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Lemongrass (cymbopogon). Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

cultivated and wild plants. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

Directory / Cultivated and wild plants

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Content

  1. Photos, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism
  2. Basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism
  3. Botanical description, reference data, useful information, illustrations
  4. Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology
  5. Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

Lemongrass (cymbopogon), Cymbopogon. Photos of the plant, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Lemongrass (cymbopogon) Lemongrass (cymbopogon)

Basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Sort by: Lemongrass (Cymbopogon)

Family: Cereals (Poaceae)

Origin: Asia

Area: Lemongrass is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world such as India, South Africa, South and Southeast Asia, Australia, Oceania and South America.

Chemical composition: Lemongrass is rich in essential oils that contain geraniol, citral, myrcene, carvone, camphene, limonene, and other compounds. The plant also contains flavonoids, terpenes, alkaloids and other biologically active substances.

Economic value: Lemongrass is used to produce essential oils, which are used in the cosmetics and perfume industries, as well as in the production of medicines and fragrances. Some types of plants are also used in cooking and as an additive to tea.

Legends, myths, symbolism: In Hindu mythology, the cymbopong is associated with the goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity and prosperity. It is said that cymbopong was used in rituals associated with gaining wealth and prosperity. Symbolically, cymbopogon is associated with the concept of purity and freshness. Its fresh and lemony scent is said to be purifying and refreshing. Cimbopogon is also associated with the concept of a peaceful and calm mind, and therefore is often used in meditation and other spiritual practices.

 


 

Lemongrass, Cymbopogon. Description, illustrations of the plant

Lemongrass (cymbopogon), Cymbopogon. The history of growing a plant, economic importance, cultivation, use in cooking

Lemongrass (cymbopogon)

Spicy cereal. There are cereals grown by people not for the sake of grains, but solely for the sake of stems and leaves. They belong to the genus Cymbopogon, whose name is derived from the Greek words kymbe (boat) and pogon (beard), "shuttle beard" - the bracts of these plants resemble a boat in shape.

About 55 species of shuttle beards are known, and very fragrant and useful essential oils are obtained from the greens of some. But the most famous is the lemongrass (lemongrass, lemongrass, lemongrass) Cymbopogon citratus, extremely popular as a spicy and medicinal plant.

Lemongrass is a perennial tropical grass with a short rhizome, hard, fibrous stems, and narrow, sharp leaves that can be cut. It forms dense curtains about 1,2 meters wide and up to 1,8 meters high. It rarely blooms, inflorescences are panicles 30-60 cm long. The plant has been cultivated for more than one thousand years, its homeland is Southeast Asia. Now lemongrass is grown in tropical regions of Asia and Africa, in South and Central America, as well as in the USA (in California and Florida). In the era of globalization, this spice is confidently taking its place on the shelves of our stores.

Benefits of Lemon Grass. The leaves and stems of the plant contain many vitamins that a person receives only with food: pantothenic acid B5, pyridoxine B6, thiamine B1, there are also vitamins C and A. Lemongrass, like other leafy vegetables, is rich in folic acid, which is necessary for the normal development of the fetus and useful for pregnant women.

Both fresh and dry herbs contain potassium, zinc, calcium, iron, manganese, copper, and magnesium. But its main value lies in lemongrass essential oil, it is obtained from the green parts of the plant by steam distillation. It is a multi-component yellow or yellow-red liquid with a pronounced lemon odor.

More than 70% is accounted for by the monoterpene aldehyde citral (3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienal), which exists in the form of two stereoisomers: the predominant trans-isomer of geranial (alpha-citral) and the cis-isomer of neral (beta-citral) . The third most important component is the monoterpene myrcene. The composition of the oil includes other terpenes, alcohols and organic acids.

Almost a panacea. Lemongrass essential oil, mainly citral, has many beneficial properties that have been confirmed in laboratory studies. The oil inhibits the growth of bacteria, including E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus aureus, and Salmonella paratyphi, the causative agent of paratyphoid. It is an antiamebic and possibly an antimalarial. It is active against some skin and nail fungi, including the ringworm pathogen, as well as food spoiling fungi.

