Tonic remedy, strengthening berry, invigorating berry, medicine of royal dynasties, berry of five flavors, “elixir of life” – all this is lemongrass. In this article, you will take a closer look at the “miracle plant” and learn everything about this unique herb.
What is lemon grass?
Lemongrass (also called Chinese Schizandra) is a deciduous or evergreen liana, a sedge-like plant with a strong and vigorous stem capable of reaching 15 meters in height. There are about 25 species of lemongrass, the best known of which is the Chinese lemongrass.
Most of the species occur in Asian countries. In our country, lemongrass grows above all in soils rich in humus. It often grows in places where there were forest fires. It has nothing to do with citrus: its name is due to its lemon aroma.
Lemongrass is a perennial plant and belongs to the limonaceae (or schizandra) family. The schizandra has a long, branched, rough stem that wraps around other plants. The bark is yellow when young and brown when mature. The leaves also vary in colour: they are lighter on the underside and darker and darker green on the upper side.
The flowers are pink or white in color and have a pleasant fragrance. They produce red berries in clusters of 30-35 berries. Schizandra berries have an unusual flavor. The uses of lemongrass are very wide: medicine, cooking, cosmetics and perfumery. Lemongrass is also planted specifically for decorating gardens and parks. Lemongrass has been useful since ancient times. Today it is one of the most valuable and useful plants.
chemical composition of magnolia
Magnolia is extremely diverse from a chemical point of view. Scientists have found tonic substances, organic acids (citric, acetic and tartaric acids), sugars, elements of biological importance, volatile oils, tannins, fatty oils, ash, starch, complex carbohydrates, pectin, resin.
lignanos
Lignans, or tonic substances, occupy a small place in the chemical composition of the plant. Schizandrine and schizandrol (tonic substances) only represent 0. 012% and tocophero l-0. 03%. It is due to the presence of lignans in the plant that lemongrass is recognized as a tonic.
Essential oil
Lemongrass essential oil is produced industrially. The main methods are solvents extraction, distillation (liquid evaporation) and pressing. The final essential oil is usually yellow or light green. Surprisingly, the oil produced from the seeds does not have a taste as pleasant as the oil produced from the bark or leaves. The essential oil has a bitter taste.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is present in Schizandra’s berry and it is estimated that 100 grams of berries of Schizandra are enough to meet the daily needs of vitamin C. Important: thermal treatment destroys vitamin C, but ascorbic acid remains in dry berries.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E (tocopherol) of lemon grass is present in the seeds, but not in large quantities. During the processing, vitamin E is well preserved in lemon grass oil.
Organic acids
Organic acids represent up to 20% of the total composition. Citric, Malic and Tartaric acids occupy the first place between them.
Mineral salts
The Schizandra is a treasure of microelements. Scientists have discovered that it contains potassium, calcium, sodium, iron, zinc, aluminum and selenium. Surprisingly, these trace elements are present not only in the fruit, but also in their leaves.
Nutritional value and caloric content
100 grams of lemoncillo berries contain
- Calories – 11 kcal (about 0. 77% of daily needs)
- Proteins – 1 gram (1. 22%)
- Fats – 0 grams (0 %)
- Carbohydrates – 1. 9 grams (1. 48%)
- Dietary fiber – 0 grams (0%)
- Water – 0 grams (0%)
Luisa grass properties
It can be rightly said that Luisa grass is a unique plant that helps cope with many diseases and ailments.
Useful and medicinal properties
Schizandra is a herb that helps fight stagnation, energy loss, has a positive effect on the nervous system, strengthens heart muscle. It has antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal and anticancer effects.
Its therapeutic properties are numerous: it improves view, accelerates metabolism, is used for diseases such as impotence, depression, hypotension; It is used to treat anemia, respiratory, renal and liver conditions. Externally, the ointments and tinctures of lemon grass are used in dermatological diseases.
Important: After a week of use of lemon grass, sleep and performance improve, irritability and restlessness disappear.
Possible damage and contraindications
Attention! Schizandra is a strong medicinal substance, so it should only be used for preventive and curative purposes under the supervision of a specialist.
Do not use Luisa grass in case of hypertension, central nervous system disorders, peptic ulcer, acute heart disorders. Lemon grass is not recommended during pregnancy and people suffering from insomnia, as well as children.
Ways to use Magnolia
For disease treatment
Decoction
You can prepare a medicinal decoction in several ways. For example, to strengthen the immune system, dry leaves or berries are poured on hot water, they are left infusion and are taken before meals. To prevent heart disease, berries mix with boiling water and steamed. As a tonic, lemon grass leaves can be prepared along with black tea.
