Lemon Grass
(Cymbopogon)

Lemon grass, also known as lemongrass, barbed wire grass, silky heads, citronella grass, fever grass, is a tall, thick grass with leaves at the top and a solid portion several inches long at the root end.

It is native to warm, temperate and tropical regions of the world like South Asia, Southeast Asia, India, Shri Lanka, Egypt.

Like all other plants grown in a hot sunny climate and sandy soil, Lemon grass has a high volatile oil content.

History and Folklore

According to an ancient Malaysian legend, Lemon grass was once considered a sacred herb. Warriors believed that if they applied it as a balm to their bodies, and chant special prayers, it would prevent a sword from penetrating their skin.
It was believed that if laid on the door steps, Lemon grass will get rid of jinxes and enemy tricks.
Lemongrass was used to increase the power of all amulets; good luck charms where dressed with Lemon grass aromatic oil.
At one time, it is said, a person could not walk down a street in the Algiers district without smelling the scent of Van Van oil, where the main ingredient is Lemon grass oil. It was believed that this oil will open the way to new opportunities.
Chinese people used Lemon grass in spiritual house cleansing, to protect and purify the house, to maintain marital fidelity and peaceful home.

Health Benefits

In South American folk medicine it is used as an antispasmodic, analgesic, for fevers and mental disorders.
In India it is used as an antiseptic and anti rheumatic, for fever, infection and sedation.
In Chinese medicine it is used for headaches, abdominal pain and rheumatic pain.
In African countries it is used as tea for all different digestive problems.
In general, Lemon Grass is used as an antiseptic agent, often used in antiseptic wash or compress on skin infections such as sores.
It is rich in a substance called Citral, the active ingredient in lemon peel. This substance is said to aid in digestion as well as relieve spasms, muscle cramps, rheumatism and headaches.
It increases body immunity: researchers believe that Citral can kill cancerous cells by prompting them to self destruct. A study at Ben Gurion University in Israel revealed the fact that while the cancerous cells die, the normal cells remain unharmed.
It is widely used for common colds, flu and congestion, without any side effects. It can reduce the occurrence of fever, coughs, and colds. Rich in Vitamin C and loaded with anti-oxidants, it combats the free radicals in your body.

Tip: boil water, add Lemon grass. Let it brew for a few minutes. Then strain it, add some honey and drink it without milk. Drink four cups a day if possible.
It stimulates perspiration and brings down body's temperature, cooling the body in summer.
The antioxidants present in Lemon grass help reduce the low-density lipoprotein (LDL), known as "bad cholesterol", and even increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or "good cholesterol".

Tip: drink tea made with Lemon grass and honey every day for best effects.
It is used as a fragrance in the beauty products. This natural fragrance in cosmetics is better compared to the artificial one, which will cause lots of side effects.
It is used commercially as the lemon scent in many products including soaps, perfumes and candles, in scenting soaps and detergents.
It is a mild insect repellent: a related plant, Cymbopogon nardus, is the ingredient in citronella candles sold to ward off mosquitoes and other insects.

Tip: rub a few leaves of Lemon grass on your skin while relaxing outdoors. You'll get a natural mosquito repellent that smells divine!
It is used for stress related conditions, nervous exhaustion, headaches because of its refreshing, active, stimulating qualities.
It is a mild diuretic and a stimulant tonic, very good for indigestion.
It promotes digestion of fats.

Tip: drink Lemon grass tea with crushed black pepper to loose weight.
It is widely used for food flavoring.

Lemongrass originated in India, traveled onto Southeast Asia, becoming a staple ingredient in the cuisines of Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. It also crossed the oceans to the Caribbean, where its lemony taste balances zesty island flavors. Lemon grass is used in teas, soups, and curries. It is suitable for poultry, fish, and seafood.

Lemon Grass and Menopause

For skin and nails: as lemon grass is loaded with Vitamin C, it works wonders for our skin and nails, especially at menopause when skin gets drier and drier and nails get brittle.
For opening pores, to clear up Acne and as a tissue toner.

Tip: put a few leaves of Lemon grass in drinking water, drink it many times a day; soak your hands and nails in this water; wash face with it; use it as a base for face masks. It will clear the dead cells and your face will glow!
For muscle pains, especially cramps at night, the leading cause of insomnia, it reduces stress and promotes a calm night's sleep.
For relieving joint pain.

Tip: mix one part Lemon Grass Oil with two parts Coconut Oil, massage into painful joints. In chronic cases, the undiluted oil may be used.
For reducing anxiety and mental fatigue.

Tip: bath for relaxation: run a tub of warm water, add Lemon grass tea bags or make a socket with Lemon grass leaves.

Available Forms

Fresh: the lower portion is sliced or pounded and used in cooking.
Dried: used as a spice: chopped in slices, cut and sifted, powdered.
Oil: extracted from the plant.

I use Lemon Grass when I make my favorite "bush tea". I mix it with Sour sop leaves and Basil leaves; you can mix it with any herbs you want, Chamomile is a good idea too. You can drink it by itself of course, it has a very pleasant aroma and taste.

I also use it when I cook fish, there is nothing better than steamed fish with a few leaves of lemon grass! And I never forget to add a few leaves to my regular soup, it makes a huge difference!

My Favorite Soup recipe

chicken breast cubed
1 medium onion sliced
1-2 can chicken broth
1 tbs tomato paste
sesame oil for frying
3 stalks Lemon grass or 1 tbs Lemon grass powder
3 slices fresh ginger
salt and pepper

Saute onion and chicken breast cubes in sesame oil until chicken is cooked and onions get light brown. Add chicken broth, ginger, tomato paste, salt and pepper, and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the Lemon Grass at the end of cooking, so the flavorful essential oils will not dissipate. Delicious!

We want to hear from you...

Have you tried this wonderful plant? Did it help with your menopausal problems? Do you have some new ideas how to use Lemon Grass? Do you know other herbal remedies? Please send us your comments.

Remember that 600,000.00 women a year undergo hysterectomy, in US only! Millions suffer from natural menopause. They all need help. Every little bit of information helps. Share it with all these women!

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