GARDEN HERBS: LEMON GRASS

This is the first of a series that I will be doing about herbs found in Asian gardens. I shall begin with lemon grass.
Scientific name: Cymbopogon ciatrus
synnonym : Andropogon schoenanthus
Family : Gramineae

Description
The fresh stalks and leaves have a clean lemonlike odour because they contain an essential oil, which is also present in lemon peel. Lemon grass is a long thick grass with leaves at the top and a solid portion several inches long at the root end. The lower portion is sliced or pounded and used in cooking. As a spice, fresh lemon grass is preferred for its vibrant flavour, but is also sold in dried form. The dried spice is available in several forms: chopped in slices, cut and sifted, powdered, or as an oil can be extracted from the plant.
Besides being used for cooking, it has medicinal properties. The grass is considered a diuretic, tonic and stimulant. It promotes good digestion, and a preparation of lemon grass with pepper has been used for relief of menstrual troubles and nausea. It induces perspiration, to cool the body and reduce a fever. It is well known as a mild insect repellent (citronella) and the essential oil is used in perfumery.
Lemon grass has been used for centuries in Indonesia and Malaysia by herbalists and in Ayurvedic herbalism. It is used in teas to combat depression and bad moods, fight fever and as well as nervous and digestive disorders. Studies show that lemon grass has antibacterial and antifungal properties. The oil is used to cleanse oily skin, and in aromatherapy it is used as a relaxant. Valued for its exotic citrus fragrance, it is commercially used in soaps, perfumes and as an ingredient in sachets.