Izkhar Makki | Lemon Grass | Cymbopogon Jwarancusa Schult

1. Culinary Uses: Lemongrass is often used to add a lemony flavor to soups, curries, and teas. It's a key ingredient in dishes like Thai tom yum soup and Vietnamese pho. The stalks are usually bruised or chopped and added to dishes for flavor, then removed before serving.

2. Health Benefits: Lemongrass has been used in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits. It's thought to have antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It's also sometimes used to aid digestion and to help with symptoms like bloating and indigestion.

3. Essential Oil: Lemongrass essential oil is used in aromatherapy and as a natural insect repellent. It's also used in some skincare products for its purported antimicrobial and soothing properties.

4. Cultivation: Lemongrass is a hardy plant that thrives in warm, tropical climates. It can be grown in gardens or in pots indoors in cooler climates. The plant grows in clumps and the stalks are harvested for culinary and medicinal uses.

When using lemongrass, it's typically the lower, thicker part of the stalk that is used, and it should be chopped or smashed to release its essential oils and flavor.