Beauty of Lemon Grass (Compost)

Health Benefits

Lemongrass contains several flavonoids that function as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. In their antioxidant capacity, flavonoids prevent damage to cells that can lead to long-term diseases such as heart disease or arthritis. One flavonoid in lemongrass called luteolin has the ability to slow the growth and hasten the death of certain types of cancer cells, according to research published in the August 2012 issue of the “European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences.” Luteolin also has such strong anti-inflammatory abilities that it may be able to treat some symptoms of multiple sclerosis, as well as lung infections or acute lung injury. The essential oils in lemongrass add to these benefits, as they also slow the growth of cancer cells, especially in liver and breast cancers and leukemia, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

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Lemon Grass Butter for toast, pasta, vegetables or cooked meat.

1

Bruise the lemongrass to enable it to release its flavor into the butter. First, slice off the bottom of the stalk to peel away the dry outer layers of the vegetable. Once the tender inner portion of the lemongrass is visible, wash it to remove traces of dirt. A rolling pin works well to smash the stalks; when you have bruised the lemongrass, it will release a strong aroma. Use one stalk per quarter-cup of butter for strong lemongrass butter. For added flavor, toss in some minced ginger or garlic with the bruised lemongrass.

2

Heat the butter in a saucepan over low heat; the goal is to melt the butter so it warms, not fries, the lemongrass. Once the butter has melted, add the bruised stalks to create the lemongrass butter. The longer you leave the stalks heating in the butter, the stronger its flavor will be; anything over 30 minutes, however, is unnecessary. Use a slotted spoon to lift the lemongrass from the butter or use a strainer for a cleaner consistency. Unless you plan to use them in a vegetable blend, there is no need to save the stalks.

3

Serve the lemongrass butter hot, tossed with pasta, steamed vegetables or cooked meat. It also works as a spread on garlic bread before toasting and infuses anything seared or sauteed in it with a pleasant flavor. If you are using the lemongrass butter as a dip, portion it in small cups at least 10 minutes before serving it.

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Simple refreshing drink for fasting month.

Smash two lemongrass and put into a jar of ice cold water.

Mosquito Repellent

Don't throw away the used lemongrass.  Just leave it on a plate for two to three days as mosquito repellent.