Useful properties and uses of lemongrass. Lemongrass beneficial properties and uses

Lemongrass is an aromatic herb that belongs to Its name has 2 roots: pogon - “beard”, and cymbe - “canoe”. This plant is also called "shuttlebeard" in Russian. distributed in southeastern Asia and Australia. The most famous species are Cymbopogone flexuosus and Cymbopogone citratus.

Cymbopogone flexuosus (Cochin grass or Malabar grass) is a species of lemongrass. Grows in Thailand, Cambodia, India, Burma and Sri Lanka. The second species grows in Malaysia.

In cooking, perfumery and medicine, Cymbopogone citratus is used in most cases. From it one obtains essential oil.

The plant has thin stems, as well as long and narrow leaves, light green with a red tint, containing essential oil. Its scent is slightly reminiscent of ginger and lemon. The substance citral is the main component of the herb.

Lemongrass is a plant whose aroma is revealed in various dishes. It is actively used in Asian and Caribbean cuisines. The herb can be used fresh or dried. By finely chopping the plant's tough stem, it can be added to a variety of dishes. If you simply mash it before use, it will release essential oils and juice.

Cooking

Lemongrass, the photo of which is presented in this article, is actively used in the preparation of marinades. The plant can be found on sale in dried, fresh and canned form. The dried product is soaked in water 2 hours before use. The stems are used whole, and the roots are crushed or finely chopped.

Lemongrass is a plant that serves as a seasoning for many dishes, including first courses, seafood and fish, and roast poultry. In addition, this herb can be used as one of the ingredients for curry sauce or tea. IN tom yum soup add pieces of chopped lemongrass stem. In Malaysian cooking, the stems of the plant are combined with other spices and coconut, and this mixture is used to season crustacean dishes. Lemongrass, a photo of which can be seen in this article, in Burma serves as a seasoning for lamb and beef dishes. However, in Indonesia this herb included in sauces and marinades for fish skewers.

This plant even gives baked goods and desserts an amazing taste. One pinch of chopped lemongrass replaces the same amount of lemon zest. Based on it, the Chinese prepare “maotai” - a classic alcoholic drink. In addition, it is used as a seasoning for meat dishes. In Africa, the herb is used as

Medicine

Tea with the addition of this herb is an excellent remedy for colds. Asians have known for a long time that this plant has powerful healing properties. It is used for pain in the stomach and intestines, for gas formation, and as a diaphoretic.

Lemongrass is a wonderful aphrodisiac. Potions are prepared from the herb to stimulate potency and induce sexual desire.

Essential oil

This essential oil is considered a natural antiseptic and is also known as a natural antioxidant. The oil can be used to solve many skin problems, which are prone to inflammation and acne, and can be used for eczema. It is also used to combat cellulite.

Psycho-expansive action

Lemongrass is a natural antidepressant. The grass is rising vitality, eliminates fatigue, refreshes. In addition, it helps improve memory and mental activity, increases performance and concentrates attention. Essential oil can be used inside the car to improve the driver's response.

Mask for inflammation and acne

• 2 drops lemongrass oil.
• Spoon

This product can be applied pointwise to inflammation - then it can remain on the skin for up to half an hour, or for 10 minutes on the entire face.

Pore ​​reduction mask

• 2 drops lemongrass oil.
• Spoon of olive oil.

Apply the mixture of oils for 15 minutes on cleansed skin, then rinse with water. With regular use, the mask allows you to reduce pores and make your facial skin smoother.

Washing problem skin

• 3 drops lemongrass oil.
• Liter of water.

Rinsing your face with water and lemongrass essential oil allows you to get good results and make your facial skin healthier and cleaner. It is necessary to rinse your face with this mixture after cleansing your skin.

Anticellulite massage

• 20 drops of lemongrass oil.
• 2 tablespoons almond oil.

In this case, almond oil is the base and lemongrass oil is the secret ingredient in this mixture. It will help reduce the appearance of cellulite and make the skin more even and smooth.

Lemongrass essential oil is also used to prepare foot baths. This will help reduce their sweating to a large extent and eliminate bad smell. In addition, it can be used for both insect bites and colds for warm inhalations.

Lemongrass Egypt fresh harvest

Sales from 15 kg

photo is real

Disinfecting and refreshing effect.

