Organic Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Family: Poaceae (Grasses)

Common Names: Citronella Grass, Fever Grass, Barbed Wire Grass, Tanglad (in the Philippines)

Botanical Description: Lemongrass is a tall, perennial grass that can grow up to 3-6 feet tall, forming dense clumps. It has long, slender, bright green leaves that are rough to the touch and have sharp edges. The plant has a strong, lemony fragrance due to its high content of essential oils, particularly citral. The base of the lemongrass stalks is bulbous and pale, and this is the part most commonly used in cooking and medicine.

Habitat and Cultivation: Native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia, lemongrass thrives in warm, humid climates. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Lemongrass is commonly grown in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including India, Thailand, and the Caribbean. It can also be grown as an annual in temperate climates or indoors in pots.

Parts Used: Leaves and stalks

Historical and Folklore Uses:

Lemongrass has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in Southeast Asia and India, where it is valued for its digestive, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been a staple in culinary traditions, especially in Thai and Vietnamese cuisines, where it is used to flavor soups, curries, and teas. In folk medicine, lemongrass was often used to reduce fevers, hence the name "fever grass." It was also used as a natural insect repellent.

Energetics and Taste:

• Energetics: Cooling, drying
• Taste: Citrus-like, lemony, slightly sweet

Medicinal Actions:

• Digestive Aid: Stimulates digestion, relieves bloating, gas, and indigestion.
• Antimicrobial: Fights bacterial, fungal, and viral infections.
• Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation in the body, particularly in the digestive system.
• Antipyretic: Helps to reduce fever.
• Carminative: Relieves gas and soothes the stomach.
• Antioxidant: Protects cells from oxidative stress and supports overall health.

System Affinities:

• Digestive System: Lemongrass is widely used to treat digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating, and gas. It helps to stimulate appetite and improve digestion.
• Immune System: The herb’s antimicrobial properties make it effective in fighting infections, including colds, flu, and other respiratory conditions.
• Nervous System: Lemongrass is known for its calming effects and is used to reduce anxiety, stress, and promote relaxation.
• Respiratory System: It is sometimes used to relieve symptoms of colds, coughs, and flu due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Skin: Lemongrass oil is often used in skincare for its antibacterial properties, helping to treat acne and other skin conditions.

Active Compounds:

• Citral: The primary component of lemongrass essential oil, citral has potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It gives lemongrass its strong lemon scent.
• Geraniol: A terpene with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, contributing to the overall therapeutic benefits of lemongrass.
• Myrcene: A compound with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, also found in other medicinal plants like hops.
• Flavonoids: Antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative stress.

Uses:

1. Digestive Support: Lemongrass is commonly used in teas and infusions to relieve digestive discomfort, including indigestion, bloating, and gas. It stimulates digestion and can help with appetite.
2. Immune Boosting: Due to its antimicrobial properties, lemongrass is used to support the immune system and help prevent or treat infections, such as colds and flu. It can be consumed as a tea or inhaled as an essential oil.
3. Calming and Stress Relief: Lemongrass tea or essential oil is often used to reduce stress, anxiety, and promote relaxation. It can also help improve sleep quality.
4. Fever Reduction: Lemongrass is traditionally used to reduce fevers, often by consuming it as a tea or in a herbal infusion.
5. Skin Care: Lemongrass oil is used in skincare products for its antibacterial properties, helping to treat acne, reduce oily skin, and prevent infections. It can also be used as a natural insect repellent.

Cautions:

• Skin Sensitivity: Lemongrass essential oil can be irritating to the skin and should always be diluted before topical use. A patch test is recommended before applying it to larger areas of the skin.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: While lemongrass is generally considered safe in culinary amounts, pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before using it in medicinal doses or essential oil form.
• Drug Interactions: Lemongrass may interact with medications that affect blood pressure or blood sugar levels, so it is important to consult a healthcare provider if you are on such medications.

Research and Studies:

1. A study published in Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research demonstrated the antimicrobial properties of citral found in lemongrass, supporting its use in treating bacterial and fungal infections .
2. Research in Journal of Ethnopharmacology highlighted the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of lemongrass, validating its traditional use in treating inflammatory conditions and pain .
3. Another study in Food and Chemical Toxicology explored the antioxidant capacity of lemongrass, confirming its potential to protect against oxidative stress and support overall health.