Dry Lemongrass

What is dry lemongrass?

Cymbopogon citratus, often known as lemongrass, is an herbaceous plant characterized by its shrub-like appearance and notable lemon scent and taste. The species is indigenous to the tropical areas of Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Moreover, cultivating this plant in a domestic herb garden is extremely straightforward, making it an ideal choice for container gardening as well. Lemongrass, whether in its dried or fresh form, is often included in the preparation of herbal teas and several other beverages. In the culinary use of lemongrass, several forms of the plant's leaves, namely fresh, dried, or powdered, may be utilized. The ingredient is widely used in several Asian culinary traditions and imparts a captivating taste profile to a diverse range of soup and stew preparations.

The herb in question has a distinct and potent combination of lemony, herbaceous, and delightfully flowery flavors, which renders it suitable for enhancing the taste of many sweet and savory culinary preparations, as well as drinks. There are some who assert that its perfume bears resemblance to that of citronella. This correlation is not fortuitous, since the two plants have a tight genetic relationship.

How do I use dry lemongrass?

When compared to fresh lemongrass, desiccated lemongrass exhibits a diminished brilliance and a more earthy flavor in the form of cut stalks. However, it retains a certain degree of the fresh variety's complexity and serves as a reliable substitute for simmering in soups and curries.

Dry lemongrass benefits:

Numerous studies have shown many possible health advantages associated with the use of lemongrass. Lemongrass is known for its high content of flavonoids and phenolic chemicals, both of which are recognized for their antioxidant properties. Furthermore, it has potent antibacterial and antifungal effects while exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics.

◉ Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Lemongrass is recognized for its quercetin content, a kind of flavonoid that is renowned for its advantageous properties as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Quercetin has been seen to possess anti-inflammatory properties, hence impeding the proliferation of cancer cells and serving as a preventive measure against cardiovascular ailments.

◉ Reduced Cholesterol: Lemongrass is used in Africa as a therapeutic intervention for coronary heart disease. In research, rats were subjected to a seven-day treatment regimen, including the administration of lemongrass extract. The findings of this investigation revealed a substantial reduction in high cholesterol levels.

◉ Topical Antifungal: When topically applied, lemongrass essential oil has shown antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers looked at the topical administration of lemongrass oil to assess its effectiveness in treating fungal infections and inflammatory skin diseases in mice. While initial findings suggest potential efficacy in treating skin disorders, more investigation is required to establish its effectiveness.

◉ E. coli Infection: Consuming contaminated foods may lead to food poisoning as a result of E. coli bacterial infections. Additionally, it has the potential to induce urinary tract infections and pneumonia. Research conducted has shown that the use of lemongrass extract has notable efficacy in mitigating the toxicity associated with cultures of E. coli, hence offering potential therapeutic benefits for the treatment of bacterial infections inside the gastrointestinal system.

Where can I buy dry lemongrass?

Buy dried lemongrass from the health food store in the USA, Alive Herbals.

Dry lemongrass information (at a glance):