Lemongrass
What is lemon grass?
Lemon grass is a plant from the grass family that smells a little bit like lemons and actually has different names in many countries around the world, mostly translated variants of its own name, i.e. citronella grass, but also include others such as choomana poolu (the Indian name). It mostly grows in hot countries, particularly in Asia, Central and South America as well as some parts of Africa. Lemongrass is used extensively in cooking especially in soups or to flavour curries, particularly throughout Asia. It is also used as a main ingredient in tea and as a medicine.
Properties of lemon grass
Lemongrass is high in iron and contains Vitamin A which is good for improving skin condition, and citral, the main ingredient responsible for the lemon smell. Lemongrass has anti-septic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial properties that help the body to fight bacteria and act as a disinfectant and pheromonal qualities that act as insect repellant although may attract bees. Lemongrass improves blood circulation around the body, which in turn helps the body to more quickly fight colds and fever. It also has anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial properties. Finally, it can help with pain relief.
What can lemon grass cure?
Wounds: lemongrass can be applied directly to wounds (clean it first) to stop infection and to aid the healing process.
Cancer: lemongrass is yet another ingredient that has some evidence suggesting it may improve the chance of avoiding or recovering from various forms of cancer.
Laryngitis, sore throats, colds, fever: breathing-in lemongrass vapour or making tea from lemongrass really helps to soothe and to improve circulation and breathing.
Pain relief: consumed as tea, lemongrass may ease pain in joints, headaches, stomach aches and cramps and digestive problems.
Connective tissue damage: some evidence shows that lemongrass may aid the healing process for ligaments, tendons, cartilage, joints and muscles.
Iron deficiency: the high content of iron makes it a very useful ingredient in the diet of anybody suffering from lack of iron.
Inflammation/fungal infections: consuming lemongrass can help to fight against inflammations or fungal infections, presumably such as UTI or other yeast infections.
Where can I get/buy lemon grass?
Lemongrass grows freely in the wild particularly in many Asian countries, including Philippines, Thailand, India, China, Sri Lanka, but can easily be found in most markets that sell vegetables.