sa lemongrass

Vietnamese Plant Index

Sa (Lemongrass)
Cymbopogon citratus

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From the Literature:

Sa, or lemongrass, is a perennial herb widely cultivated in the tropics and subtropics. It is in the same grass family as citronella and palmarosa. The plant grows in dense clumps up to 2 meters in diameter and has leaves up to 1 meter long. The plants need a warm, humid climate in full sun. They grow well in sandy soils with adequate drainage. Lemongrass oil is yellow or amber in color and antiseptic. The oil's quality is generally determined by the content of citral, the aldehyde responsible for the lemon odor. Lemongrass is often used in herbal teas, baked goods, and confections. It is frequently used in Asian cooking as seasoning and as a meat marinade. Oil from lemongrass is widely used as a fragrance in perfumes and cosmetics.

(Source: http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/med-aro/factsheets/LEMONGRASS.html)

Homegardener Knowledge

"They (my family) used lemongrass for cold medicine. When you got a cold and couldn't breathe, you steam
it in a big pot and breathe it in."

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