Lemongrass tea is becoming more and more popular over time thanks to wide application and a wonderful citrus aroma, it is actively appearing on store shelves and becoming more accessible. Refreshing tea not only brings pleasure with its taste, but also improves health.

Now it is difficult to determine the homeland of lemongrass; some believe that it is India, while others call Malaysia the homeland of lemongrass. The plant can be found in many countries in Southeast Asia and Africa under different names, most often it is lemongrass, lemongrass, lemongrass, citronella or cymbopogon.

Lemon grass is used not only as tea, it is a very popular seasoning in Asian cuisine, and both crushed leaves and stems of the plant are used. The stems themselves, however, are not eaten; they are too tough, so they are removed before serving the dish, which has already absorbed the citrus aroma.

By the way, the aroma is really wonderful, the oil from the stems is used to make essential oils, and not only does it smell nice, but it can also repel insects.

Beneficial features lemongrass tea

Lemongrass helps primarily against stress, depression and overwork, has a calming effect on nervous system, it refreshes and tones. May relieve headaches.

The drink is also good for the stomach and digestion; it is useful to drink when feeling nauseous. Tea is used to cleanse everything digestive tract and for detoxification, it is excellent for cleansing the kidneys and urinary tract.

By the way, lemongrass can also be called a tea for weight loss, because it makes you feel full. Lemongrass tea and its beneficial calming properties will also help in the fight against nervous overeating.

It is believed that brewed lemongrass is an aphrodisiac and therefore can have a beneficial effect on libido.

The beneficial properties of lemongrass tea do not end there; it contains almost all B vitamins, is a rich source of vitamin C and others useful microelements, which has a healing effect on the body as a whole.

stemli lemongrass

Contraindications and harm of lemon grass

You should be careful if you have a tendency to high blood pressure or it happens increased excitability. For the same reason, the drink is not suitable for children and pregnant women.

If you feel unwell while drinking tea, stop drinking tea immediately. If the condition worsens, you should consult a doctor; there is always a small risk of individual intolerance and allergies.

How to brew lemongrass

Lemon grass can be prepared as a stand-alone drink or used as a supplement. Remember that, despite its beneficial properties, lemongrass is not a complete medicine and cannot replace all the remedies that your doctor has prescribed for you.

Basic recipe:

Lemongrass tea is brewed at the rate of 1 teaspoon per cup of boiling water (approximately 200 ml). Leave the drink to steep for about 3 minutes and it will be ready to drink. You can add honey for taste.

Lemongrass and green tea:

Lemongrass is often used as an additive to green tea. It is important that green tea is initially without unnecessary flavorings. Brew green tea - 1/2 teaspoon per 200 ml of boiling water or according to any other recipe you are familiar with. Add a pinch of lemongrass and leave to steep for 5 minutes. Honey can be used as a sweetener.

Summer tea:

An incredibly refreshing drink made from chilled tea. Simply brew lemongrass according to the basic recipe or along with green tea, chill in the refrigerator and serve with ice cubes on a hot summer day. For extra freshness, you can add a slice of lemon.

Soothing tea:

Lemongrass itself is already a good sedative, but if you want to enhance this effect, then prepare tea according to the basic recipe and add a few mint leaves, because, as you know, Mint tea normalizes blood pressure and helps to concentrate in stressful situations. By brewing these herbs together, you will get an even more healthy and tasty drink.

Lemongrass, or lemongrass, (Symborogon) is a plant belonging to the Poaceae, or Poagrass, family. This genus includes just over fifty species that originally grew in regions with warm and tropical weather conditions.

Lemongrass looks like a common herbaceous perennial. It grows in fairly dense and abundant turf. The plant has a short rhizome of white or light purple color and a stem part in the form of a tall straw.

The foliage is linear, 3-10 mm wide, with characteristic pubescence on both sides and fairly sharp edges. The inflorescences are complex, collected on the basis of spike-shaped branches, formed on the apical part of the stem. The flowers are small in size, inconspicuous in appearance, and have a gray-white color. The fruits are represented by small elongated grains.

It is quite difficult to grow such a plant in our country. It is quite widely cultivated in Southeast Asia, and also grows in the tropics and subtropics of Africa and America.

Lemongrass looks like a regular herbaceous perennial

Useful properties and chemical composition of lemongrass

The benefits of culture are undeniable, and The chemical composition of a useful and very unusual tropical plant is presented:

• sodium;
• iron;
• manganese;
• magnesium;
• potassium;
• zinc;
• calcium;
• chrome;
• phosphorus;
• silicon;
• fatty acids.

