Powerful in its simplicity. Lemongrass is an understated plant. It is a grass, beautiful, yet very unassuming. It's long green blades are unpretentious. Tear one blade and a lemony, earthy goodness delights the senses. Lemongrass is distinct and unapologetically lemongrass. This little spirit is happy to lend you its strength and certainty. Lemongrass is a wonderful plant to use while seeking clarity.
Cymbopogon citratus
Lemongrass is a perennial grass native to Sri Lanka. A majority of our lemongrass today comes from the West Indies, Africa, and the tropical regions of Asia. As I’m sure you can guess, lemongrass loves it hot and humid. Think hardy in zone 10. In fact, if you are north of zone 10 it is a good idea to keep her in a container that can be brought in during the winter. A full tropical sun is where this grassy goodness finds its groove. Lemongrass loves humidity, but does not, however, like wet feet. Lemongrass is happy with evenly damp soil, and super high humidity. Full grown, it can grow up to four feet in height and treated right this beauty can live for ten years. Sometimes lemongrass will even produce modest blooms.
Lemongrass has been used as a culinary and medicinal herb for centuries. It can be harvested and enjoyed year round. Lemongrass is very commonly used in cuisine from Southeast Asia. While you probably have run into lemongrass consuming your favorite Vietnamese meal, have you ever tried desserts made with lemongrass? Shortbread cookies, panna cotta, popsicles, or icecream go from mundane to exciting with just a touch of lemongrass. Even a simple cup of lemongrass tea can be a special treat.
The leaves are steam distilled to produce the essential oil. The lemony golden oil is considered a top to middle note in perfumery. It is potent and a little goes a very long way. Try the new Manipura blend and you’ll see what I’m talking about. I’m getting ahead of myself here.
Fun Facts:
Lemongrass is often used as lemon flavoring in food and drink.
Lemongrass is used to make Vitamin A.
Lemongrass is closely related to Citronella grass.
Lemongrass is used to attract bees in beekeeping as it resembles bee pheromone.
There are about 55 species of lemongrass, but only two are used as food or medicine.
Ivory soap uses lemongrass in its scent.
When planted around the perimeter of your yard lemongrass will deter snakes from entering.
Propagation
As a grass, lemongrass can be propagated by either stem cuttings or division, division being the primary method. Lemongrass can commonly be found in Aisan supermarkets. Find a piece that still has a little bit of root on it and stick it in a glass of water. Once you get a fair amount of roots going, pop that bad boy in a pot of fertile well drained soil and watch it thrive.
Each spring you can divide it again to keep the growth fresh and increase your number of plants. Divide pieces that have at least an inch of root. It is vital to cut the length of the grass you are dividing down to about two inches. The above ground and below ground parts need to stay in balance for the babies and the mother to both survive.
Properties of Lemongrass Essential Oil:
Antiseptic, analgesic, antidepressant, astringent, diuretic, deodorant, febrifuge, insecticide, nervine, tonic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, fungicidal, parasitic, emmenagogue
Integumentary System
Lemongrass does wonders for your skin and hair. It’s astringent nature helps shrink enlarged pores. Add in the diuretic properties and you have an effective treatment for cellulite. Lemongrass also cuts down oils in both your skin and hair. Speaking of hair, studies are showing lemongrass can be effective in controlling dandruff. Lemongrass is also an effective fungicide. Anyone have problems with athlete’s foot? Lemongrass is here to help. Lemongrass is also a wonderful additive in deodorants, thank you antiseptic nature. It is also proving useful in decreasing excessive perspiration.
Lemongrass, just like its cousin citronella, is a very effective mosquito repellent. I keep it around the porch, and other areas we congregate in.
Digestive System
Top to bottom lemongrass is god sent for your digestive system. Cultures that eat a lot of lemongrass typically have few dental problems. The antiseptic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties come together to make your mouth happy. Lemongrass tea can work wonders if you are experiencing indigestion. Combine it with some ginger and you’ll be feeling better in no time. It also helps to relieve gas and abdominal spasms.
Musculoskeletal
Lemongrass had pain relieving powers. Combine that with its anti-inflammatory nature and you have a potent foe in relieving arthritis. Lemongrass is also a great herb to include in muscle rubs to ease sprains and soreness.
Reproductive
Lemongrass is a uterine tonic. It will strengthen, and increase the blood supply to, the uterus. This means this herb is highly useful pre-pregnancy but a BIG no no while pregnant. It can stimulate menstruation, making it a good choice for restoring regular menstrual cycles.agents that stimulate menstruation and restore regular menstruation. Lemongrass can increase milk production during lactation. Fenugreek is one of the most popular herbs used to stimulate milk production. Add some lemongrass for even more benefits and flavor.
Mind
Antidepressant, nervine, tonic
Lemongrass presents a bit of a paradox. It is uplifting yet calming. It adds vitality, and is also highly grounding. I think of her as a highly energetic, yet pragmatic spirit. She provides energy and laser-like focus to get things done without promoting useless, unproductive energy. Lemongrass, in fact, eases the nervous tension that causes nervous exhaustion.
Lemongrass is refreshing to the mind. It helps clear out your own regret and shame. This makes room for what you really desire. No need wasting time on what you can’t change.
Energetic properties
Lemongrass is cleansing. Just like mosquitos, it will repel negative energy. Lemongrass can be used as a sage substitution for smoke cleansing. Lemongrass is a main ingredient in the Hoodoo Van Van oil. This oil is used to open doors. It helps clear obstacles, and bring on success. It is also associated with good luck.
Lemongrass is powerful just being lemongrass. If we work with lemongrass we are empowered to trust ourselves. Grounding. Vitality. Once we trust ourselves we experience true freedom of choice. We come to know that our current situation, for better or worse, is a direct consequence of the choices we make. Lemongrass lends the confidence to know when you are making the right choice. It is all about connecting you to your higher purpose.
Precautions
Can irritate sensitive skin. Do not use it during pregnancy.
This website is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, and please check with your doctor before using plants if you are pregnant, using medications or have other health conditions.
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Ginger, Frankincense, Rosemary, Anise, Lemongrass
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Papa Legba opens the gates to the other world. WIthout him there could be no prayer or communion with our ancestors. Papa Legba opens doors. He is a master of destiny and can help you realize yours. Even though he is low maintenance, he is one of the most powerful Loa in Voodoo. The essential oils in our Papa Legba essential oil blend center around communication, creativity, intuition, and clarity. This is my number one recommended blend when working or when you are in need of help focusing. Papa Legba comes in a vegan soap, essential oil roll-on, and essential oil blend.
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cymbopogon
http://plants.thefamilytreeinc.com/12210006/Plant/27295/Lemon_Grass/