The amazing uses of lemongrass

Lemongrass has warming properties, stimulates digestion, and has antibacterial effects. Besides its medicinal uses, lemongrass also yields valuable essential oil.

Lemongrass - A remedy for the common cold.

Lemongrass, scientifically known as Cymbopogon citratus (L.) Pers, belongs to the grass family (Poaceae). In mountainous regions, lemongrass is burned to ash to make dipping salt; elsewhere, it is used as a spice, a remedy for colds and indigestion, and in bathwater and hair washes. It is planted along fences to repel mosquitoes and snakes. Large quantities of lemongrass are grown for the extraction of essential oil for domestic use and export. Only a few countries in the world cultivate lemongrass. Vietnam has a climate suitable for lemongrass, so it grows wild, is cultivated, and has been successfully introduced throughout the country.

Lemongrass has a pungent taste and a warm nature, acting on two meridians: the Lung and Stomach meridians. Some authors say lemongrass also acts on the Bladder meridian.

Making medicine:

Relieving colds: Steam inhalation to relieve cold and flu symptoms. Boil with other aromatic leaves (grapefruit leaves, perilla leaves, bamboo leaves, etc.).

Cold relief powder: 40g dried lemongrass (roots removed), 40g dried patchouli, 40g dried mint, 20g aged tangerine peel, 20g processed bear root, 20g licorice. Dry, grind into powder, and package in 20g packets. Adults: 2 packets per day, divided into 4 doses. Children: 1/2 the dose. Drink with hot water, lie down to induce sweating. If vomiting occurs, add 3 slices of ginger to the water and drink.

Treatment for diarrhea caused by cold (cold dampness): 12g of roasted lemongrass, 12g of roasted galangal, 8g of roasted fresh ginger, 8g of myrtle buds (or 12g of roasted guava buds). Boil in 500ml of water until reduced to half. Divide into two doses and drink daily.

Treatment for coughs caused by cold: 30g of fresh lemongrass, 20g of fresh ginger, 30g of honey. Crush the lemongrass and ginger, filter to obtain 200ml of juice, mix with honey, and simmer over low heat until boiling. Divide into 3 doses and drink throughout the day.

Treatment for swelling and pain from injuries: 12g of mature lemongrass, 12g of Cassia fistula, 12g of Centella asiatica, 12g of Imperata cylindrica root, 12g of Eclipta prostrata, 12g of Xanthium strumarium, 12g of Cynodon dactylon, 8g of Artemisia vulgaris, 8g of Morinda citrifolia root, 3 slices of ginger, 4g of Artemisia vulgaris. Boil 3 bowls of water down to 1 bowl, mix with a small glass of wine and drink.

Essential oil production:

Botanically, lemongrass is divided into nine types; however, based on its essential oil, it is divided into two types: one that provides geranitol and one that provides citral (lemongrass). Northern Vietnam focuses on geranitol essential oil, while Southern Vietnam is more interested in lemongrass for its citral content. European and American countries import lemongrass to produce geranitol for the cosmetics industry. Even more valuable is its use in creating various substances for fragrance fixatives, altering scents and aromas. Lemongrass essential oil contains nearly 80% α-citral and β-citral, along with many other valuable components.

Lemongrass essential oil is used to make various insect repellents for homes, such as mosquito repellent solutions and solutions to relieve itching from mosquito bites. These products are very helpful for people living in mosquito-infested areas, especially during dengue fever outbreaks. When lemongrass essential oil is unavailable, one can boil lemongrass in water or, more simply, use lemongrass stalks or leaves to make mosquito-repellent brooms, or place lemongrass in areas where mosquitoes congregate, such as under beds. Lemongrass will significantly contribute to mosquito control in dengue fever prevention efforts.

After extracting the essential oil, the leftover lemongrass pulp is used as an organic fertilizer, a raw material for weaving carpets, sacks, braiding ropes, making paper, and many other uses. It also deserves to be considered a "fundamental" industrial crop in the fight against poverty for all segments of our population. Every household should plant lemongrass on an appropriate scale.

According to VOV