Also contains vitamin C or ascorbic acid, B vitamins and vitamin A. The essential oils of the plant differ increased amount geraniol and citral. Tropical culture not only has a fairly high nutritional value, but also helps improve appetite, strengthen muscle tissue, and has positive influence on the performance of brain cells and heart muscle.

The presence of antioxidants effectively prevents premature aging, improves metabolic processes and lipid breakdown. Eating it allows you to quickly normalize blood sugar levels and is characterized by an antidepressant effect. This type of plant is useful if you need to boost your immunity.

Gallery: lemongrass (25 photos)

Features of growing lemon grass (video)

Features of growing cymbopogon at home:

Citronella is grown in seedlings, and seed material can be purchased at almost any garden center.

Optimal growing conditions and choice of location

The plant is quite heat-loving and sun-loving, but in the soil and climatic conditions of the central zone of our country it is impossible to grow such a crop in flower beds open ground does not seem possible.

The air temperature in the room cannot be less than 20-22oC. Shoots will appear as quickly and evenly as possible when growing seedlings on south-facing windowsills, with sufficiently bright sun.

Lemongrass is quite heat-loving and sun-loving.

Requirements for soil and planting pot

The tropical medicinal crop not only loves bright sunlight, but also grows best in humus soils with sufficient nutrients and constant humidity levels. The soil for growing crops must be light and sufficiently drained, preferably with plenty of medium-grained sand and a slightly acidic pH.

Seed preparation and planting technology

The seeds should be prepared by wrapping them in damp cloth, and then into a regular plastic bag, after which it should be left in a warm place for about twelve hours. Before sowing, the seeds should be dried on a paper towel, and then sowed in moist and fairly fertile soil without deep digging. The container with the crops is covered with film to create a greenhouse effect. After the first shoots appear, the film cover is removed, and the sprouts are transplanted into containers, which can be taken outside in the summer.

Before planting, lemongrass seeds must be prepared

The root system must always be well moistened, so the soil around the plant must be mulched with organic matter. Watering lemongrass requires only soft and sufficiently settled water. Rain or melt water at room temperature is best suited for irrigation activities. Container-grown crops winter period must be brought into the premises.

Determining the degree of maturity of the plant

If lemongrass is grown for food purposes, the above-ground portion can be cut at any time of the year. The foliage is cut into small pieces, after which it is laid out to dry under awnings or in a room with sufficient inflow fresh air.It is best to store plant materials in closed glass containers.

Lemongrass tea (video)

Medicinal and beneficial properties of lemon grass

The healing properties are due to the content essential oil, the main part of which is represented by citral. Among other things, the composition is enriched with limonene, isopulgenol, citronelic and geranic acids, as well as α-camphonene.

Application in perfumery and cosmetology

Bactericidal and restorative properties Lemongrass oils are used in many lines designed to care for problematic or oily skin. In India, Cymbopogon citratus is very widely used not only in medical purposes, but also in the modern perfume industry.

However, perfumes with notes of cymbopogon are not found very often in perfumery, which is due to the difficulty of selecting the most harmonious combinations. More often as an effective addition to lemongrass Frankincense and ginger are used, as well as jasmine and anise. Particularly popular are the women's perfume Carthusia Io Capri and the men's fragrance Diesel Only The Brave Wild.

The bactericidal and general strengthening properties of lemongrass oils are used in many lines designed to care for problematic or oily skin

Healing recipes of traditional medicine

Lemongrass is traditionally used in folk medicine. The plant is used for cooking medicinal tea, tinctures and infusions, juice, essential oils, cream and ointment, and is also included in various herbal medicinal preparations.

For inhalation, gargling and oral administration, infusions of fresh or dried herbs poured with boiling water are used. To obtain the tincture, the stems are crushed in a blender, after which they are poured with alcohol in a one-to-one ratio. The tincture should be stored in a dark place.

Lemongrass in cooking

The dried seasoning is not inferior in taste and quality characteristics to many widely used aromatic herbs. Lemongrass is widely used as a seasoning in Asian and Caribbean cuisine. Tasty fresh and dried raw materials have a pronounced citrus aroma. WITH lemon grass very often cooked fish dishes, bird, as well as seafood and sauces.

