This time I want about lemongrass, one the most versatile herbs used in Thai and other south east asian cuisines. Next post, we’ll explore the use of lemongrass in beauty and wellness.
Lemongrass (ตะไคร้ (takrai in Thai) is a tropical herb, actually 55 species of grasses. It’s commonly found and widely grown in Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Burma, India and in the southern part of Africa. There are many species of lemongrass, commonly referred to as “lemon grass”, “lemongrass”, “barbed wire grass”, “silky heads”, “citronella grass”, “fever grass” or “Hierba Luisa”.
Lemongrass is actually a genus of grass. It’s easy to grow, and the long tall stalks can grow to 1 meter tall with a width of 4-7 cm. The leafstalk is composed of many layers, like the skin of an onion. Lemongrass leaf has plenty of essential oils and is widely grown pretty much everywhere.
Lemongrass can be consumed and applied externally. It has a terrific lemony fragrance and hot and bitter flavors when used as a spice, which is why it’s widely used in the culinary world. Lemongrass is an integral ingredient in curries such as Thai red curry paste, green curry paste, kang som (sour curry), nam ya (fish curry paste), Kao Yam Pak Tai, Nam Prik Ong (Northern Style Chicken Chillie Paste), Kang Tai Pla (fish liver flavored curry), and southern rice salad. It’s so affordable.
Next week I’ll talk about using lemongrass in medicine and cosmetics.
You might be surprised how this Thai herb Turmeric has been used in various forms of skincare, cuisine and as a medical ingredient in Thailand since ancient times.
Turmeric is commonly found in tropical countries of Southeast Asia. It’s in the same family of plants as ginger, and much like ginger and galangal it has very bright yellow color. All parts of turmeric can be used. Usually it is boiled and dried out, then ground into powder. It’s then commonly used as a spice ingredient in curries. It has also been used for a long time as a medicine as antibacterial agent, a powerful anti-inflammatory for skin diseases, and possibly has benefits for Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, liver disorders and arthritis.
For cosmetics and skincare, turmeric has been a secret ingredient for asians, especially Thai women’s beautiful skin for many generations. It’s affordable and can be found everywhere. As I grew up I saw my grandmother and mother use turmeric powder as a skin scrub. This facial scrub is used to brighten skin and make the face younger looking.
My mom mixed it with other herbal ingredients and used it in a Thai herbal massage ball to heal herself after my sister’s birth delivery. Evert time she used it, we all also enjoyed the soothing aroma of turmeric is all over my house.
Easy recipe for using turmeric to brighten your skin and give you that baby face we all want:
Ingredients: a tiny bit of fresh turmeric, tamarind juice, honey, milk, a lime
Directions: Mix all ingredients together and massage all over your face avoiding the eye areas. You will notice that dead skin cells and acne will disappeared quickly. If you want to make a big batch to use later I recommend boiling all ingredients so they can keep for long long time.
Enjoy and give me some comments!
I want to talk about my favorite brand, Aveeno. I have been a fan of Aveeno since I came to the US. At first I used regular sunscreen and my skin got irritated and itchy until one time I had to go to Immergency Room. I had to pay $200 to find out that I can’t use any sunscreen with PABA. One of my friends recommended using Aveeno because some of her family members also had the same problem. That’s how Aveeno became part of my life.
I started with Aveeno Daily Body Moisturizer, Sunscreen, Intense Relief Hand Cream, Eye Serum, Facial Cleanser and now I’m using Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF15. I’m using as my daily facial moisturizer only when I’m working in the office. I like it because it’s oil-free, hypoallergenic, which is perfect for my allergy issues. I feel it’s not greasy and is absorbed fast. It made my skin soft and moist all day long. It’s perfect even during summer. I have combination/oily skin so I don’t apply too much on nose area.
What I like the most about Aveeno is that their products are unisex and gentle enough so we can apply even when our skin is sensitive and irritated. Both my husband and I can use together and get a great deal for 2 packs at Costco or nearby drugstores.
During our recent trip to Philadelphia we hung out at Rittenhouse Square and walked along Rittenhouse Row. Of couse there is Kiehl’s store there.
I went inside to buy Tree Tea Oil Toner because it’s almost run out. Bad news – it was discontinued. The staff recommended alternative new alcohol-free herbal extract toners like Rosewater Facial Freshener-, Calendula Herbal Extract but I wasn’t impressed with their smells – maybe they are not my type and a little bit too strong and medicine-like. I like the light, soothing and therapeutic aroma of Tree Tea Oil one that relaxes my facial skin. I have been using this toner for years so I’m hooked on it.
Well, maybe it’s time to change!
The staff is kind enought to gave me a sample to try on. I got a sample of Yerba Maté Tea Toner. I like the look and feel of it. The package said this toner is formulated with vitamin-infused tea extracts for a healthful skin vivacity. I’ll give review later in the next couple of weeks.
