Lemongrass uses, Aromatic Properties, and 8 Health Benefits

Lemongrass origins and cultivation, culinary uses, health benefits, how to use in cooking

Lemongrass, with its refreshing aroma and culinary versatility, is a popular herb that has made its way into kitchens and gardens around the world. Native to tropical regions in Asia, lemongrass has gained popularity worldwide due to its delightful taste and numerous health benefits.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the origins of lemongrass, provide tips on how to grow and care for it, and discuss its various uses, and health benefits. We’ll also touch on its culinary applications, types, pruning, propagation, overwintering, and common issues. Additionally, we’ll highlight who should exercise caution when using this herb.

Lemongrass growth, care and health Benefits Uses

It is a rich natural source of essential vitamins like A and C, alongside essential minerals such as iron and potassium. Furthermore, it boasts a collection of antioxidants that play a pivotal role in shielding the body from the harmful effects of free radicals.

Lemongrass Origins and Cultivation

Lemongrass, scientifically known as Cymbopogon citratus, is native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa. It has a long history of culinary and medicinal use in these regions, but its popularity has since spread globally due to its unique flavor and health benefits. It is a tall, perennial grass that thrives in warm, humid climates. It is easy to grow and can be cultivated in gardens or pots.

Lemongrass Health Benefits

IT has a number of health benefits, including:

• Relieves indigestion. It can help to relieve indigestion by stimulating the digestive juices.
• Reduces inflammation. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body.
• Boosts the immune system. It contains antioxidants, which can help to boost the immune system and fight off infection.
• Relieves pain. Lemongrass oil can be used topically to relieve muscle pain and inflammation.
• Repels mosquitoes. It is a natural mosquito repellent, so it is a good choice for planting around your home.
• Caffeine-Free Energy: Lemongrass tea is an excellent caffeine-free alternative to coffee or traditional tea. It provides a natural energy boost without the jitters.
• Stress Reduction: The aroma has a calming effect, making it useful for reducing stress and anxiety. Aromatherapy with lemongrass essential oil is popular for this purpose.
• Antibacterial and Antifungal: The natural oils found in lemongrass have antimicrobial properties, making them effective against various infections and fungi.

Lemon Grass Uses

Lemongrass is a versatile plant with many uses. It can be used in cooking, for medicinal purposes, and as an ornamental plant.

• Culinary uses: It is a popular ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine. It is also used in Thai, Indian, and Caribbean cuisine. It can be used fresh, dried, or ground. Fresh lemongrass stalks are often used to make soups, curries, and stir-fries. The white bulbous base of the stalk is the most flavorful part and is often bruised or pounded to release the flavor. Dried lemongrass leaves can be used to make tea or broth. Ground lemongrass can be used as a spice in marinades, rubs, and curries.
• Medicinal uses: It has a number of medicinal properties, including antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments, including indigestion, headaches, and colds. Lemongrass oil can be used topically to relieve muscle pain and inflammation.
• Ornamental uses: It is a beautiful plant that can be used to add a touch of greenery to your home or garden. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant and can be grown in pots or in the ground. It is also a good mosquito repellent, so it is a popular choice for planting around patios and decks.

How to Use Lemon Grass in Cooking

It can be used in cooking in a number of ways. Here are a few ideas:

• Soups and curries: Add a stalk of lemongrass to your favorite soup or curry recipe for a boost of flavor. You can either add the lemongrass whole or slice it thinly.
• Stir-fries: Add thin slices of lemongrass to your stir-fries for a citrusy flavor. It is also a good source of fiber, so it can help to add bulk and nutrients to your stir-fries.
• Sauces and marinades: These can be used to make delicious sauces and marinades. To make a simple lemongrass sauce, simply puree lemongrass with some garlic, ginger, and chili peppers. This sauce can be used to marinate meat, seafood, or tofu, or it can be added to stir-fries and soups.
• Herbal teas: These can be used to make a refreshing and flavorful herbal tea. To make lemongrass tea, simply steep a stalk of lemongrass in a cup of hot water for a few minutes. You can also add other herbs, such as ginger or mint, to your lemongrass tea.

Types of Lemongrass

There are two main types of lemongrass:

• East Indian lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is the most common type. It is native to Southeast Asia and is the type of lemongrass that is most commonly used in cooking. East Indian lemongrass has a strong, citrusy flavor.
• West Indian lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus var. winterianus) is native to the Caribbean. It has a more subtle flavor than East Indian lemongrass and is often used in making tea.

How to Grow and Care Tips For Lemon Grass

It is a relatively easy plant to grow. It prefers warm weather and full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. You have the option to cultivate it either in containers or directly in the soil.

To grow lemongrass in a pot:

• Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches deep and has drainage holes.
• Pour a suitable well-draining potting mix into the container
• Plant the stalk in the center of the pot, so that the roots are covered.
• Water the plant well.