Lemongrass is not inferior in taste and quality characteristics to many widespread aromatic herbs

How to brew and drink lemongrass tea correctly

Lemongrass based tea, due to its unique chemical composition, is a very effective antimicrobial, antiseptic and bactericidal agent. To obtain maximum effect, it is necessary to brew healing herbal raw materials correctly. Tea is extremely useful for people working in harmful conditions, since the drink quickly neutralizes everything unpleasant consequences.

Lemongrass or lemongrass is a herbaceous cereal plant. It is also called lemongrass, citronella, shuttlebeard, and cymbologon. This plant is native to India, where it is used to prepare aromatic incense and in medicine. But lemon grass can be found in Cambodia and Thailand. In Malaysia, lemongrass used to be considered a sacred plant. Legends attribute to him magical properties protect from injury. The warriors uttered a special spell and rubbed their bodies with lemon grass to avoid death in battle. Currently, the above-ground part of the plant is widely used in cooking; it is added when preparing various dishes and aromatic tea.

Composition of lemongrass and its beneficial properties

Lemongrass contains many beneficial substances:

• B vitamins,
• vitamin C,
• beta carotene,
• a nicotinic acid,
• phosphorus,
• magnesium,
• silicon,
• chromium,
• calcium,
• sodium,
• fats (citral, limonene, myrcene).

The main substance contained in lemon grass is citral. This substance provides a delicate aroma and spicy taste.

A drink is prepared based on plant stems, which is an excellent antidepressant and sedative. Tea helps protect the nervous system from adverse effects. It can strengthen the immune system and increase the body's endurance.

Lemongrass tea helps with colds. This is a good diaphoretic, it effectively fights infections and viruses, and helps get rid of headaches. During breastfeeding tea can increase lactation. Lemongrass is a natural aphrodisiac. An infusion from this plant is used to get rid of extra pounds. It is drunk for anemia and for the prevention of cancer.

Lemongrass eliminates frontal sinuses, sinusitis, and sinusitis. You can brew the drink and take it with you on the road. It will help you withstand climate and time zone changes. At regular use drink, sensitivity to weather conditions decreases. Use in cases of poisoning makes it possible to remove toxic substances from the body. It is recommended to drink this tea for those who work in hazardous conditions; it will help neutralize unpleasant consequences. The beneficial properties of the drink can be listed for a long time, but it is worth mentioning the contraindications.

Lemongrass contraindications

• children under 12 years old;
• for hypertension;
• during pregnancy;
• glaucoma;
• insomnia;
• epilepsy;
• individual intolerance.

How to brew lemongrass

Lemongrass drink can be prepared in several ways.

Classic tea with lemongrass. For a glass of boiling water you will need a large spoon of dry herbs. You need to steep the tea drink for five minutes until it loses its beneficial properties. Then strain the drink and drink.

Drink with ginger. To prepare nutritious and healthy tea, you need to take 20 g of dry ginger, 20 g of dry sorghum, 10 g of tea of ​​any kind. Pour boiling water over the mixture. The drink should be infused.

Green tea drink. 1 tsp. green tea and 1 tsp. lemongrass pour 0.5 liters of water (95°C). This tea needs to steep for 15 minutes.

A refreshing drink. In hot weather, lemongrass tea can quench your thirst. To do this, tea is prepared according to any of the above recipes; before drinking, you need to add ice to the drink.

You can add lemon balm or mint to lemon grass, they can enhance the calming effect of lemongrass. By drinking this drink, you can forget about stress.

Lemongrass essential oil

The essential oil is obtained from the dried aerial leaves of lemongrass. There are East Indian oils, which have a fresh, lemony, herbaceous aroma, and West Indian oils, which have hints of violet and lemon. The beneficial properties of the oil make it possible to use it in cosmetology and medicine. It relieves muscle and headache, stimulates blood circulation. Lemongrass oil prevents the development of varicose veins. Do not inhale lemongrass essential oil deeply; it can cause a sore throat and hoarseness.

Lemon grass is used to disinfect water and premises. The plant can repel insects. 10 drops of oil are added to a glass of water for disinfection. In some African countries it is specially grown to repel tsetse flies. To aromatize rooms, use 2-4 drops of oil. Sometimes lemongrass essential oil is added to massage oil for aromatization. It is added to cosmetics.

