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History
Lemongrass
is also known as 'fever grass' and has been used for
centuries for treating fever in India. Also used as
food seasoning in Africa, India and the Seychelles,
Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Its main constituent, citrol,
has strong cleansing, antiseptic qualities and is
used for deodorizing footwear and clothing.
Lemongrass is a tall-stemmed, grass like plant. The
oil is extracted from the fresh or dried grass by
steam distillation.
Lemon grass is a perennial, aromatic, tall grass with
rhizomes and densely tufted fibrous roots. It has
short underground stems with ringed segments; coarse,
green slightly leathery leaves in dense clusters,
terminating in a long bristly point. The blades of
the grass are about 90 cms long and 0.5 cm wide. Lemon
grass contains an essential oil. This oil is sherry
colored with a pungent taste and lemon-like odour
with citral as the principal constituent. The contents
of this oil vary with the age of the grass. Fresh
lemon grass contains an essential oil, which has substantial
amount of citral. Dry herb yields 0.4 per cent essential
oil containing 72.3 per cent citral.
Spice Description
Lemon grass is a long thick grass with leaves at the
top and a solid portion several inches long at the
root end. The lower portion is sliced or pounded and
used in cooking. As a spice, fresh lemon grass is
preferred for its vibrant flavor, but is also sold
in dried form. The dried spice is available in several
forms: chopped in slices, cut and sifted, powdered,
or as an oil can be extracted from the plant.
Commonly Used For Treating
Headache, Lethargy Excellent antibacterial for skin
complaints, sore throats and respiratory problems.
Aids circulation. Good insect repellent
Blends with
Although most essential oils blend well with one another,
Lemon Grass Essential oil blends particularly well
with Basil, Citronella, Clary Sage, Frankincense,
Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Marjoram, Orange, and
Rosemary. |
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