Lemongrass
Pagès has chosen to use Lemongrass in several of its herbal infusions. Its acidulous taste reminiscent of Lemon brings a great freshness to our creations.
Lemongrass, a herbaceous plant with an original taste
Origins of lemongrass
Lemongrass has been used for a very long time on the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka. Its exact origins are unknown, however, this plant has been used for different purposes in various countries. In the West Indies, it is a traditional remedy used to reduce fever. In Africa, civilizations use it to treat diseases. In tropical countries, its purpose is to keep insects away from homes : people plant it around their homes to avoid unwanted guests.
There are several species of Lemongrass: Cymbopogon schoenanthus was used by nomads in the Sahara to make phytotherapeutic infusions. They called it "Straw of Mecca". Another species, Cymbopogon giganteus, was also used as an infusion to control yellow fever. It was found in the Sudanese savannah and the people called it Tiekela.
Today, Lemongrass is mainly cultivated in temperate Asia (China, Taiwan), North Africa (Algeria, Egypt, Morocco), Cyprus, Central Africa (Gabon) and South America: Caribbean, Mesoamerica (Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, etc.), as well as Venezuela, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia etc.
Characteristics of lemongrass
Name: Cymbopogon citratus
Family: Poaceae
Species: herbaceous plant
A herbaceous plant with long straight leaves, Lemongrass is a perennial plant.
Its rhizomes, underground stems, are blue-green in colour and have sharp edges. Its leaves have branch-shaped stalks, which can measure from 90 cm to 2 metres. The stem of this plant is hollow and narrow. If we can think that Lemongrass is the cousin of Lemon, we must know that it has in common with this citrus fruit only the smell it gives off when its leaves are crumpled and the taste is sour and fresh. We like to give other names to the Lemongrass: the "Lemongrass Verbena", the "Lemongrass Balm", or the "Lemongrass Aurone".
Uses of lemongrass
Lemongrass is mainly used in phytotherapy, cooking and cosmetics. The leaves of the plant, once chopped and distilled, produce a precious essential oil. It is said to soothe the skin (in case of insect bites for example) and has purifying properties (some people like to diffuse it in their house).
Lemongrass is a plant that can be infused. About fifteen fresh leaves per litre of water are necessary for the decoction of Lemongrass. Its leaves can also be consumed as a cold infusion, for a drink full of freshness.
In cosmetics, Lemongrass essential oil is used for the preparation of anti-cellulite lotions, deodorants, sanitizing creams and gels, etc.
Benefits of lemongrass
Lemongrass is a plant known to fight against flu-like conditions, facilitate digestion and favour sleep. It is also stimulating.
A true medicinal plant, Lemongrass is known to alleviate digestive problems. It is also said to treat joint and muscle pain. It can soothe sprains, relieve tendonitis and muscle elongation.
