Day 6:THE HISTORY OF LEMON GRASS AND IT USES ACROSS GENERATION.
Amarachi Anastasia Okoro@amarachiokoro
4 months ago
Lemongrass has been used in cooking and herbal medicine for at least five thousand years. The plant has deep historical roots in Asian and African cultures as well. Lemongrass has been cultivated in different part of Africa especially in the Eastern part two thousand years. The locals would use this beverage to treat fevers, irregular menstruation, diarrhea and stomachaches. It is also used the oil to treat fungal infections of the skin. The Igbos used the herb in similar ways, to treat headaches, stomachaches, colds and sore muscles and joints. It is one of the most common herbs for digestive issues in Igbo and it’s oil reduce blood pressure. This easily cultivated herb is known as Koko oba in Yoruba, Achara ehi in Igbo, Ikonti in Efik and Myoyaka in Ibibio. It is commonly used for making tea and in some Delta pepper soups and pottages. It is also a deterrent to the tsetse fly and snakes.
Lemongrass has grown in the wild in the tropical and semitropical parts of Asia and Africa for centuries, however, only cultivated plants are used today for oil production. Today, India produces the largest quantity of lemongrass oil in the world. When lemongrass is planted, it produces very little yield in its first year. The second and third year are a bit better with the third and fourth year producing the most product. Volume slows down in the fifth and sixth year where the plant is then removed for a new crop. To thrive, lemongrass requires bright sunlight for most of the day with times of light shade. It also needs damp soil with an excellent drainage system. The plant can adapt to many landscapes though. It is a common plant in home herb gardens and greenhouses, especially in areas with harsh winters that would cause the leaves and roots of the plant to die.
Lemongrass is widely used for a variety of purposes, many of which involve the essential oil that can be extracted from its leaves. The essential oil of lemongrass has a high percentage (75%) of the compound citral, which is a widely coveted component of many perfumes, cosmetics, and beverages due to its strong citrus-like aroma and taste. It is also commonly used for soaps, detergents, and insect repellents. Lemongrass is considered a staple ingredient in many Africa countries. Oil, stems and leaves are used to add a zesty flavor to dishes like curries, soups, sauces, and teas.
Photocredit: opera mini
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