Tip of the Week: Plant This to Repel Mosquitoes

Lemongrass is a perennial bushy herb that tastes and smells like lemon. The stem of this plant can be up to one and a half feet high, and the plant looks like a cane. The smooth leaves of the lemongrass are bluish-green color. The flowers of the lemongrass gather in spiky inflorescence, however, this plant rarely blooms.

How To Grow Lemongrass

Lemongrass adapts well to all soil types. You can plant it in places where is warmer and lighter, but not where there is too much direct sunlight. Sow the lemongrass seeds in the soil for germination from January to early March. The optimum germination temperature is 20 to 25 ° C, and in these conditions, the plant will sprout in 20 to 40 days. You should keep the soil moist but not too wet. When the seedlings are large enough, you should transplant them into cups and later into pots of appropriate size.

Lemongrass does not tolerate ice and low temperatures. So the plant should be kept in a cool, but not too cold place during the winter. Watering should also be reduced during this period.

There is not much use for young plants, but plants that are several years old and have thick shoots can be used for drying. In order to restore vegetation, you need to trim the low-growing stems in the fall.

Lemongrass Uses

According to studies, lemongrass possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, sedative and anxiolytic properties. It’s loaded with compounds like citronellal, terpinolene, and myrcene.

HEALTH BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH LEMONGRASS:
It is loaded with antioxidants.
Lemongrass is a great diuretic.
Lemongrass essential oil helps with infections.
Lemongrass helps deal with stomach and joint pains.
Lemongrass helps lower blood pressure.
Lemongrass Helps reduce cholesterol levels.
Lemongrass detoxifies the body.
Lemongrass relieves headaches.
Lemongrass promotes relaxation and helps deal with anxiety

LEMONGRASS REPELS MOSQUITOES
Lemongrass has been knows for centuries for it’s mosquito repelling properties. In fact, citronella the essential oil found in Lemongrass is registered with the FDA. The essential oil of lemongrass is widely used in candles, sprays, and lotions. To help repel mosquitoes, plant lemongrass along walkways and in locations close to seating areas.
STUDIES PROVE LEMONGRASS HELPS WITH ANXIETY
You can use the herb’s essential oil to relieve headaches, joint and muscle pain resulting from a cold or flu. However, always dilute the essential oil because it’s quite strong.

According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, smelling lemongrass may help people with anxiety. Although some people already inhale lemongrass essential oil to relieve stress and anxiety, researchers still need more evidence to be able to confirm this benefit.