Usage of Lemongrass
Culinary
Lemongrass has an intriguing, lemony scent without the bite that lemons can add to a dish. It blends well with garlic, chillies and cilantro-ingredients common to the cuisines of South East Asian countries. Lemongrass can be used fresh, dried or powdered. It can be stored whole in plastic in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or stored in the freezer for up to five months.
Dried lemongrass can be soaked in hot water to reconstitute and lemongrass powder is mostly added to curry paste and used in beverages. As a beverage, lemongrass can be used in teas to combat depression and bad moods, fight fever and as well as nervous digestive disorders. It can also be used to loosen and lessen mucous, to treat cramps and stress.
Essential Oil
There are many methods of extracting essential oils with the most popular method being steam distillation.
Lemongrass essential oil is used as a base product for fragrance in household items such as detergents and candles, cosmetics, perfumery and aromatherapy oils. In cosmetics it is usually found in hair conditioner, facial Water, lotion and vinegar for oily hair and skin. Used in a carrier lotion or oil, it gives excellent support for sagging skin and stretch marks.
When lemongrass essential oil is added to water or vinegar it can be sprayed in the air, on a counter top or along walls and floors as it becomes an insect repellent and attacks fungi by discouraging mold growth.
Beverage
As a beverage, lemongrass can be used in teas to combat depression and bad moods, fight fever and as well as nervous digestive disorders. It can also be used to loosen and lessen mucous, to treat cramps and stress. Drunk before bed it can help induce sleep.
Other Uses of Lemongrass
Lemongrass can also be used as an antiseptic wash or compress on skin infections especially ringworm and infected sores. According to researchers, it is more effective against staph infection than penicillin. The exhausted lemongrass after the distillation process can also be used as cattle feed.