The spice lemongrass (Cymbopogon) belongs to the grass family (Poaceae). It is very popular in Asian cuisine due to its lemon-ginger flavor.

Lemongrass spice is also called cymbopogon, lemongrass, lemongrass, shuttlebeard, and citronella.

The most common are two types of lemongrass - East Indian lemongrass (Cymbopogoneflexuosus), which grows in Sri Lanka, India, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and West Indian lemongrass (Cymbopogone citratus) from Malaysia and Indonesia.

Use of lemongrass spice in cooking

The spice lemongrass is an essential ingredient in Asian dishes. Lemongrass spice has a very pleasant fresh lemon taste, with spicy notes and hints of ginger.

Very often, fresh lemongrass stems are used during cooking and then removed. The fact is that it is impossible to eat the seasoning, because it is quite harsh. Lemongrass is also used in Indian, Thai, Malaysian, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Cambodian cuisine for making soups, sauces, marinades, curries, and noodles.

Lemongrass goes well with meat, poultry, and seafood. It is used to prepare kebabs, which are strung on lemongrass stems. Also, after beating and peeling, lemongrass can be used to brush meat, fish, poultry, and vegetables before frying or baking them.

Lemongrass is often used to make tea, which gives it a lemony flavor and anti-cold properties. Lemongrass is used to prepare an alcoholic and refreshing drink.

The spice is also used to make desserts.

Lemongrass can be combined with coconut, milk, nuts, rice, noodles, dough, eggs, vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, poultry, seafood) and spices (chili, black pepper, ginger, galangal, cinnamon, garlic, cilantro).

Our lemongrass has a dry appearance - the stems are finely cut and dried, they have a beige color (in fresh white-green), in some cases they have the appearance of a powder, the smell and taste of which are almost undetectable.

Medicinal uses of lemongrass spice

Lemongrass spice is wonderful medical device, which humanity has been using for thousands of years.

Lemongrass is used to treat colds (it has diaphoretic properties, treats runny nose, headaches), gastrointestinal diseases, and skin problems. Lemongrass is an excellent antiseptic that has antimicrobial and healing properties.

Since lemongrass contains a lot of essential oil and citral, it is used to prepare balms and creams for the skin of the face, feet, as well as mosquito repellents.

Lemongrass spice has a tonic effect on the body. Lemon sorghum helps improve mood, calm, eliminate anxiety, improve memory and concentration, and reduce appetite.

Lemongrass is used to create anti-fever medications.

Description of lemongrass spice

The spice lemongrass (Cymbopogon) belongs to the grass family (Poaceae) and is a favorite of Asian cuisine, which has a lemon-ginger flavor:

East Indian lemongrass or Malabar grass (Cymbopogone flexuosus) grows in Sri Lanka, India, China, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos.

West Indian lemongrass (Cymbopogone citratus) is native to Malaysia, Indonesia.
These two plants are interchangeable and very similar.

The spice lemongrass is perennial herbaceous plant, which reaches a height of 70 cm, has straight, stiff stems, almost white at the root (sometimes pink) and pale green above. The leaves are very narrow; the inflorescences have a panicle. It has a turf-like root system.

Lemongrass stalks are used as a spice, as a medicine and as a component of the perfume and cosmetics industry.

Lemongrass consists of essential oil, citral and geraniol, fatty acids(myrcene, limonene, methylheptenol...), vitamins (beta-carotene, B, C, PP), iron, zinc, manganese, copper, selenium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium.

Relatives of lemongrass are citronella (Cymbopogon nardus, Cymbopogon winterianus) and palmorosa (Cymbopogonmartinii).

Lemongrass grows in Southeast Asia, also cultivated in tropical and subtropical parts of America, Africa and Europe, can be harvested several times a year.

History of the spice lemongrass

The spice lemongrass has been a favorite of East Asian peoples since ancient times, it is used both as a spice and as a medicine.

Concerning Latin name Lemongrass - cymbopogon, it is translated as “boat” and “beard”. The reason for this is appearance narrow stems and lush inflorescences.

In the Netherlands, lemongrass - kamelhewe is called “camel hay”, since many years ago it was brought to the country by Arabs on camel caravans.

Old Europe used lemongrass in winemaking, brewing, and cooking.

Today, lemongrass is an essential component of Asian cuisine.

2012 -12-17 10:04