The essential oil of fresh leaves expels some parasitic nematodes, including filariae, thin thread-like worms that settle in the lymph nodes and the eyeball, causing swelling and elephantiasis. Lemongrass oil inhalations are effective for colds and flu, tone up and soothe.

Oil improves digestion, normalizes the menstrual cycle, helps with headaches, muscle spasms, cramps and rheumatism, problems with urination; anesthetizes with thermal and chemical burns, in the heat it cools the body well. Hot water with two or three drops of essential oil is drunk for gastric disorders, and in case of cholera, a few drops are taken with lemon juice. And this is not the whole list.

Healing decoctions. No less useful are decoctions of leaves and stems, which are widely used wherever lemongrass grows. In Argentina, a decoction of the leaves is taken as an emetic and added to mate tea for sore throats. In Brazil, it is drunk for spasms, as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, diuretic and sedative. In Indonesia and Malaysia, the whole plant is brewed and drunk when menstruation is delayed.

A decoction of dried leaves is used in Cuba for high blood pressure, catarrh and rheumatism, in Egypt as a diuretic, and in Thailand as a stomachic. It is also added to the bath for headaches and fever. Even dry roots are brewed - it helps diabetics, lowers blood glucose levels.

Repellent and attractant. The essential oil and crushed fresh lemongrass leaves repel harmful insects. A few leaves placed next to the bed will protect against the invasion of mosquitoes and mosquitoes even with the window open, and if the leaves are crushed and rubbed with them, bloodsuckers will not bite even during the day. In India, snakes are repelled with a whole fresh plant. However, lemongrass does not disperse everyone. It is believed that if a few leaves are wrapped in a piece of muslin and placed under the pillow, they will lure a lover or help keep one who is already there.

We take food. Let's not forget that lemongrass is a food plant and one of the most popular spices in Asian cuisine. Lemongrass is most often used in soups and curries, a spicy thick liquid dish of stewed vegetables, legumes and meat; it is suitable for poultry, fish and seafood, it is eaten with rice and flavored with it in drinks. Lemongrass is an ingredient in spice mixes where it pairs well with garlic, cilantro, and chili peppers.

Leaves and stems are used as spices. At the same time, the outer rough leaves are usually removed, the rest are finely cut so that the greens give off the aroma better. The stems are also crushed, sometimes even ground in a mortar to a paste-like state, and if they are used as a whole, they are kneaded beforehand, especially the lower, thickened part. Before serving, the stems are removed from the dish.

Thorough chopping is also necessary because lemongrass is tough and fibrous, hard to chew, and unpleasant to have hard pieces in the mouth all the time.

Lemongrass (cymbopogon)

How to choose and store. It is best to use a fresh plant, just picked from the garden, but not everyone has this opportunity. Lemongrass stalks are sold, choose ones that do not look dry and brittle. Fresh sorghum will keep in the refrigerator for up to three weeks if sealed in plastic.

The stems can be frozen for six months, and they will not lose their flavor. In addition to fresh, dried sorghum is sold. Soak it in hot water before use. There is also lemongrass powder, which is used in teas and curries, but it is not a good substitute for the fresh product. If necessary, instead of one small fresh lemongrass stem, take a tablespoon of the dried plant or a teaspoon of powder.

Lemon sorghum as a spice can be replaced with lemon zest, lemon balm or lemon verbena, the zest of one lemon is equivalent to two small stalks of sorghum. However, nothing can replace the healing properties of this plant.

Tea hot and cold. Lemongrass is often brewed with or instead of tea. It turns out tasty and healthy, because lemongrass tea is a healing decoction. Here is the simplest recipe: brew a cup of crushed leaves in a teapot with two cups of boiling water, let it brew for five minutes, add sugar and milk to taste.

The recipe is more difficult. Two chopped lemongrass stalks, preferably with leaves, add five cups of cold water, slowly bring to a boil and simmer for about 20 minutes. Then strain the broth, put honey or sugar to taste. This drink is drunk hot or cold with ice cubes. In the latter case, it is served in tall glasses.

