order to obtain juice from citronella, fresh grass must be mashed and then ground, and then the plant will release all its beneficial substances.

The lemon-ginger taste of the herb will change familiar dishes beyond recognition. The plant can be added to homemade sauces, noodles, and soups. Poultry, seafood, fish and vegetables will take on a new flavor when cooked with a pinch of citronella.

Coconut desserts, sweets with nuts, milk, and a number of soft drinks will be even tastier if combined with lemongrass. A few pinches of the plant can easily replace zest in culinary recipes. Lemongrass is used as a traditional tea drink in Africa.

Lemongrass benefits and treatment

The benefits of lemongrass are manifested in its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. The plant reduces temperature, helps with colds and fever. As a food additive, lemongrass accelerates metabolic processes in the body and activates digestion.

In its homeland, lemongrass is used to treat colds and digestive problems. Lemongrass has long been used to make “love potions,” which cause sexual arousal and are a natural aphrodisiac.

In Indian medicine, the plant is known as a remedy for herpes and skin diseases. Lemongrass is also included in many cleansers for oily skin.

You can buy lemongrass in the form of an alcohol tincture or essential oil.

Harm of lemon grass and contraindications

Lemongrass is contraindicated in severe hypertension. It is better not to use the plant for people prone to increased excitability. It is not advisable for pregnant women to use citronella.

Lemongrass essential oil itself is not toxic, but can cause irritation on sensitive skin. A burning and tingling sensation may occur within a few minutes after application. Before using essential oil, it is better to do a test for individual tolerance and the absence of allergic reactions; for this, it will be enough to apply a little oil to the crook of your elbow. Citronella can cause discomfort in the throat and slight hoarseness, which is due to its effect on vocal cords. In this regard, use essential oil It should not be used by people who are engaged in vocal or lecturing activities.

Lemongrass is not recommended for use as a tonic for more than two weeks.