Lemongrass House

Lemongrass, known as ‘ Xa’ in Vietnamese, is a tall, perennial grass which is native to the tropical regions of Asia. It is a coarse and tufted plant with linear leaves that grow in thick bunches, standing up to 3 meters in height. Its hardiness allows it to grow in arid conditions, and in many types of soil, meaning it is available abundantly year round in Vietnam. Known for its sweet, lemony fragrance, adds a wonderful depth of flavor to many dishes, is used as a marinade for grilled beef, stewed chicken and curries, and infuses a distinct citrus flavor into broths and soups.  The bulb and stalk have a tough, fibrous texture and can be chopped or crushed for use in cooking.

Though found year-round in markets, lemongrass harvests peaks in warm weather months. It is easy to cultivate as you can actually stick a fresh stalk into the ground, and with regular watering, it will grow. While a favorite in every Vietnamese household as a food source, it has also been used for centuries as a medicinal herb due to the incredible number of health benefits contained within.

Lemongrass tea is used to treat the common cold and flu due its antibacterial and antifungal properties which help to fight infection, and its high Vitamin C content boosts immunity. Next time you feel under the weather, boil a few stalks in water and add some cinnamon or honey to create a quick, home-brewed remedy. Even if you are feeling great, regular intake of lemongrass tea aids digestion and cleanses the liver, kidneys and pancreas, while improving blood circulation throughout the body.

Recent studies have shown it to be very successful both in preventing and treating cancer. It contains numerous antioxidants that fight free radicals, due to a chemical compound called citral that causes the destruction of cancer cells, particularly in breast and skin cancer. Moreover, it is effective in reducing the symptoms of arthritis, Type 2 Diabetes,  insomnia, and depression. New mothers in Vietnam are often given it to promote the production of breast milk, making it truly one of nature’s ‘super herbs’!

In Vietnam, the health and wellness industry is booming, and Nha Trang is home to a multitude of spa and relaxation locations in which to unwind and restore yourself. Lemongrass is used in a variety of spa products – its astringency being ideal for exfoliation, firming the skin and limiting oily secretions from the pores.  As a result, it is highly prized as an anti-aging product and is one of the secrets of the immaculately clear and youthful skin of Vietnamese women.

However, you do not need to visit a spa in order to obtain some of these benefits.  Lemongrass House is a recently established store devoted to the provision of natural, handmade lemongrass products for personal care and professional beauty treatments. Having initially started as a supplier of lemongrass based products to hotels and spas, it has since expanded into an international franchise with retail locations all over the globe. Now a well-known brand worldwide, it has been featured in Time Magazine’s “Best of Asia” and on Discovery Channel. Its product range includes handcrafted massage oils, skin creams, shampoo and body wash, soaps and aromatherapy oils designed to improve your health and well-being. It even has a full range of pet products because lemongrass acts a repellent of lice and ticks, and gives a healthy sheen to your dog’s coat.

The packaging is been beautifully designed in ornately shaped bottles and jars, and the company makes a commitment to use only recyclable and biodegradable inputs throughout the entire production process. The store is decked out in natural wood shelving which houses a huge collection of wares –  the calming aroma of lemongrass wafting ever presently throughout as you peruse the displays.

A team of expert staff is on hand, and happy to advise you on the best products for your particular needs with test products available in each section. Not limited to only lemongrass based mixtures, you will find products oils distilled from lavender, tea tree, spearmint, and sandalwood. For the skin, there is a complete selection of hydrates created from aloe vera, mango, coconut oil, apricots and almonds, to name but a few.

So, if you are looking for a remedy to treat a specific ailment, seeking a cosmetic to improve your appearance and vitality, or perhaps want a unique gift to take back home, visit Lemongrass House and see what they have to offer. Your body will thank you!