Contents:
Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties | Biochemical Information
Legends, Myths and Stories | Uses | Formulas or Dosages | Nutrient Content | How Sold | Warning | Resource Links
Scientific Names
- Cymbopogon citratus
- Cymbopogon flexuosus
- Poaceae family
- Gramineae family
Common Names
- West Indian Lemongrass
- East Indian Lemongrass
- Citronella Grass
- Fever Grass
- Sereh
- Tanglad
Parts Usually Used
Stalks (especially the lower bulbous stems), leaves, and essential oil
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Lemongrass is a tall, perennial grass that grows in dense clumps that can reach heights of 6 to 10 feet. The leaves are long, slender, and blade-like, growing 2-3 feet in length and less than an inch wide. They have sharp edges and a strong citrus fragrance when crushed. The plant forms dense clumps with bulbous stems at the base. It rarely flowers in cultivation. The plant requires full sun and well-drained soil, thriving in tropical and subtropical climates. It’s frost-sensitive and grows best in zones 8-11.
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Where Found
Native to Southeast Asia, particularly India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia. Now cultivated worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Africa, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.
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Medicinal Properties
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antimicrobial
- Anxiolytic
- Antipyretic
- Diuretic
- Carminative
Biochemical Information
Contains several bioactive compounds including:
- Citral (main component)
- Myrcene
- Geraniol
- Citronellol
- Limonene
- Essential oils (0.2-0.5%)
- Flavonoids
- Phenolic compounds
- Terpenes
Legends, Myths and Stories
Lemongrass has been used for thousands of years in Asian cuisine and traditional medicine. In many cultures, it’s considered a sacred plant used in spiritual cleansing rituals. Traditional Ayurvedic medicine has long valued it for treating fever, hence its common name “fever grass.” In various cultures, it’s believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck when planted around homes.
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Uses
Digestive issues (bloating, gas, stomach cramps), Anxiety and stress relief, Fever reduction, Pain relief, Blood pressure regulation, Blood sugar management, Sleep promotion, Oral health, Skin conditions, Muscle pain relief
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Formulas or Dosages
Tea: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried lemongrass in 1 cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes
Essential oil: 2-3 drops diluted in carrier oil for topical use
Capsules: 500-1000mg daily
Tincture: 2-3ml, 3 times daily
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Nutrient Content
- Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, C
- Folate
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Iron
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Phosphorous
How Sold
- Fresh stalks
- Dried leaves
- Tea bags
- Essential oil
- Capsules
- Tinctures
- Powdered form
Warning
May interact with certain medications, particularly those for diabetes
Can increase bleeding risk if taken with blood-thinning medications
May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals
Pregnant and nursing women should consult healthcare provider before use
May cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to citrus
Large amounts may cause dizziness or drowsiness
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Resource Links
Exploring the Ancient Science of Thai Herbal Compress Therapy
WebMD: Lemongrass – Uses, Side Effects, and More
Medical News Today: What are the health benefits of lemongrass tea?
VerywellHealth: 9 Health Benefits of Lemongrass
Annals of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Therapeutic benefits of lemongrass and tea tree
MDPI: Exploring the Anti-Hypertensive Potential of Lemongrass—A Comprehensive Review
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Lemongrass-Purported Benefits, Side Effects & More
PhytoKeys: The medicinal plants of Myanmar
MDPI: Lemongrass Essential Oil Components with Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activities
ScienceDirect: Art of Prevention: Essential Oils – Natural Products Not Necessarily Safe
