Lemongrass’s aroma is similar to that of ginger, with a refreshingly tart, citrus-like flavor. Freeze-dried lemongrass has a very long-lasting aroma, while lemongrass dried naturally in the open air loses its volatile oils and does not last as long.
History of Lemongrass
Lemongrass has a fairly long history and has been favored and cultivated for thousands of years in regions around India. It is said to have been used as a cooling herb in Ayurveda, a traditional medicine. Nowadays, it is used to flavor ethnic dishes (typical examples are tom yang kung fu and curry), as well as in herbal teas for its effects such as relieving fatigue.
Herbal Benefits of Lemongrass
Lemongrass also has a variety of beneficial effects. Here are some of them.
(1) Stress relief
Its refreshing aroma, similar to that of lemon, has a calming effect on the mind. It reduces stress and frees the mind from tension and anxiety. It is said to be effective in both relaxing and refreshing the mind, and is also effective in improving physical ailments such as headaches caused by mental fatigue.
(2) Insect repelling effect
The essential oil contained in lemongrass contains a large amount of citral, an aroma component that mosquitoes and insects dislike, and its insect repellent properties make it useful as an insect repellent. In recent years, it has been used in commercial insect repellents.
(3)Relief of stiff shoulders and sensitivity to cold
Essential oil is effective in treating muscle pain, stiff shoulders, sensitivity to cold, swelling, and cellulite due to its ability to reduce inflammation and pain, as well as its vasodilating effect. Massaging with oil diluted with essential oil is more effective.
How to cook and store lemongrass etc
Lemongrass has many uses, but the first thing that comes to mind is “drinking. It is popular as a herbal tea, but it can also be drunk as is or mixed with juice. In Thailand and Vietnam, lemongrass is often used in cooking.
Chopped lemongrass is sprinkled on meat, marinated, and grilled, or it can be used as a flavoring for soups. Lemongrass’s fresh aroma goes well with a variety of dishes, and its flavor is appetizing. Its aroma is also used in many aromatic oils. As mentioned earlier, it is also effective in repelling insects, so adding lemongrass to humidifiers and other devices is a great way to enjoy its fragrance while also repelling insects. The fresh ones can be refrigerated, but they do not last very long, so it is recommended to freeze the stems and dry the leaves for storage.
Finally
The lemongrass introduced in this article.
It is a spice with no side effects, but pregnant women should be careful not to consume it in large quantities. If used in moderation, it can be expected to have a variety of medicinal effects, so please use it wisely.
This is the end of the introduction of spices used in our “Yakuzen Curry”. However, there are many more spices and herbs with medicinal effects that we will continue to introduce.
We will continue to update this page on an irregular basis.
