The vibrant scent of lemongrass instantly transports me back to my childhood kitchen, watching my lolo add it to his delicious dishes, like chicken binakol. That fragrant, citrusy aroma is both comforting and invigorating. But lemongrass is more than just a culinary delight. In Halamanism*, plants have stories to tell, lessons to share. Lemongrass, with its sharp leaves and potent fragrance, speaks of centeredness, joy, and the importance of staying true to your path. Its very essence whispers warnings: stray from the right direction, and you might get cut. Beyond its culinary uses, lemongrass is a powerful healer and spiritual protector. Join me as we explore the many gifts of this incredible botanical ancestor.
Pictured: Lol'lot ngo Monok (A Bagobo-Klatas tribe, Davao, Mindanao). This is a specialty dish made with grated coconut, chicken (or other meat of choice), lemongrass, and seasonings stuffed into a bamboo, and cooked over fire.
What is Lemongrass?
Lemongrass or Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf, is a perennial grass (perennial=It's a plant that dies back in the winter and re-emerges in the spring) with long and slender lanceolate leaves, with a citrusy aroma that can get as long as 1 meter and as wide as 2 cm. But the real strong scent, in my opinion, is at the base of each stalk. When cut in slices, especially for cooking, it just smells so amazing and uplifting to the senses.
The History of Lemongrass in the Philippines
Lemongrass has long been cultivated in the Philippines, where it is known as "tanglad" in most Filipino ethnolinguistic languages, or "barani" in Ilocano. Used for centuries in traditional medicine, Filipino communities have relied on lemongrass for its therapeutic benefits, including its ability to aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system. It has also played a significant role in Filipino cuisine, adding a distinct citrusy flavor to soups, stews, and teas. I especially love it in chicken tinola (a chicken stew with green papaya, malunggay or spinach, and ginger). Additionally, lemongrass has been a key ingredient in herbal remedies, often brewed into teas or infused in oils for its healing properties.
Since the 17th century, lemongrass has been sourced and exported from the Philippines by other countries for use in fragrance production. European traders and perfumers sought out its aromatic and refreshing scent to create high-quality essential oils and perfumes. The Philippines quickly became a vital supplier of lemongrass oil, helping to shape the global perfume industry. The demand for Philippine-grown lemongrass contributed to the expansion of local agriculture, providing economic opportunities for farmers and strengthening the country’s role in the international trade of botanical extracts. Over time, the Philippines has continued to be a major exporter of lemongrass essential oils and hydrosols, sustaining its legacy as a key player in the fragrance and wellness industries worldwide.
Properties of Lemongrass and its Active Constituents:
Lemongrass is considered a tonic and an astringent, firming connective tissues and creating overall balance and well-being. It contains tannins, sulfur (playing a role in healing, disinfecting, and preventing infections), iron, citral (fragrance), terpenes, limonene, and dipentene. This is probably more than what you need to know, but still interesting to see what makes this plant famously effective and sought after for its pleasant scent.
Benefits of Lemongrass:
- An astringent and antiseptic, toning and clarifying the skin while reducing the appearance of pores.
- Aromatherapeutic for uplifting mood
- Insect repellent
- Digestive aid
- Diuretic
- Lung strengthener
- Reduce inflammation
- Alleviate pain from minor aches and muscle tension.
- Boosts immunity
- Antimicrobial
- Antipyretic (reduces fever)
- Lowers blood pressure
- Removes negative energies
How to Use Lemongrass:
1. For sprains, arthritis, and neuralgia
- Use leaves and roots (base of the leaves). Cut into pieces and cook on medium heat in coconut oil to infuse the oil. Strain and cool.
2. For dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
- Boil one whole stalk and leaves (if there are roots, even better) in 4 cups of water. Add a pinch of black pepper to your decoction. Reduce to 2 cups. Drink 1 cup, warm.
3. For gas and bloating
- Cut up the stalk into 1/2 inch slices and heat in coconut oil or other oil of your choice. Allow to cool and apply to abdominal area.