Lemongrass drink with tea is done like this. First, a syrup is made from 125 g of sugar, half a cup of water and five teaspoons of chopped fresh lemongrass greens. Boil it for three or four minutes, then remove from heat, add five teaspoons of tea leaves, cover with a lid and let it brew for at least 20 minutes. Then the syrup is filtered, cooled and poured into a bottle. This is a blank that is stored in the refrigerator. To make a drink, two tablespoons of syrup are poured into a glass, four ice cubes and a slice of lemon are added, diluted with half a cup of water and garnished with mint leaves.

A simple recipe without exotic ingredients. Lemon sorghum is a component of oriental cuisine, whose dishes include numerous ingredients that are unusual for most housewives. For those who are not ready to look for tofu cheese, shiitake mushrooms, Asian fish sauce and coconut milk, in addition to lemongrass, we offer a quick and pleasant recipe.

In a chilled bowl, pour a cup of cold whipped cream, half a teaspoon of vanilla extract, a tablespoon of powdered sugar, and a tablespoon of freshly chopped lemongrass (you can use a little more or less, to taste). Beat this mass until a soft cream forms. That's all.

Author: Ruchkina N.

 


 

Lemongrass (cymbopogon), Cymbopogon. Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology

cultivated and wild plants. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

Ethnoscience:

  • Against colds: Steep 1 teaspoon fresh lemongrass leaves in 1 cup boiling water. Let it brew for 10-15 minutes, then strain and drink. This infusion will help reduce cold symptoms such as cough and runny nose.
  • Against a headache: Mix a few drops of lemongrass essential oil with a small amount of unrefined oil such as coconut oil or olive oil. Massage the mixture on your temples and forehead to relieve tension and headaches.
  • Against stress and anxiety: Steep 1 teaspoon dried lemongrass leaves in 1 cup boiling water. Let it brew for 10-15 minutes, then strain and drink. This infusion can help reduce stress and anxiety levels.
  • Against constipation: add a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to a small amount of massage oil such as almond oil or olive oil and massage your stomach in a clockwise direction. This will help improve intestinal motility and eliminate constipation.
  • For skin health: add a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to a small amount of coconut oil and apply to your skin to improve skin health and look younger.

Cosmetology:

  • Moisturizing face cream: Mix 1 tablespoon of coconut oil with 4-5 drops of lemongrass essential oil. Apply to face after cleansing and massage until completely absorbed.
  • Purifying Body Scrub: Mix 1/2 cup sea salt with 1/4 cup almond oil and 10 drops of lemongrass essential oil. Apply to wet skin and massage in circular motions, then rinse with warm water.
  • Face tonic: Mix 1 cup of water with 10 drops of lemongrass essential oil. Apply to face with a cotton pad after cleansing to improve skin tone and reduce inflammation.
  • Hair Mask: Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and 5 drops of lemongrass essential oil. Apply to hair and leave on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with shampoo.
  • Body massage oil: Mix 1 cup of almond oil with 10 drops of lemongrass essential oil and 5 drops of lavender essential oil. Use as a body massage to improve blood circulation and relieve muscle tension.

Attention! Before use, consult with a specialist!

 


 

Lemongrass (cymbopogon), Cymbopogon. Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

cultivated and wild plants. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

Lemongrass, also known as cymbopogon, is a plant that is used in cooking, cosmetics, and medicine. It has a bright lemony aroma and taste, making it a popular ingredient in a variety of foods and drinks, as well as in perfumes and aromatherapy.

Cultivation:

  • Cymbopogon plant prefers sunny places with well-drained soils.
  • Lemongrass seeds should be sown in pre-prepared beds in spring or summer when the soil warms up to 20-25°C.
  • Cymbopogon needs regular watering, especially in hot weather.
  • To stimulate the growth of the plant and increase its productivity, it is recommended to periodically feed it with organic fertilizers.

Preparation and storage:

  • Cymbopogon can be used fresh or dried. For drying plants should be collected before flowering and dried in the shade.
  • Dried cymbopogon leaves can be stored in glass jars or bags in a cool and dry place for up to 6 months.
  • Fresh cymbopogon leaves can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Use lemongrass in teas, syrups, marinades, smoothies, and other dishes for a vibrant lemon flavor and aroma.

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