12 Amazing Uses for Lemongrass

There are a lot of uses for lemongrass from culinary to cleaning to gardening benefits. If you are growing lemongrass, you will want to explore these 12 great ways to use lemongrass!

12 Amazing Uses for Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a wonderful herb to grow in your garden. This citrusy ornamental grass that looks great in landscaping while having uses inside your home and kitchen. If you have decided to grow your own lemongrass you may be looking for ways to use it. Many gardeners that plant this herb for its mosquito repellent properties are surprised to see how useful it can be.

Learn hot to grow lemongrass!

Culinary uses for lemongrass

Lemongrass is a great way to add a slight lemon flavor to your food. Like using chives in your kitchen, a little can go a long way for adding something special to a meal. Due to Lemongrass’s woody texture, it should be finely chopped or removed from the dish before serving.

1. One of my favorite ways to use lemongrass in the kitchen is to add a dash of flavor to rice. You can do this by finely chopping it and adding directly to the rice or by placing it in a muslin sack and dropping it in with the rice before cooking.

2. Lemongrass makes an amazing addition to Asian dishes including your favorite stir-fry recipes. It is a particularly great addition to stir-fry vegetables adding flavor and depth with its hints of citrus.
Get the recipe for Thai red curry with shrimp, pumpkin, and spinach

3. Add lemongrass to favorite dishes for a surprise touch. Soups and stews often do well with an addition of lemongrass. Add a stalk or two with the outer leaves removed and remove before serving to add a touch of lemongrass flavor.

4. Chicken and fish dishes can often take a flavorful hint from fresh lemongrass. Add to your marinades or sprinkle on while sautéing for a wonderful change from the ordinary. This is particularly good for anyone looking for a more subdued flavor than adding fresh lemon juice.

5. Lemongrass tea can be especially soothing. Lemongrass blends well with green tea and most other herbal teas giving them a hint of lemon flavor without adding lemon juice. Lemongrass tea tastes best blended from the leaves than the woody base used for most cooking applications.
Get the recipe for Lemongrass Ginger Tea (Dairy-free Herbal Tea)

6. The light citrus flavor of lemongrass is great for making flavored simple syrup for flavoring drinks and cocktails. This syrup can be used in everything from adult beverages to iced tea for a unique touch.
Get the recipe for Passion Iced Tea Lemonade Recipe

7. Lemongrass can make a great addition to fresh summer salads. Cut down to the tender base of the stalk where you find the bulb in the bottom 3-4 inches. Remove the woody outer leaves revealing the tender middle. Crush this and finely chop to sprinkle on salads for a hit of citrus.

Uses for lemongrass around the home

Lemongrass may be best known for its usefulness in repelling mosquitoes and ticks. This makes it a great option for in your home but there are a few other great ways to get use of it.

8. Lemongrass makes a great insect repellent. Placing a pan of water with lemongrass over your fire pit or on your grill is a great way to spread the fragrance around a large area to help repel insects. Likewise, you can toss handfuls of lemongrass fresh or dried into your summer bonfires to help repel mosquitoes.
Click here for a great Lemongrass Mosquito and Bug Repellent Recipe

9. Simmering lemongrass indoors can release its aroma filling your home in a calming and stress-reducing aromatherapeutic fragrance. Simmering lemongrass releases the natural essential oils in the plant allowing you to enjoy the stress-reducing aromatherapy benefits of lemongrass right from your garden. Sip the tea produced for an added effect.

10. Lemongrass can make a great flea repelling dog rinse. While you should not feed your dog large quantities of lemongrass as it can lead to issues just like any other grass it is fairly safe to use around and on your dog. (Double-check with your vet to be sure!) A great way to do this is to boil a handful of lemongrass in a few cups of water and let it steep until the water is cooled to the touch. Strain this mixture and use it as a spray or rinse after washing your dog. Not only will this lemongrass rinse smell amazing it will also help repel insects for a few days.

11. Lemongrass has healing benefits that makes it worth a try for many. It has been shown to aid in lowering inflammation levels due to the antioxidants present in this herb. You can get the benefits of lemongrass from cooking with it, drinking lemongrass tea, and using a healing balm containing lemongrass.
Click here for a great DIY Inflammation Fighting Bath Salts forumla!

12. Lemongrass can be used in furniture polish. Warm 1 cup of linseed oil or mineral oil to a light simmer. Add in 1/2 cup dried lemongrass and allow the oil to simmer for 10 minutes. Remove heat and let cool. After cooling strain the oil and use as furniture polish that renews and shines your furniture while leaving behind a light fragrance.
Note: if you have wood furniture, use these expert tips on how to care for wood furniture.

Uses for lemongrass in the garden

Even in your garden lemongrass can be useful. Growing lemongrass near doors and entryways can help prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. Growing near areas you plant to entertain can help protect your summer guests from insects while you enjoy warm summer nights.
Learn how to grow lemongrass!

Note: None of this is meant as medical advice. I am not a doctor and do not play one on the internet. Please consult a physician if you have any questions about using lemongrass so your doctor can better explain to you the benefits, possible side effects, and any warnings about lemongrass.

● For more Gardening Posts on Ann’s Entitled Life, click here.