- Warm compress of boiled lemongrass decoction may be used in lieu of the oil.
4. For fever
- Slice the lemongrass and thumb-size ginger into smaller pieces. Prepare a decoction of the combined herbs by boiling them in 4 cups of water and reducing to one cup. Strain and sip while hot.
5. For use as a mouthwash
- Cooked version - In 2 cups of water, boil about 6 inches of sliced stalk. Boil 5 minutes and remove from heat. Strain and allow to cool. Use as a rinse after brushing your teeth.
- Uncooked version - In a high powered blender, add 4 cups of water and 6 inch sliced stalk. Blend well. Strain through a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve. Refrigerate any unused portion up to 7 days. If the solution is too strong or intense in flavor, you may add more water.
6. For use as a vaginal wash
- Create a decoction: In a 2 quarts of water (about 8 cups), boil one stalk of lemongrass, cutting the base part into slices. The leaves may be bunched and knotted together. Be careful not to cut yourself! The leaves are sharp going one way, towards the stalk. You may also cut the leaves into 3 inch pieces or whatever size you like. Boil down to half. Strain, let cool, and use accordingly.
Note: When boiling herbs, it is preferable to use stainless steel, ceramic, or glass pots. You can easily get special ceramic pots at your local Chinatown herbal shops or Amazon.
Skincare Benefits
Lemongrass is a versatile and refreshing addition to any skincare routine. Renowned for its astringent and antiseptic properties, it effectively tones and clarifies the skin, making it an excellent choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Its gentle nature helps to balance sebum production, reduce the appearance of pores, and combat blemishes without causing dryness or irritation. Lemongrass also protects the skin from environmental stressors and promotes a healthy, radiant complexion. Its soothing scent is aromatherapeutic, perfect for a brightening not only your skin, but also uplifting your mood. Skin looks better when you're happy! I highly recommend trying our Bayabas Guava Leaf Skin Elixir, scented with lemongrass and geranium essential oils.
Spiritual Significance and Uses
Lemongrass hydrosol carries a vibrant energy that is deeply cleansing on both physical and spiritual levels. Traditionally used in purification rituals, it is believed to dispel negative energies and restore balance to the mind and spirit. Its crisp, citrusy scent invigorates the senses, promoting mental clarity, focus, and a sense of renewal. Burning lemongrass bundles in your space or around your aura can help clear away stagnant energy, making room for positive intentions and fresh beginnings.
Using Herbalaria's Tanglad Lemongrass Hydrosol is also a powerful aid in meditation, helping to center the mind and enhance spiritual awareness. Used as part of your daily cleansing ritual, during meditation, or simply as a refreshing mist (we recommend refrigerating for a cool mist), lemongrass hydrosol brings a sense of purity and lightness to your spiritual practice.
Experience the holistic benefits of lemongrass hydrosol and elevate both your skincare and spiritual rituals with this natural, revitalizing essence. I hope that you enjoyed learning a little bit more about this versatile healing plant.
Share a story of your relationship with tanglad. I'd love to hear your thoughts and experience with our plant relative, lemongrass. 🌿😊
* Halamanism is the reclaiming and asserting of Philippine plant medicine away from westernized concepts of herbalism and returning to indigenous practices and beliefs systems of plant relationships rooted in the pre-colonial spirituality of animism.
Resources:
- Agravante, M.D., Reyes, A.G., Reyes, J.G., & Santiago F.I. (1985). "Philippine Plants: Their medicinal, culinary, and cosmetic values." Rex Book Store, Manila, Philippines.
- De Guzman-Ladion, H. (1985). "Healing Wonders of Herbs." Philippine Publishing House, Manila, Philippines.
- Rummel, D.J. (1998). "Cosmetic Uses of Philippine Medicinal Herbs." Anvil Publishing, Inc., Pasig City, Philippines.
- Society of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (Gwalior India). Jan-Mar 2011"Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Cymbopogon citratus, stapf (Lemon grass)." https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3217679/ Accessed 2/10/25