Lemongrass is a common flavor additive in cooking but can also be added to lotions and other body care products, homemade and chemical free cleaning products and even be used in creams as a natural medication with virtually no side effects. Listed below are several ways to incorporate lemongrass into your daily routine.
Cooking
Lemongrass is one of the oldest flavor enhancing herbs around. It has been used for centuries as a quick and easy way to add distinct flavor to all kinds of dishes.
Lemongrass Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- ¼ cup chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 3 cups chopped pac choi or boc choi
- 1 drop lemongrass essential oil
Directions
Whisk the soy sauce, chicken stock, lemongrass essential oil and sugar together. Set aside. Heat oil in a large pan and add the chicken. Cook for 4 minutes and then add the onion, garlic, pac choi or boc choi and carrot. Cook for an additional 4 minutes or until the chicken is cooked. Add the soy sauce mixture to the pan and cook for 5 minutes or until all vegetables are tender. Serve over a bed of rice. If desired, garnish with peanuts, cilantro and sriracha.
Taj Mahal Curry
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic
- 1 apple, chopped
- 2 tablespoons raisins
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon agar powder
- 2 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 2 drops black cumin essential oil
- 1 cup green peas
- 2 cups chopped carrots
- 2 potatoes, chopped
Directions
Take the chopped onion, apple and garlic and combine with peanut butter, raisins, curry powder, water, soy sauce and agar powder in a large bowl. Mix to combine and then pour in a pot. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for a few minutes. Shut off the heat and add the essential oils. Steam the peas, carrots and potatoes. Stir the steamed vegetables into the curry sauce. Serve over brown rice if desired.
Note: When cooking with essential oils, always make sure that your chosen brand is labeled GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe).
Cleaning
Eucalyptus essential oil is a great natural cleaner for the home. Not only does it leave a pleasant scent, it kills bacteria and disinfects surfaces safely. It is great for homes with children and pets since there is no leftover chemical residue like with store bought cleaners. The solutions still need to be stored safely though and should avoid contact with the eyes. They should never be consumed.
Kitchen and All Purpose Cleaner
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons castile soap
- 15 drops lemongrass essential oil
- water as needed
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Use as much water as needed. Use the cleaner to clean stove tops, counters and other surfaces. It will disinfect and also leave your home smelling fresh and clean.
Other Tips
- Place a few drops of lemongrass essential oil and use it directly on greasy surfaces.
- Add lemongrass essential oil to hot water and castile soup with a splash of vinegar to clean floors throughout the home. If there is a stubborn scuff mark, place a few drops on a rag to buff out the mark.
- Add a few drops of lemongrass to your laundry before you start the machine for a boost in disinfecting power and a pleasant scent.
- Add 15 drops of lemongrass essential oil to a small glass spray bottle and fill with distilled water to make a quick and easy air freshener. Spray to instantly fresh up stale air.
Body Care
Lemongrass oil is great for your skin and hair. It is disinfecting and also acts as a natural deodorant. As with all essential oils, use caution when applying to the skin. If any sign of irritation or rash appears, discontinue use.
Lemongrass Deodorant
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons beeswax granule
- 1 ¼ tablespoon shea butter
- 1 ¼ tablespoon coconut oil
- ½ tablespoon bentonite clay
- ½ tablespoon baking soda
- 10 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 6 drops rosemary essential oil
Directions
In a double boiler, melt together the beeswax, coconut oil and shea butter. Stir well. Remove from heat and pour into a glass container. Whisk in the baking soda and clay. Take caution to keep the clay from touching any metal; it can negatively react. Let the solution cool for a bit and then stir in the essential oils. Use new deodorant sticks or reuse a finished one. Pour the mixture into the container. Leave the cap off while the deodorant dries. Use as normal and as desired.
Healing Skin Tonic
Ingredients
- 2 ounces witch hazel
- 10 drops tea tree essential oil
- 8 drops lemon essential oil
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops lemongrass essential oil
Directions
Mix all ingredients together in a small spray bottle. Shake gently to mix well. To use, spray lightly on the face after washing and drying it. Use daily. May also be sprayed onto hands as a natural hand sanitizer.
Lemongrass Body Wash
Ingredients
- 1 4 ounce bar soap, grated
- 2-3 cups distilled water
- 1 tablespoon glycerin
- 10 drops lemongrass essential oil
Directions
If it is not already, grate the bar of soap. Combine the soap and water in a saucepan and bring to a low boil. Turn off the heat and stir in the glycerin. Add the lemongrass essential oil and stir. Allow the solution to cool before pouring it into a container. Use like any other body wash. It is normal to be thinner than commercial body wash.
Lemongrass Bug Repellent
Ingredients
- 4 ounces distilled water
- 3 ounces witch hazel
- ½ teaspoon glycerin
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 10 drops rosemary essential oil
- 20 drops lemongrass essential oil
Directions
Mix all ingredients together in a spray bottle. Shake well to mix. Shake before each use. Spray as needed on exposed skin and clothing to repel bugs, including mosquitoes.
