Lemon Grass (Scientific name: Cymbopogan citrus) also known as Stapf, Citratus. It is known as Sera, Vervein in India. Cmybogen consists of two words: “Kymb”, which means boat, and “pogan”, which means beard. So it is a herb with long stalks up to 5ft in height and 3 ft wide in the form of dense clumps.
It is a magical herb and I regret not knowing it early. It is a native herb in tropical and semi-tropical Asia.
Benefits of Lemon Grass
Lemon grass has tremendous benefits related to Physical health, mental health and beauty. All benefits are listed below;
Natural cleanser
Lemon grass is a natural cleanser. You can add lemon grass leaves in boiling water for 5 minutes. Then add this water water in your bath water.
Citratus helps you to get rid of the body’s odour, microbes, and germs on your body. It prevents the oral cavity from Thrush (oral fungus).
Lemon grass removes dandruff, Scabies, and ringworms from our body due to its anti-microbial properties. It also gives a glowing effect to the skin. That’s why it is used in soaps and cosmetics.
Anti-oxidant
Lemon grass is an anti-oxidant. It removes free radicles from your body. So it is very helpful in some ailments like B.P., Cholesterol, and Diabetes.
Anti-cancerous
Lemon grass enhances the metabolism of the body and increases blood flow which boosts immunity. So it prevents cancer.
Anti-microbial
Lemon grass has anti-microbial properties. It has anti-amoebic, anti-malarial, anti-bacterial, anti-diarrheal, anti-filarial, and anti-mycobacterial properties.
Weight loss
Lemon grass has a detoxification role. It detoxifies the body from harmful chemicals, promotes metabolism and so you can lose some weight when you take it.
Role as Diuretic
Lemongrass is a perfect substitute for Diuretic drugs. It is rich in K- ions which stimulate Blood circulation and Control Blood Pressure. C.citratus also controls high systolic BP. It is useful for Diabetic patients and keeps Cholesterol levels at normal.
Lemon grass also prevents Urinary tract infections.
Pain Killer
Lemon grass is a painkiller herb. It relieves severe headaches, Muscle cramps, spasms, back pain, and fever.
It is also helpful for minor infections like Cattarrh(flu) etc.
Role as Emmenagogue
Citratus Stimulates the Uterus and so helps in menstrual flow and relieves period cramps.
Condiment
Citratus is used as a spice/ condiment in many foods. You can use Lemon grass leaves in dry or fresh form in Soups, Noodles, Fish, Meat marination, and Kurry.
It gives your food a fresh lemony flavour. It is also used in Italian foods.
Improves the Digestive System
Citratus or lemongrass soothes the stomach and prevents bloating (gas) and Gastric problems. It is also helpful to treat Constipation.
Neurobehavioral Role
Citratus has a calming effect on nerves and relaxes your body. This is why it is used in aroma therapy. It is an anti-depressant. Due to its fresh aroma people use its fragrance during meditation.
It acts as a sedative for CNS due to its hypnotic properties.
Mosquito-repellent
Citratus is a bug-repellent. Its smoke prevents mosquitoes. People rub its dry leaves on the body’s exposed parts to prevent mosquitoes from biting.
Side- Effects of Lemon Grass
Lemon grass is safe to use 3-4 grams daily. But its overdose has some side effects.
It may cause;
- Dizziness
- Dry throat
- Dry skin
- As it promotes Urination, so its excess dose may cause the loss of nutrients through urine.
- Lemongrass stimulates the Uterus and helps to increase Menstrual flow. So it may cause miscarriage at early conception. So avoid taking it in during pregnancy.
- If you already undergo heavy menstrual flow, avoid taking it during your periods.
How to Use Lemon Grass?
It can be used in powdered form, fresh or dry. Whole herb parts can be used. Lemon Grass oil is also available in markets to use.
It can be used as a spice and as kehwa or tea.
How to make lemongrass tea?
To make tea from Citratus;
- Boil water, turn off the stove after boiling.
- Add dry or fresh Lemongrass leaves in boiled warm water.
- Left it covered for 5 minutes.
- After that strain it and drink it.
You can also add mint to enhance the flavour of the tea.
How to grow lemon grass?
Lemon Grass is easy to grow even at home. It is planted in Spring (Early March).
To Grow lemon grass at home, take lemon grass stalks from the market. Make sure all the stalks have nodes (swollen areas at the root side of the stalk). Soak your Lemon Grass stalks in a jar filled with water for a month or more. Keep changing the water in the jar twice a week.
After a month you will notice roots sprouting out of the nodes. When spring arrives. Take your stalks out of the water jar. Remove all the brown leaves around the roots.
Prepare the soil by running it well and watering it. Add composite (rotten leaves or manure) to the soil. Then plant 2-3 stalks in a group 25-30 inches apart each.
Keep watering the plants regularly, plants will start yielding 3-4 months after planting. You can add fertilizer if needed. You can harvest Grass leaves from time to time. Harvest your Lemon Grass in September.
Takeaway:
I recommend growing Lemongrass at home because in markets usually other herbs are sold in the name of lemongrass and it is hard to find the real one, especially in dry form.
Conclusion;
To sum up, Lemon grass is a natural healer and possesses uncountable medical benefits. You must add it to your diet to benefit yourself from this marvellous herb.
You can either take a cup of tea daily or 2-3 grams in dry form in food.
It detoxifies the body from harmful chemicals, promotes metabolism and so you can lose some weight when you take it.
Lemon Grass is commonly known as citronella grass or fever grass. It is called Sera, Vervein in India.