To grow lemongrass in the ground:

• Choose a spot in your garden that receives full sun or partial shade.
• Enhance the soil by incorporating compost or manure through thorough digging.
• Plant the stalk in the ground, so that the roots are covered.
• Water the plant well.

Lemon Grass Care

• Light: Thrives in full sun, so it’s best to place it where it receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
• Soil: Well-draining soil is essential. A mixture of potting soil and sand is ideal for potted plants, while garden soil should be well-drained to prevent waterlogged roots.
• Water: Needs regular watering, especially during hot weather. Irrigate the plant generously to ensure water reaches the root system.  Be cautious not to overwater, as excessive moisture can result in root rot.
• Temperature and Humidity: It is a tropical plant, and prefers warm weather and high humidity. It can tolerate temperatures down to about 55 degrees Fahrenheit but will start to suffer if the temperature drops below that.
• Fertilizer: Can be fertilized every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Exercise caution when fertilizing, as excessive fertilization can harm the plant.

Pruning

It does not need to be pruned regularly. However, you can prune it to remove dead or damaged leaves and to control its size.

Propagating Lemon Grass

Lemongrass can be propagated by division or by rooting cuttings.

To propagate lemongrass by division:

• Dig up the parent plant and divide it into two or more sections.
• Ensure that each section possesses a robust root system.
• Transplant the divided sections into individual pots or directly into the soil.

To propagate lemongrass by rooting cuttings:

1. Begin by taking a 6-inch cutting from the upper portion of a thriving lemongrass plant.
2. Strip away the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving the top growth intact.
3. Submerge the freshly cut end of the lemongrass cutting into a rooting hormone solution to promote root development.
4. Plant the prepared cutting in a container filled with damp potting mix, ensuring it is firmly positioned.
5. Provide a generous watering for the cutting and place it in a warm, sunlit spot.
6. Maintain the moisture level of the potting mix, making sure it remains consistently moist but not excessively wet.
7. Over the course of a few weeks, the cutting should successfully develop its own root system.

How to Grow Lemon Grass From Seed

It can be grown from seed, but it is easier to propagate it by division or by rooting cuttings.

To grow lemongrass from seed:

1. Begin by sowing the seeds into a container filled with a damp potting mix.
2. Gently cover the seeds with a thin layer of potting mix to the appropriate depth.
3. Ensure the seeds receive a thorough watering, and position the pot in a warm, sunlit area.
4. Maintain the moisture level of the potting mix, ensuring it remains consistently moist but not excessively waterlogged.
5. Typically, you can expect the seeds to begin germinating within a few weeks.

Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them out so that they are spaced about 6 inches apart.

Potting and Repotting Lemon Grass

It can be grown in pots or in the ground. If you are growing in a pot, choose a pot that is at least 12 inches deep and has drainage holes. Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix.

To repot, simply move it to a larger pot with fresh potting mix.

Can I Grow Lemongrass in the UK?

It is a tropical plant and cannot tolerate frost. If you live in a cold climate, you will need to overwinter your plant indoors.

To overwinter lemongrass:

• Bring the plant indoors before the first frost.
• Place the plant in a warm, sunny location.
• Consistently provide water to the plant, but be cautious not to overwater it

Apply a balanced fertilizer to the plant every few weeks to nourish it properly.

Can Lemon Grass Stay Outdoors in Winter?

Cannot stay outdoors in winter if the temperature drops below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in a warm climate, you can leave it outdoors all year round.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to scale, mealybugs, and spider mites. If you see any pests on your plant, treat them immediately with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Common Problems With Lemon Grass

The most common problem is root rot. Root rot is caused by overwatering. To avoid root rot, water your plant regularly, but avoid overwatering.

Who Should Not Use Lemongrass?

It is generally safe for most people to consume. However, there are a few groups of people who should avoid, including:

• Pregnant women: It can stimulate the uterus and menstrual flow, which could increase the risk of miscarriage.
• Breastfeeding women: There is not enough information about the safety of breastfeeding.
• People with allergies: It can cause allergic reactions in some people. If you are allergic to grasses, such as pollen, you may also be allergic.
• People taking certain medications: It can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and sedatives. If you are taking any medications, be sure to talk to your doctor before using them.

If you are unsure whether or not is safe for you, it is always best to err on the side of caution and avoid using it.

Can You Plant Supermarket Lemongrass?

Yes, you can plant purchased from a supermarket. Simply place the stalks in water until roots develop, then transplant them into well-draining soil. Supermarket-bought lemongrass can successfully grow into a healthy plant.

In addition to the above, it is important to note that essential oil should not be used internally, as it can be toxic. Lemongrass essential oil should also be diluted before applying it to the skin, as it can be irritating.

You can also read Top 5 Winter Flowering Plants to Brighten Your Garden