As the name suggests, lemongrass is a kind of grass and therefore very easy to grow. It is native to South Asia, South East Asia, Australia and is widely used throughout India. It is also very popular for aromatic uses. Lemongrass oil is extracted from the stalk and leaves and is well-known for its antibacterial properties.

Lemongrass is most effective when used fresh, but can be also used in a dry form. In India, fresh lemongrass is generally available in many vegetable markets or else grown in small pots or directly on earth in small patches. Lemongrass grows in a bunch and the blades need to be handled with care because of their sharp edges.

Lemongrass is very effective in cases of cold, cough, throat infection and also fever.

THROAT PAIN

A steaming hot lemongrass and ginger tea, taken sip-by-sip can offer instant relief in throat pain.

STUFFED NOSE AND COUGH

Steam inhalation of lemongrass infused hot water gives relief in cases of a stuffy nose, common cold and helps expel the accumulated cough. Lemongrass essential oil is also useful here. Add drops of essential oil to the hot water and take a steam bath in a steam box or sauna, for relief.

JOINT PAIN

Troublesome knee joints becoming painful is a common ailment, especially in the monsoon. Massaging the knees with a cotton cloth potli (handheld bag) filled with the hot pulp of lemongrass leaves offers great benefits. A gentle massage of painful knees with lemongrass oil will also provide relief.

This multi-useful home remedy should be readily available in your kitchen or garden. It grows easily in pots or land. When in abundance, lemongrass can be dried in shade and once dry, stored in airtight jars for future use. Avoid drying it in direct sunlight as this might cause lemongrass to lose its potency.

Adding fresh or dried lemon grass in your daily cup of tea not only adds to flavour but also reduces the intensity or acidity of tea. In fact, instead of regular tea, a cup of hot lemongrass and ginger tea can be very refreshing on wet monsoon days.

Medicinal uses of lemongrass:

• A decoction of lemongrass helps to induce sweat in cases of fever, thereby bringing down body temperature. Cut two strands of lemon grass into one inch long pieces and boil them in two cups of water, till the water reduces to one cup. Filter the water and add sugar according to taste and drink it hot. Sleep under warm blankets after taking this tea to induce sweating and reduce the intensity of fever.

• When there is a feverish feeling with chills, coughing bouts and throat pain, take a herbal decoction of lemon grass, sunth (dry ginger) and stone sugar for quick relief.

• Instead of adding any chemical drops, adding minutely cut lemongrass while taking steam inhalation offers good relief. In case of body pain during a common cold and fever, a lemongrass steam bath (whole body) is soothing and beneficial.

• For those with a tendency to often catch colds, taking a cup of tea regularly at bedtime with lemongrass, ginger and cinnamon is helpful.

• Lemongrass essential oil application on joints is beneficial in case of arthritis.

Read more about how beneficial it is to have and consume lemon grass in your household on a daily basis.

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