Infusion
Lemon grass infusion is used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. In this case, the fruits are crushed, alcohol is added, everything is placed in a glass container and about 5-7 days are insisted, the container must be stirred periodically.
Fact – This infusion is an excellent tool for depression and general fatigue.
Fruit tincture and lemon grass seeds
The tincture of the fruit and seeds of the magnolia is also used as a source of vitamins and as a tonic. It is very easy to prepare this tincture: the berries are crushed in a wooden container and hot water is added. After boiling, the tincture cools, squeezes and sneaks.
You can also prepare a tincture pouring freshly boiled water on the berries and leaving it in infusion for 5 or 6 hours. An infusion of seeds can also be prepared: they are placed in a thermos, boiling water is added and allowed to stand for 20-30 minutes. It is important to drink this infusion in small portions, a couple of times a day for 15-20 minutes before a meal.
Lemon grass tea
Te a-based tea, stems or berries of lemon grass. Honey, ginger and other ingredients can be added to enhance the taste.
Important: Do not drink tea drink in large quantities! Approximately 1 to 2 cups a day.
Lemon grass extract
Extract obtained from the fruit of the plant. Schizandra’s extract is an oily and viscous, yellow and lemon smell. Limon grass extract is a tonic, antitumoral and antifungal.
Syrup
The lemon grass syrup contains all the beneficial substances that the plant itself contains. Experts recommend taking this syrup in case of pain, decreased work capacity and energy loss. Lemongrass syrup is often used for stomach disorders and poisoning. In addition, lemongrass syrup increases blood pressure. Often syrup is used as an antipyretic and expectorant.
A good way to keep the Schizandra is to prepare a juice that can be stored and drink during the winter. To make the juice, the berries are squeezed and poured into sterilized jars.
IMPORTANT – Diluted juice with water, the without diluting drink is undesirable.
Lemongrass seed oil
Lemon grass seed oil is a unique nutritional complement. The oil – a great tonic that is also used for fatigue. Oil is widely used by athletes. The recommended daily dose is 1-3 drops.
Important – It is desirable to exclude the use of oil at night.
Schisandra oil can also be used for skin diseases, such as a wound healing agent.
Lemon grass pills
Schizandra pharmaceuticals also make tablets and capsules. Each tablet must be taken 2-3 times a day, preferably in the morning. Duration of use – 1 month.
Dust .
The dust is prepared from dry seeds. The seeds are ground in a coffee grinder and are taken in small amounts with an empty stomach.
Cosmetology
Many women use lemon grass to maintain the beauty of skin and hair. Lemon grass is used to make lotions, creams and masks.
Lemon grass for face skin
It has a toning effect even on the most tired skins. Lemongrass is an excellent ant i-aging remedy and helps reduce wrinkles. Lemongrass is also ant i-inflammatory and is indispensable against irritations or black points.
A facial lotion is a tincture based on nuts, water or vodka with honey. In addition to the tincture, Lemongrass essential oil is widely used. A few drops are added to an already prepared cream or a facial mask. Lemon grass can also be used to make facial masks. As additional ingredients, cream, sour cream, cottage cheese and eggs are used.
Capillary rinse
Capillary rinses are usually made with lemon grass leaves, but their berries can also be used. Limoncillo leaves are usually combined with chamomile or ortiga, boil with water and then cool.
To cook
Important: Wild rosemary is not used in natural state, but it can be used to make various desserts, such as jams, jams and drinks. Limoncillo berries are used in confectionery, liquor-vodka and food industries.
Lemongrass juice is an excellent ingredient to make kvas, syrups, soft drinks, sweets and jams.
When and how to collect the fruit of the Limoncillo
Limoncillo berries are collected at the beginning of autumn, when they are completely mature. The collection is done by starting the berries carefully. CAUTION: Avoid damaging the vine and the tree, as it will stop paying fruits. It is best to cut the berries with a sharp knife. Once collected, place them in a basket, barrel or enameled container. Important: Do not put them in a galvanized container.
How to dry lemon grass berries
Dry lemoncillo berries are often used. To dry them, select large, dense and dark fruits. For drying, clusters are carefully collected, spread through the material and manipulate thoroughly. Drying is done in two stages: first, the berries are allowed to dry in natural conditions for 2-3 days, during which they will wither.
The next stage is the final drying in dryers, in furnaces. Dry fruit should be stored in bags, bags, in dry and well ventilated premises. Useful life – within 1. 5-2 years. Lemongrass – A powerful tool known since ancient times. Without a doubt, with its proper use you can find beauty and longevity. However, you must remember that there is no “miraculous cure” – lemon grass is not a cure for everything, so use it with caution.
