The Lemongrass plant goes by many names and aliases. Scientifically called Cymbopogon, Lemongrass is also commonly called Citronella Grass, Barbed Wire Grass, Oily Heads, Malabar Grass or Fever Grass. This plant quite literally looks like grass and any unsuspecting individual may not even recognize that a plant that looks like this holds so much power in the realm of traditional medicine.
So, what makes the Lemongrass Plant so special and can you grow it in your home garden? Here's everything you need to know:
| Origins of Lemongrass | Southeast Asia |
| Height When Mature | 2-4 feet |
| Scientific Name | Cymbopogon |
| Other Names | Citronella Grass, Barbed Wire Grass, Oily Heads, Malabar Grass or Fever Grass |
| Mode of Growing | From Lemon Grass Seeds |
| Uses | Kills germs, medicinal benefits, pain relief |
| Aroma or Fragrance | Citrusy scent |
• Know the Lemongrass Plant Better: A Worldwide Calming Medicinal Delight
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The Lemon Grass plant has been known to have benefits that have made it popular worldwide and in the realm of traditional medicine specifically. This medicinal plant is known for its positive effects on the human body and is regularly consumed for the same. Here are a few key features and benefits of the Lemon Grass plant:
1. Appearance
The Lemon Grass plant is characteristically known for its looks that closely resemble grass, as its name suggests. Its leaves are long, slender, and pointy, and are colored a light green color.
2. Citrusy Smell
Again, as the name of the plant suggests, the Lemon Grass plant has a citrusy aroma. The smell is instantly refreshing and instantly uplifts dishes as well, thus contributing to its uses in dishes around the world, especially Asian.
3. Insect Repellent
Medicinal benefits are not all the benefits that this wonderful plant offers. The extracts of this plant are known for their effective insect repelling qualities, keeping pesky insects such as mosquitoes and house flies away.
4. Low Maintenance Plant
Whether or not your provide the right kind of soil for Lemon Grass, there's a good chance that this plant will still grow and thrive. The Lemon Grass plant is low maintenance and tolerant of a variety of conditions, making it perfect for busy or new gardeners.
This quality also makes growing Lemon Grass in pots relatively easy!
5. Aromatic Properties
As mentioned earlier, the Lemon Grass plant has a strong, pleasant scent that is used in aromatherapy to alleviate anxiety and improve mood.
6. Health Benefits
This medicinal plant is said to have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, meaning it can aid digestion, reduce stress, and improve skin health.
• Know More About the Medicinal Benefits of the Lemon Grass Plant
As a medicinal plant with unparalleled aromatic properties, the Lemon Grass plant is known for the various benefits it brings. Here are a few medicinal benefits you must know about:
1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Lemongrass is said to reduce inflammation and help alleviate conditions like arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
2. Antifungal and Antibacterial
It is also said to have properties that help fights infections by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi in the body.
3. Digestive Health
Lemongrass aids in digestion, alleviating issues such as bloating, constipation, and indigestion.
4. Detoxification
This medicinal plant often acts as a natural diuretic, promoting detoxification and healthy liver function.
5. Antioxidant Properties
Lemongrass contains antioxidants that effectively protect the body's cells from damage and support overall health in the long-run
6. Stress Relief
As mentioned earlier, Lemongrass extracts are used in aromatherapy to reduce anxiety, stress, and improve mood.
7. Pain Relief
Lemongrass is known to ease muscle pain and headaches when applied topically as an essential oil.
• Uses of the Lemon Grass Plant
As a medicinal and aromatic plant, the Lemon Grass plant finds uses in different cultures for various reason. So, here are some common uses of Lemongrass you must know:
1. Cooking
Lemongrass is commonly used in cooking to add a fresh, citrusy flavor to dishes. It is used in soups, curries, and marinades in Thai, Vietnamese, and Indian cuisines, often finely chopped or crushed to release its aromatic oils.
2. Tea
Lemon Grass plant is used in teas by steeping its fresh or dried stalks in hot water, creating a soothing, citrus-flavored beverage. It is often combined with other herbs or spices for enhanced flavor and health benefits, including digestion and stress relief.
3. Essential Oils
Lemongrass essential oil is used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and anxiety. It’s also applied topically in diluted form to improve skin health, and relieve muscle pain. Additionally, it’s a popular ingredient in natural cleaning products.
4. Insect Repellent
Lemongrass is used as an insect repellent due to its strong citrus scent, which deters mosquitoes and other pests. It can be applied as an essential oil, grown in gardens, or used in candles and sprays to keep insects at bay.
• Lemon Grass Plant Care: Basics to Know
While this medicinal plant is pretty low maintenance, there are still some care requirements that it needs met in order to thrive and allow you to reap all its benefits once mature. So, here are a few Lemon Grass growing tips to keep in mind:
1. Lemon Grass Light Requirements
Lemongrass plants thrive in full sun. So, you must ensure that they receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you are growing Lemon Grass in pots indoors, place them near a south-facing window where they can get ample sunlight throughout the day.
2. Soil for Lemongrass
Lemon Grass plants prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. To ensure good soil that promotes the best growth, you can enrich the soil with organic matter such as compost or Cow Manure to ensure it retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. Additionally, you can also make use of Perlite to enhance drainage and aeration.
3. Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water your plant regularly, especially during hot, dry periods. When growing lemon grass in pots, ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot. For this, you must always choose pots with adequate drainage holes that will allow all excess water to drain out.
Ideally, you must water this plant only once a week to ensure optimal overall growth.
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4. Temperature and Humidity
Lemongrass is a tropical plant that thrives in warm temperatures between 21-29°C. Additionally, it also requires higher humidity. So, mist your plant occasionally if you live in a dry climate.
5. Fertilizing Lemon Grass
Feed your Lemon Grass plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 months during its growing periods. If you're unable to keep up with the schedule of using a liquid fertilizer for your plant, you can also make use of Ugaoo's Plant Food Fertilizer Sticks. These stay in your potted plant's soil and give a slow release of all essential nutrients every time you water your plant.
6. Harvesting
Harvest Lemon Grass plants when the stalks are at least 1/2 inch thick. Cut the stalks close to the ground and use the lower, white part for cooking.
With the right kind of care and love, you can grow your own Lemon Grass plant in your home garden and reap all its benefits for yourself and your loved ones. So, get your own and watch the magic happen! Happy Gardening!
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