Lemongrass for Exhilaration

Lemongrass, Cymbopogon citrates

Lemongrass’s message is exhilaration. Writing can lead to a sense of slogging along or just getting by. If that happens, turn to our Memoir Garden and gaze at the delicate, thin, long leaves of this herb. Think of picking some to make a tea; the exotic, citrusy fragrance is exhilarating.

Lemongrass has been used in Malaysia and Indonesia for centuries. In India, it has both culinary and Ayurvedic medicinal uses. A tropical plant, lemongrass, is difficult to grow in America, thriving only in California, Hawaii, and Florida. That puts me in one of the lucky states. A few years ago, a neighbor gave me a clump that I have divided numerous times. It grows well near my pond, liking the moisture. If I’m going to dinner at my favorite Thai restaurant, I frequently cut a large bunch of the plump bulbs and share my bounty with the chef. It never fails to bring a smile to her face nor a smile to mine about 15 minutes later when I sip the vegan version of Tom Kai Pak she has flavored with this aromatic, lemon-scented herb.

Be ready to look beyond the current mood that writing can bring. When we feel exhilarated by the progress we’ve made, enjoy the feeling. If we are bogged down, find a change in activity or move on to another section of the memoir that will excite the imagination.

Visit our Writer’s Store with its products for encouragement and sharing that feature many of the herbs from our Memoir Garden.