Cymbopogon citratus

Cymbopogon citratus, commonly known as Lemongrass, is a tropical plant species from the family Poaceae. It is native to Asia, Australia, and Africa, and is widely cultivated for its culinary and medicinal uses.

Description

Cymbopogon citratus is a perennial grass that grows in dense clumps up to 2 meters in height. Its leaves are long, slender, and bluish-green, with a distinctive lemony scent when crushed. The plant produces small white flowers in clusters.

Cultivation

Cymbopogon citratus is a tropical plant that requires full sun and well-drained soil. It is propagated by division of the root ball or from stem cuttings. The plant is drought-tolerant and can be grown in containers.

Uses

Cymbopogon citratus is widely used in culinary applications, especially in Thai cuisine and Vietnamese cuisine. The leaves are used to flavor soups, teas, and curries. The essential oil extracted from the plant is used in Aromatherapy and as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics.

In traditional medicine, Cymbopogon citratus is used to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive problems, nervous disorders, and fevers. It is also used as an insect repellent.

Research

Research on Cymbopogon citratus has focused on its potential medicinal properties. Studies have shown that the plant has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and to understand the mechanisms involved.

See also

• List of culinary herbs and spices
• List of plants used in herbalism