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Lemongrass isn't just for repelling mosquitoes.

This plant has multiple uses and benefits that few people know about.

A few years ago an old farmer gave me a bunch of lemongrass stalks and said:

"Put these stems in the water and they'll grow back on their own."

He also showed me how to cut it and use the inner part of the lemongrass to eat it.

It smelled so good when he cut it and since then I can't do without it at home.

Now I use lemongrass to add flavor to the dishes I cook.

A slightly lemony flavor in rice, a little spicy in smoothies, but also in sautéed vegetables and in soups.

And when you have read all the benefits it has on health, I am sure that you too will not be able to do without it!

Here's how to plant and grow lemongrass, and how to use it to reap all its benefits. You'll see, it's super easy to grow lemongrass.

How to grow lemongrass?

Lemongrass is a subtropical plant that cannot stand too low temperatures.

If you live in a cold area, grow your lemongrass in a pot so you can bring it indoors in the winter.

In the open ground, grow your lemongrass in full sun, with plenty of water, in rich, well-drained soil.

If you are growing it in a pot, fill the pot with compost or put some earthworms in it.

Aerate the soil every 2 weeks, to make sure that the nutrients are renewed.

The advantage of lemongrass is that it grows naturally and quickly as soon as it feels good. It requires little maintenance.

Be aware that there are different varieties of lemongrass, although this is not necessarily specified when you buy it.

Lemongrass is found either in the form of seeds or in the form of plants.

Lemongrass germinates in a maximum of 1 or 2 weeks and the seed has a high germination rate.

Put the seeds in moist soil and a warm place until they germinate.

Transplant them into a pot when the shoots are about six inches tall.

Remember to space them about 5 to 7 cm apart so that the roots have enough space and thus develop properly.

If you want to cut your own lemongrass from store bought stems, just place them in a vase with 2 to 5 cm of water.

Then let nature do it until the roots start to develop. Remember to change the water every 2 days.

How to harvest and use lemongrass?

Once you start to see new leaves developing, this is a sign that the lemongrass has enough roots to be transplanted into a large pot.

To harvest a lemongrass stalk, grasp it firmly near the base and pull out.

The white kernel of lemongrass is what is used in cooking.

As for the leaves, use them to make an infusion with a slightly lemony taste.

Remove the green leaves and finely chop them. You can also grate the white part of the lemongrass.

Now you are wondering how to use lemongrass from the garden?

I use lemongrass to flavor the rice. For this, I put the chopped lemongrass in a muslin bag that I put in the water for cooking the rice. Once the cooking is done, just remove the bag.

Here's another recipe with lemongrass that I love: Thai chicken thighs.

What are the benefits of lemongrass?

In infusion, lemongrass helps to better digest and calm stomach cramps.

It also helps reduce bloating and the "small can" effect after a good meal.

Its bactericidal properties make it an excellent ally for treating sore throats and colds.

For this, drink 3 cups of lemongrass infusion per day from the first symptoms.

Lemongrass is also effective in combating stress or anxiety. An infusion of lemongrass before bed is perfect for relaxing.

It also has a hypoglycemic effect which helps lower blood sugar levels.

It is also a pain reliever known to relieve arthritis or relieve tendonitis or a strain.

Diuretic and draining, it is perfect for a detox treatment once or twice a year. Add lemongrass to your detox juices to amplify their effect. Discover the list of ingredients here.

To fight cellulite naturally, massage with a little lemongrass essential oil.

Finally, lemongrass is an effective repellent against mosquitoes, moths and aphids.

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Also to discover:

11 Mosquito Repellent Plants You Should Have In Your Home.

10 Vegetables You Can Grow In Your Home Endlessly!