Lemon Grass A medicinal plant in your own yard

This plant is used in cardiac ailments, itching, nervous disorders, cough and fever.

- Dr. Vasundhara Bhupathi

Lemon grass is the source of 'Lemon grass Oil' obtained from the leaves and shoot of the plant. The lemon grass oil is mainly used in the manufacture of perfume for soaps, hair oils, scents and medicines. It also has the antibacterial properties. Lonone prepared from the citral present in lemon grass oil is one of the most important raw materials for the preparation of vitamin 'A'. In addition to its use in perfumery, lonone is used in certain kinds of confectionery and liquors. lonone can be prepared either directly from the lemon grass oil or from the citral obtained from the oil. The oil can be used to improve the flavour of some fish and can be used to flavour wines, sauces, etc. It can also be used for headaches and toothaches and for baths and fomentations, particularly in female complaints. It is used as a diuretic agent and as an insect repellent.