Lemongrass is a fragrant herb known for its distinct citrus flavor. It is often used in Southeast Asian cooking, as well as in teas and health remedies. In this blog post, we will explore the many uses of lemongrass and how you can incorporate it into your daily diet. We will discuss its health benefits, which include aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, and more. We will also provide some delicious recipes that highlight the unique flavor of this herb. Finally, we will discuss how to select and store lemongrass for maximum freshness and flavor. Get ready to explore the world of lemongrass and all the delicious possibilities it offers!
Lemongrass Nutrition Facts and Calories Chart
Lemongrass is a low calorie herb with many health benefits. It is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, and E, and minerals such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. It also contains antioxidants that can help protect against oxidative damage and disease. Lemongrass is rich in citral, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and can help reduce inflammation. Additionally, it may be beneficial for digestion, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Nutritional value per 100 g lemongrass:
- Biotin: 0µg
- Calcium: 12mg
- Carbohydrates (Carbs): 5.4g
- Chloride: 5mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Choline: 0.4mg
- Chromium: 0.1µg
- Copper: 0.1mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0.7g
- Energy (Calories): 33.7kcal
- Fat: 0.3g
- Iodine: 0µg
- Iron: 0.6mg
- Magnesium: 11mg
- Manganese: 0.1mg
- Molybdenum: 0.1µg
- Pantothenic Acid: 0.2mg
- Phosphorus: 35mg
- Potassium: 196mg
- Protein: 1.7g
- Saturated fat: 0.1g
- Selenium: 0.2µg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Sugars: 0.6g
- Vitamin A: 39µg
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): 0.1mg
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 0.1mg
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 0.4mg
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): 0.2mg
- Vitamin B6: 0.1mg
- Vitamin B9 (Folate / Folic Acid): 18µg
- Vitamin B12: 0µg
- Vitamin C: 2.7mg
- Vitamin D: 0µg
- Vitamin E: 0.1mg
- Vitamin K: 0.9µg
- Water: 81.1g
- Zinc: 0.2mg
Lemongrass in India
Lemongrass is a tall, aromatic grass. This herb is used as a flavoring in Thai cuisine and has been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries. It is commonly used in teas, soups, and curries. It is also suitable for poultry, fish, beef, and seafood. Lemongrass is native to India and tropical Asia.
- Scientific Binomial: Cymbopogon citratus
- Common English: Oil grass / West Indian lemon grass / Fever Grass
- Ayurvedic: Bhuutika / Bhuutikaa
- Unani
- Sanskrit: Bhustrina
- Hindi / Urdu: Gandhatrina
- Bengali: Gandhabena
- Marathi: Olecha / Gavati Chaha
- Telugu: Nimmagaddi
- Tamil: Karppurappul
- Gujarati
- Kannada: Majjigehullu
- Malayalam: Vasana Pullu
- Oriya
- Punjabi / Sindhi
- Assamese
- Kashmiri
- Konkani
- Manipuri
- Dogri
- Bhojpuri
Home Remedies
Lemongrass has a tonic effect on the nervous system and the body in general. It is also painkilling and antidepressant, good for headaches, lethargy, symptoms of stress, and beneficial for muscular pain and poor muscle tone. Lemon verbena, lemon balm, and lemongrass are three lemon-scented herbs that make pleasant-tasting tea, whether served hot or cold. Use each alone, in combination, or with other herbs. Use one of them to replace the slice of lemon often served with tea.
- Repels Insect: The essential oil is distilled from the grass leaves. It has a strong refreshing citrus smell that has many aromatherapy and domestic uses. Lemongrass oil is ideal to repel insects and avoid those troublesome bites that can spoil a trip. Dilute the oil to no more than 5 percent concentration (20 drops in a tablespoon of almond oil) and cover areas of exposed skin. A plastic spray bottle can be used for brief periods instead but will tend to clog up with prolonged use; instead use a small hand spray containing 20 drops of oil in 1 cup of water and spray all exposed areas of skin two to three times a day.
- House Flies Remedy: Lemongrass is also an effective flea, lice, and tick repellent. Use it in a vaporizer to keep flies out of the kitchen in the summer and to get rid of pet smells from the home.
- Common Cold: It has fever-reducing properties and helps the immune system to fight infections. Here is simple home remedy for cold using lemongrass that will greatly relieve your cold symptoms and hasten full recovery. If you drink this delicious tea several times a day, it will help to take care of cold, congestion, and flu.
- Combine the herbs ginger 1 part, cinnamon 1 part and lemongrass 2 parts together.
- Steep 1 teaspoon of this formula for about 10 minutes in 1 cup of hot water
- Strain it
- Add honey for sweetness if you like.
- Lemon grass can be used externally for the treatment of scabies, arthritis, athlete’s foot, lice, and ringworm.
Side Effects and Warnings
Avoid large doses during pregnancy as it can stimulate the uterus. Dilute well, as lemongrass may cause skin irritation in some people. Do not use on babies or children. Do not use around the eyes.