Lemongrass: A Natural Insect Repellent and Medicinal Herb
Lemongrass is a tall grass, reaching heights of 1 to 2 meters. Its leaves are strap-shaped with sharp edges, and it produces flowers that are either purple or pinkish-brown.
The entire lemongrass plant is commonly used fresh, while the rhizomes can be dried. Lemongrass essential oil is a valuable export commodity and serves as an ingredient in the cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Lemongrass produces a type of essential oil that contains various components, prompting the cultivation of specific varieties based on intended oil use.
Lemongrass is harvested on sunny days; the leaves can be used fresh or wilted for essential oil extraction, while the rhizomes are cut separately and dried.
Benefits of Lemongrass:
Planting lemongrass around the house and garden helps repel flies, mosquitoes, and other pests, making it effective for disease prevention.
Lemongrass leaves, combined with bamboo leaves, chrysanthemum leaves, pomelo leaves, and basil leaves (50 grams each), can be boiled to create a steam inhalation remedy for sweating and treating colds, flu, fevers, and headaches. Lemongrass leaves are also used in cooking and hair washes to eliminate dandruff and smooth hair, making them popular among women to prevent hair and scalp issues.
Lemongrass roots can be crushed and applied to eczema on children’s faces. The roots can also be combined with bear garlic, orange peel, and hawthorn (6-12 grams each), boiled in 400 milliliters of water, reducing to 100 milliliters for consumption throughout the day, and are effective in treating diarrhea.
Lemongrass essential oil is taken in drop form (3-6 drops) mixed in syrup or water to create an emulsion that helps relieve bloating, stomach pain, gas, and nausea. In some European countries, lemongrass with sugar is a popular beverage.
Lemongrass essential oil can also be combined with various other essential oils for massage, providing relief from joint pain and muscle aches related to rheumatism.
Pharmacist Đỗ Huy Bích
