Common Name: |
Lemongrass |
Botanical Name: |
Cymbopogon citratus |
Genus: |
Cymbopogon |
Family: |
Poaceae |
Native Location: |
United States, Africa, Guatemala, S India, Sri-Lanka |
Cultivation: |
Well-drained soil in sun with moderate humidity. Flowering is rare in plants grown in containers or under cover. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown in spring at 13-18°C (55-64°F), by division in spring. |
Harvest: |
Stems are cut at ground level and used fresh for oil extraction, dried for powder, and either fresh or dried for infusions. The leaf blades may be removed and the lower 7-10cm (3-4in) used as a fresh herb. |
Height: |
1.5m (5ft) |
Width: |
1m (3ft) |
Hardiness: |
Min. 7°C (45°F) |
Extraction: |
Steam Distillation |
Parts Used: |
Leaves, stems, oil |
Color and Odor: |
The essential oil is golden-yellow with a strong, sweet, lemony scent. |
Background: |
Long used in India especially for fevers and infectious diseases. Very useful as a room freshener and deodorizer. |
Properties: |
Tonic, stimulant, strong antiseptic, bactericide, refreshing and deodorant. A bitter, aromatic, cooling herb that increases perspiration and relieves spasms. Also has a sedative action and is effective against fungal and bacterial infections. |
Vitamin Content: |
Vitamin A |
Planet: |
Mercury |
Element: |
Air |
Direction: |
East |
Magical Influences: |
Psychic Awareness, Purification |
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for digestive problems in children, and minor feverish illnesses. Externally for ringworm, lice, athlete's foot, arthritis, and scabies. |
Culinary Uses: |
Base of leaves is used fresh, or as sereh powder, in SE Asian cooking, especially with fish, meat, sauces, and curries. Leaves are infused for tea. |
Economic Uses: |
Oil is used in soap, hair oils, perfumes, and cosmetics, and for flavoring in the food industry. Also important in the manufacture of vitamin A, and ionones (synthetic violet perfumes). |
Uses: |
- Respiratory SystemHelpful in preventing respiratory infections, sore throats and laryngitis.
- Muscular SystemHelps to tone muscles and make them more supple.
- EmotionsLemongrass is purifying and stimulates awareness. It refreshes the mind and is helpful for mental fatigue and loss of concentration.
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Blends: |
RESPIRATORY |
MUSCULAR |
EMOTION |
Lemongrass 5 |
Lemongrass 5 |
Lemongrass 4 |
Eucalyptus 4 |
Rosemary 4 |
Orange 4 |
Sandalwood 3 |
Coriander 3 |
Basil 2 |
Bibliography: |
Aromatherapy Blends and recipes by Franzesca Watson Copyright © 1995 Thorsons, Harper Parker Publishing Inc. Pp 124-125 Magical Aromatherapy by Scott Cunningham Copyright © 1989 Llewellyn Publications, Inc. Pp. 105-106 The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp 187-188 |
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