Botanical Overview
Latin Name: Cymbopogon citratus
Family: Poaceae
Parts Used: Leaf
Common Names: Lemongrass
Energetics
Temperature: warming; Moisture: drying; Tastes: bitter, pungent, sour; Directionality: descending, outward; Tonicity: relaxing; Qi/Blood/Fluid: qi.
Primary Actions
- Antimicrobial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antispasmodic
- Carminative
- Diaphoretic
- Diuretic
- Sedative
Indications
Western
- Indigestion
- Flatulence
- Colic
- Common cold
- Headache
- Fever
Syndromes
- Gastrointestinal spasms
- Mild infections
- Mild anxiety
- Cold/flu symptoms
TCM
- Headache
- Fever
- Restlessness
Syndromes
- Wind-heat invasion
- Stagnation of liver qi
Ayurveda
- Digestive disturbances
- Fever
- Anxiety
- Muscle spasms
Syndromes
- Kapha and Vata imbalance
- Agni (digestive fire) weakness
Unani
- Digestive upsets
- Nervous headaches
- Fever
Syndromes
- Imbalance of humors (Safra and Sauda)
- Muscle cramps
Constituents & Mechanisms
Major phytochemicals include citral, geraniol, limonene, flavonoids, tannins, and citronellal, which contribute antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and sedative effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Infusion: 1-2 g dried leaf per cup, taken 2-3 times daily
- Essential oil: used aromatically or topically diluted
- Tincture: 1:5 in 40% alcohol, 2-5 mL 2-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe in culinary and medicinal doses. May cause gastrointestinal irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Use cautiously during pregnancy due to potential uterine stimulant effect, especially in the first trimester. Monitor if taken with sedatives or blood pressure medications.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-supported planetary or elemental rulers identified.
Selected References
- Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass) – Plants for a Future (PFAF) Database
- World Health Organization Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Volume 1 (1999)
- Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, 2nd Edition (2011)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (2001)