Lemongrass

Description

Lemongrass is an aromatic tropical grass with clumped, bulbous stems that ultimately become leaf blades. Lemongrass is in the same grass family as citronella and palmarosa; it has a lemon flavor. It has a branched cluster of stalked flowers and grows in clumps up to 6′ tall; when crushed the fragrance resembles the scent of lemon.

Lemongrass oil is a yellow – or amber liquid that is antiseptic; it can be used to treat athlete’s foot (tinea pedia). The stem and leaves are used as a spice for cooking in the Asian cuisine in Suriname. It is also used as an insect repellent and a carminative. Another source is the use of Cymbopogon citratus in the cosmetic industry, such as in soap – and hair care products.

Lemongrass is also used against coughing, cuts, asthma, bladder disorders and as a diaphoretic. It is often used to relieve headaches.