How I use herbs - lemongrass
Lemongrass Cymbopogon citratus is a fragrant tropical grass. It can be grown in the sub-tropics and has many uses in the garden, as well as the kitchen. There are a few different species and I note that Australia has a native lemongrass. I think I'm actually growing the related Cymbopogon flexousus, due to the red stems of my plant, they all have similar properties though.
How to grow lemongrass
How to use lemongrass
Do you grow and use lemongrass? Any tips?
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| dried lemongrass |
How to grow lemongrass
Lemongrass grows in clumps and is easily propagated by division. I got my plant from my father-in-law who has some prolific specimens in his garden near Bundaberg. I'm not sure why my plant doesn't do as well, maybe I'm not watering it enough, or just in a slightly cooler climate here. It does die back in frost, but regrows in spring. Its in a drier corner of the garden, so it does well to keep growing even when I don't give it as much attention as I should.
When lemongrass grows in thick clumps it can be useful for stabilising erosion and for protecting other plants from pests or small grazing animals (such as rabbits). More information about using lemongrass in a permaculture food forest here. It would also be useful as a mulch plant if it was growing well.
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| its really hard to photograph grass |
- Beekeepers have found that lemongrass essential oil mimics pheromones that attract swarms, so it can be used in bait hives to help with catching swarms.
- Lemongrass is used in asian cooking and goes well with coconut milk and curries - I use it in a paleo pumpkin soup recipe with galangal and turmeric
- I dry lemongrass and use it in tea, its very nice with ginger, both being good for digestion - this is the main way that I use this herb.
- Lemongrass essential oil is used to repel insects (although not bees!) and I use it in my insect repellent with neem oil.
- It is used topically for its anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties, and is thought to relieve pain from arthritis (either using the essential oil or a poultice of the fresh herb).
- Lemongrass essential oil is known as a mood lifter.
Do you grow and use lemongrass? Any tips?
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