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Lemongrass plant (Cymbopogon) is a pungent herb native to Southeast Asia, the Philippines, Myanmar, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Australia. It has fifty-five species, all of which are found in the grass family. Lemongrass is similar in appearance to hardy grass, but its foliage color ranges from blue to green, with white, cream or green flowers. Its height varies from three feet, to as high as eight feet.
The Lemongrass plant has many useful properties. Its leaves, seeds and flowers are used in a variety of ways that is surprising for such a simple looking plant. Used in tea and in flavoring dishes, it provides a citrus smell and flavor that is distinct in Asian dishes. It produces citronella oil, which is primarily used as an insect repellant. Citronella's chemical properties with antiseptic characteristics, specifically citronellol and geraniol, are often used in soaps and disinfectants. There is also research that Lemongrass oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties. In addition, there are also studies that support Lemongrass' anti-cancer properties. According to lab tests done in Israel, the lemongrass plant can trigger cellular death in cancer cells, without inducing any harm to normal cells.
In the Philippines, the Lemongrass plant (known as tanglad) is used for a wide variety of ailments, from easing women's dysmenorrhea to bouts of nausea, from curing sprains to insomnia. Its calming scent soothes the anxious mind, and most Filipino households have these planted around the house. Used for its detoxifying and cleansing properties, the plant is believed to rid the body of cholesterol and uric acid.
The Lemongrass plant is usually prepared by either cutting or slicing the entire stalk of grass and adding it to broths and dishes. Its bulb is crushed, allowing it to blend well with curries, seafood and with garlic. Used in medicine and in tea, fluid derived from boiling lemongrass has wonderful therapeutic properties.
Lemongrass is a perennial plant, which can be planted in your own backyard, provided there is moist soil and sun all year round. Fresh stalks of lemongrass can be bought in groceries, but is not available all through the year. It is advisable, if you have a liking for this plant, that you plant your own. Considered as a tropical grass, it can thrive on its own and does not need to be constantly nurtured by a green thumb.
If you would like to know where to buy lemongrass plants, a good bet would be to go to a Mexican or Asian store. To keep the stalks of the lemongrass plant fresh, store and keep it in a tightly sealed plastic bag. You can find dried powdered lemongrass plants for sale too in health food stores or the health section of groceries.
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Author Bio Box: Patricia Wainwright
Get all the facts about herb gardens and organic gardening at GreenThumbArticles.com!
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