Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), as its name suggests, is a tall grass of tropical origin. It comes from the same family as citronella (Cymbopogon nardus). It grows in dense clusters with long stems with a bulbous bottom and leaves at the top end. It multiplies easily by dividing its root clumps. It is a perennial plant.
Lemongrass has a fresh lemon scent with a hint of ginger. The source of its essential oil is the freshly cut and partially dried leaves, obtained through steam distillation. When essential oils are burned, the fragrance provides an inviting, clear, clean and simple-back-to-basics atmosphere. It revives the mind and relaxes the body. It is often used as an antidepressant, a diuretic, an overall tonic, a stimulant, so as to induce sweating, to cool the body, a mild insect repellent, a deodorant, a sedative, indigestion and to exhaustion. Lemongrass essential oil is common as an additive to soaps and cosmetics. However, it can cause skin sensitivity in some individuals with allergies. It also wards off negative energy for spiritually inclined people. United Kingdom folk medicine uses the plant as an antispasmodic, analgesic, antiseptic remedy. The Chinese treat colic, stomach pain, headache with it.
An interesting study done some time back claimed that lemongrass can help lower cholesterol. After three months, some participants noticed that their cholesterol was down a few points. But when he stopped taking the lemongrass, his cholesterol returned to its old level. The remaining group did not register any change. The right amount to take lemongrass has not been established with any certainty. It is best to take expert advice in matters of health. Since there is little evidence to support its oral dosage form, the medicinal use of lemongrass is believed to be placebo. Personally I love the taste of lemongrass tea hot or cold. Its taste is not as strong as that of lemon juice, but it is equally effective after a large meal.
I like to mix lemongrass tea with ginger juice. It imparts a tinge of tartness which I thoroughly enjoy. Simply add two or three thinly sliced ginger slices to a glass of lemongrass tea and add boiling water. Wait a few minutes and enjoy. Don't add too many ginger slices or you'll feel like sandpaper is being washed down your throat. Like many herbs and plants, the uses of lemongrass are as varied as one can imagine. But special care should be taken regarding its use in aromatherapy. Do not consume essential oil.
There are so many benefits you can reap when you know how to use lemongrass essential oil. Purely essential oils are tremendously beneficial in improving your health and quality of life in general.