Lemon Grass

Lemon grass 

Scientific name: Cymbopogon flexuosus

Local name: Pirheghaans (Nepali)

         Lemon grass (English)

         Bhustrinah (Sanskrit)

Geographical distribution 

Lemon grass is found in tropical and sub-tropical regions of South East Asia, South America and Africa. 

Plant Description 

Lemon grass is a perennial aromatic grass, with a life span of approximately four years. It has bulbous and clumped stems that grow into leaf blades. It is about 3 metres tall and the leaves are approximately 125 cm long and 1.7 cm broad, which are blue-green in color and turn red in the fall. Its flowers are grayish or grayish green, rarely purple tinged in color. Their fragrance strongly resembles that of a lemon.

Parts used

All the parts of the entire plant are used to make tea, as flavoring, in both powder form and with cute leaves or to make essential oil.

Uses and benefits

• 1.       It is used as food flavoring throughout the world in many tropic region

  2.       It helps in reducing inflammation and muscle spasms

  3.       Lemongrass is used in aromatherapy to induce relaxation and also as an anti depressant

  4.       It consists of hyperlipidemic and anti-hypercholestorolemic properties which support in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels

  5.       It is used to treat infections and also to reduce body odor as it has anti septic properties

  6.       It has astringent properties, which help to stop profuse flow of blood and anti-pyretic properties which helps to bring down high temperature

  7.       Lemon grass is used in curing rheumatism, treating edema and boosts immunity

  8.       It is also used in skin care as it acts as a cleanser for oily and acne prone skin

  9.       The aromatic property acts as an insect repellent

Side effects

It is advised to consult a doctor before using lemongrass for therapeutic usage, because it can sometimes cause allergic reactions, even though it is usually considered safe. Similarly, concentrated or undiluted lemongrass must not be applied directly on skin as it could cause harmful reactions.

Cultivated or wild

It is cultivated in Nepal.

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