Lemongrass
 |
 |
| $14.99 | ||
|
Lemongrass Cymbopogon flexuosus, SD, Wild, India. |
Essential oil for use in aromatherapy
Characteristics and Uses
Cymbopogon Citratus
- Family = Poaceae
- Source = Guatemala and India
- Color = ranges from yellow to a reddish-brown
- Aroma = strong lemon
Plant Description : A fast growing tall aromatic perennial grass that grows up to 4 feet high. It produces a thick network of roots.
There are two types of plants
Cymbopogon citratus. Common name is West Indian Lemongrass, Madagascar Lemongrass and Guatemala Lemongrass.
Cymbopogon flexuosus. This plant is also known as East Indian Lemongrass and is native to East India. This oil is considered generally lighter than West India Lemongrass with a fresh grassy-lemony scent.
Lemongrass essential oil is re-refreshing, cleansing and stimulating tonic on the body, and added to shampoos aids in adding a shine to the hair. It is an antiseptic and astringent oil. Sweet and powerful which make a good refreshing and deodorizing room fragrance.
Lemongrass, also known as cymbopogon, is a tall perennial grass frequently used in cooking. It grows well in warm and tropical regions, such as the South Pacific. The term lemongrass actually includes several species of grasses. Some species of lemongrass are better suited for cooking than others. Many different products come from lemongrass and related grasses, including citronella, perfumes, and medicines. The plant can grow to a height of about 3 feet.
Although lemongrass typically grows in tropical climates, it also grows well in the home and during the warmer months of seasonal climates it can even be grown outside. Lemongrass can even be propagated in a glass of water if you find a stalk with roots that are still intact. It prefers well drained soil and a moist environment with lots of sunlight. To harvest, cut only the stalks you want to use as removing only one stalk will not damage the rest of the plant.
Lemongrass has been used in Asian cooking for many years. It has a citrous flavor that is frequently used in tea, soup, and other foods. Lemongrass is a common ingredient in Thai and Indian cooking, as the plant is native to both regions. The component of lemongrass that is responsible for the scent and flavor is called cirtal. The more citral a variety of lemongrass contains, the higher quality it is considered.
There are various medicinal uses for lemongrass. Traditionally it has been used as an insect repellent and a pesticide. Its repellent properties are similar to that of citronella, a product derived from a related species. Lemongrass has also been used as an antimicrobial and an antifungal. In traditional Indian medicine, lemongrass is used to fight depression, fever, and digestive problems. It is also used in aromatherapy to help people relax.
The most common usage of lemongrass today is in foods and commercial products. Its strong citrusy flavor makes it a common ingredient in herbal teas and sweets. Lemongrass is free of caffeine and other common stimulants found in many other teas, which makes it an excellent choice for people who are sensitive to those chemicals. Due to its strong scent, lemongrass can be found in various products, such as soaps, drinks, perfumes, deodorants, and more.
Lemongrass as an ingredient in cooking has largely been popularized by Thai and other Asian cooking. It can be used in various forms, including fresh, dried, and powdered. It is commonly available in Asian markets and increasingly in American stores as well. Its flavor clearly resembles that of lemons, but it also has a bite that is similar to ginger.
Aromatherapy Uses:
production method: steam distillation
aromatherapy class: calming
traditional use: insect repellent, skin conditioner, soothing agent, muscle relaxant, deodorant, antiseptic
Perfume Note=Top
Blends with: geranium, jasmine, lavender
Main constituents:- Citral, dipentene, linalol, geraniol.
Precaution = skin irritant
Note: This information is a summary of data from books and articles by various authors. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.
Shopping Cart
Product Search
Contact Us
