Lemongrass is a tropical grass noted for its pleasing, lemony scent. It has a variety of uses in cooking , cosmetics , and herbal medicine .
Lemongrass grows to a height of 3 to 4 feet (90 to 120 centimeters). It grows wild in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, Australia, and Oceania. Lemongrass is also grown around the world in pots or gardens. It may be planted where passersby will brush against it, releasing a pleasant scent.
Cooks in many Asian countries use lemongrass. For example, lemongrass is used to add a citrus flavor to Cambodian, Thai, and Vietnamese soups and stir-fries. Cooks chop the fresh leaves and add them to food during cooking. They may remove the leaves before the dish is served. The stalk is too tough to eat. Tea manufacturers may flavor teas with finely chopped or mashed dried lemongrass leaves. Lemongrass is sold in grocery stores in such forms as paste and fresh stalks.
People also use lemongrass in soaps, deodorants, and other cosmetics. The odor of lemongrass can be soothing, and some people think that the plant has medicinal benefits. It is said to prevent the growth of bacteria, relieve pain and swelling, reduce fevers, and soothe digestive problems. People who use lemongrass for medicinal purposes may take special preparations of the plant by mouth, apply them to the skin, or breathe in the plant’s scent.
