Thursday, August 15, 2013

Lemongrass

Just when I thought the number of lemon-flavored herbs was a trio,
 it turns out to be a quartet instead.
I thought of another:  lemongrass (cymbopogon).


According to Wikipedia.org, lemongrass is native to India and Asia
and is a common addition to teas, soups and curries.
In fact, WebMD.com says that dried lemongrass leaves
are used to add lemon flavor to commercial teas 
like one of my favorites, green tea with lemon.

I have made a Thai Chowder that has lemongrass as an ingredient.
The recipe calls for simmering 
a small bundle of lemongrass stalks to form the stock.
The lemongrass imparts a lovely, subtle lemon flavor throughout.

WebMD.com also has some information about the medicinal uses for lemongrass.
This herb grass can be used as an anti-fungal, to reduce high blood pressure,
to curtail the common cold, and to alleviate an upset stomach, among other things.


Perhaps most interesting is that the essential oil from lemongrass
can be applied directly to the skin to alleviate headache or muscle pain.
I suppose there is always a possibility the oil might not work that well,
but in any case, you'll certainly smell lemon fresh.
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