Lemongrass

Lemongrass Soap

Lemongrass is a gorgeous tropical grass that boasts many healing properties, and it tastes great too. If you are looking to add ornamental grasses to your yard, think about planting some lemongrass. It is a beautiful plant with long draping blade and a rich citrus scent. Lemongrass grows quickly and gets rather tall when mature, about 3 to 4 feet high. The grass adds a delicious lemon flavoring to food. It also makes a pleasant and healing tea. 

Lemongrass can be consumed orally – and it should be! You can add it to soups, sauces, and stir fry. It can also be applied topically to the skin or diffused into the air. 
If you want to grow your own lemongrass for use in the kitchen, plant either the East or West Indian variation.

Here's some other great uses for Lemongrass.

Eliminates bacteria and yeast
Lemongrass contains antimicrobial properties which can help treat bacteria and yeast within the mouth. It can even help fight cavities. Drinking lemongrass tea can boost your oral health.

Reduces swelling
Lemongrass can reduce inflammation in the body. If you suffer from inflammation within your body try drinking lemongrass tea.

Relieves pain
Lemongrass’s analgesic properties can help get rid of a headache, ease muscle cramps, and muscles spasms. 

Healthy Skin and Hair
Lemongrass contains both A and C vitamins. These are both great for your skin. It can relieve skin issues from acne to eczema. Look for skin serums or skin care products that contain lemongrass essential oil. It can also help fight dandruff. Just add a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to your normal shampoo.

High blood pressure and high cholesterol
Lemongrass has been shown to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart rate. If you suffer from high levels of any of these, try adding lemongrass to your diet. That being said, do not stop taking prescribed medications without speaking to your doctor first.

Stomach ailments
Drinking lemongrass tea can help keep your digestive tract healthy and happy. If you have an upset stomach or cramping, reach for the tea. It has been used for digestive issues since ancient times. 

Joint pain
Due to lemongrass’s ability to reduce inflammation, and its pain fighting qualities, it is a great option for those who suffer from joint pain.

Cold and Flu
Lemongrass is packed with Vitamin C, and contains antibacterial and antifungal properties which can help reduce the effects of the cold, cough, and flu.  Add a few drops to a bowl of steaming hot water and inhale the steam to relieve symptoms. 

Anxiety
Lemongrass essential oil added to a diffuser when you are feeling depressed or anxious can help relax you and calm your anxieties. 

Insect repellant
While citronella is known as the go-to insect repellant, lemongrass has a milder scent but can also be a great repellant option. Lemongrass can even kill fleas when adding a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to water and spraying on your pet.

Cleaning
Lemongrass is great for freshening up the home.  Add a few drops to baking soda and spread over carpets before vacuuming.  Let it it sit for a little while then vacuum.  Your house will smell wonderful. 

Lemongrass Tea:
Pour boiling water over 1 to 3 teaspoons fresh (or dried) lemongrass. Let steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain the lemongrass out of the water and enjoy!
 
*Cautions:

• Avoid lemongrass during pregnancy as it has been used to induce menstruation.
• Do not consume excessive amounts of lemongrass tea as it will upset the stomach.
• If you grow lemongrass in your yard, do not allow dogs to eat large amounts of the grass – it can cause intestinal blockage. Cats, on the other hand, love it like catnip!
• Lemongrass essential oil can be toxic to cats. Do not diffuse while cats are in the same room, and keep oils out of their reach.

Lemongrass is one of my favorite scents!  Stay tuned for more MB Botanicals products with Lemongrass. 

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