LEMONGRASS



A perennial tuft with sturdy stems and rather broad, aromatic leaves. The species grown commercially for oil distillation are mostly distinguished by their characteristic smell and chemical composition of the oil. In addition to C. citratus, the main ones are C. nardus (Ceylon citronella grass, the source of citronella oil), C. martinii (ginger grass, palma-rosa, rusha) and C. winterianus (Java citronella oil).

Lemongrass is an important ingredient in Oriental cooking. The oils of Cymbopogon species are mainly used in the perfume industry and have limited medicinal applications.

PARTS USED

Dried aboveground parts, the essential oil.

USES

The leaves and essential oil are used to treat dyspeptic disorders, colds, nervous conditions and exhaustion. Some massage oils and aromatherapy oils contain lemongrass oil.


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