As I am writing this, it is the first day of Spring.  So, in terms of science The Spring Equinox is the first day of the spring season and occurs when the sun passes the equator moving from the southern to the northern hemisphere. On this day, day and night have approximately the same length of time.  Exciting for us northerners who are clinging to the sight, smell, and feel of warmer weather.  Easter is also approaching, which means this weekend is my bi-yearly trip to the Strip District in Pittsburgh to gather goodies for our families Easter dinner.  Last year, I picked up some lemongrass from one of the markets, it was a Pinterest experiment, gladly it wasn’t a fail this time, but a huge WIN!!  

I purchased two bundles of lemongrass for $3, which totaled about eight stalks.  Once I got home, I peeled off the dead outside layers and put them in a glass container with a couple of inches of water.  Then all I had to do was put it in my sunniest window and wait.  Soon, the roots began to grow, once the roots grew a couple of inches and the stalks started to grow new leaves, I planted them in a pot with regular potting mix.  When the weather warmed up, I placed the pot outside on my deck.  Lemongrass is a tropical plant and doesn’t do well in temperatures below freezing.  Quickly, the grass started to grow, it became full, tall and the aroma of the plant was fantastic on my deck, not to mention the benefits of repelling mosquitos was quite nice.  There are many health benefits of harvesting and eating the lemongrass as well.  Below are some of the benefits just from drinking Lemongrass tea

• Improved digestion
• Lowered cholesterol
• Help eliminate toxins
• Boost immune system
• Assist cancer treatment
• Pain relief for inflammation
• Increase lactation in Mothers
• Fight depression
• Reduce fever
• Treat type-2 diabetes

There is an abundant uses and recipes for this plant, I would say it was a good $3 spent for a plant that is not only super easy to grow, but is beautiful and beneficial to my health.