The Botanical name of lemongrass is Cymbopogon. It is a plant of more than 55 varieties of grasses. It is mostly found in tropical areas and warm temperate regions in all over the world.
It is grown in high perennial grassland. Lemongrass is mostly applied like an herb in different parts of Asia. It can be powdered and dried and has a citrus taste.
The stalk is very solid to be consumed, excluding the soft inside portion. However, it can be mixed to salads and other recipes.
It may be bashed and mixed completely as this discharges the aromatic oils from the liquid part in the stalk.
Citral is the most important component of lemongrass. Lemongrass is mostly applied in curries, teas and soups. It is also appropriate for seafood, poultry and fish. It is frequently utilized like a tea in African nations such as Togo.
Lemongrass
Cymbopogon flexuosus (East Indian Lemongrass) is also known as Malabar grass or Cochin Grass. This kind of specie is cultivated in India, Burma, Cambodia, Thailand and Sri Lanka.
However, the Cymbopogon citratus (West-Indian lemongrass) is basically cultivated in Malaysia. This lemongrass is mostly found in Kitchen for cooking. It is also used in making perfumes and applied as a medicinal herb.
Cymbopogon winterianus and Cymbopogon nardus have red base stems and widely utilized for the manufacture of citronella oil. This oil is applied in aromatherapy and also used as a parasite repellent in insect sprays. This form of lemongrass is well known in Indonesia and Bintan.
The main chemical elements of citronellol, citronella and geraniol are antiseptics. So, they are easily utilized in mild soaps and disinfectants. In addition, the production of oil, it is also applied for cooking like in tea.
Cymbopogon martini and Palmarosa, which is also known as Rosha Grass is widely utilized in the industry of perfume. The flower and leaves of these species of lemon grass include sweet smelling oil, which is applied in the manufacture of geraniol. This specie is also purified into palmarosa essential oil and applied in aromatherapy for its soothing effect to decrease stress and tension.
Alpine grassland alternative is called as juzai, is a staple of Uyghur, Kyrgyz and Dungan cuisine.
Lemongrass is also helpful in decreasing health problems such as athlete’s foot, muscle pain, scabies, acne etc. One should keep it away from the reach of children. Do not use in glaucoma. If one is pregnant, or have cancer, or liver problem and any other health condition, use lemongrass oils under the directions of an experienced and qualified practitioner.
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