cymbopogon spp. (Especially c. citratus and c. flexuosus)
| Common Name | Lemongrass |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Chinese Medicine Name | Xiang Mao (Zhou, Xie, and Yan, 2011) |
| Ayurvedic Name | Bhustarah, Bhustrina, Sera (Hodges, 2015; Skaria et al., 2007) |
| Parts Used | Leaves, Whole Plant |
| Native To | India, Malaysia |
Key Constituents
Citral ⍺, citral β, citronella, citronellal, geraniol, myrcene, dipentene, linalol, methylheptenone, limonene
Actions
Anti-fungal, Anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial, Anticoagulant, Antimicrobial, Antipyretic, Antispasmodic, Antiviral, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Immune Stimulant
Uses
The effectiveness of c. citratus oil against select bacteria has been show in clinical studies. These select bacteria include: staphylococcus aureus, bacillus cereus, b. subtilis, escherichia coli, and klebsiella pneumoniae. Several of these are showing more and more resistance to western antibiotics (Naik et al., 2010).
Cymbopogon species have been used for fungal infections like ringworm and oral thrush. Typically treated with crushed leaves forming a paste and applied to the affected area. Additionally the use of lemongrass essential oil has been used effectively in the inhibition of candida albicans.
A 2.5% compound of lemongrass oil as a cream has been shown effective against some dermophytes.
In Ayurveda, lemongrass oil is used as a circulatory stimulant that mitigates joint inflammation and arthritic pain. It is also used to reduce the pain of menses caused be uterine spasms and inflammation. There is also a documented history of forming a poultice of the leaves and applied to the joints impacted by arthritis.
Lemon grass is often combined with thyme, lavender, and peppermint and marketed as an insect repellant.
Methods of Use
Compress, Food, Infusion, Tincture
Adult Dosing
Infusion: 1-2 tsp. of finely chopped lemongrass in 6oz of boiling water, infused covered for 20 minutes and strained. Up to TID (3x per day).
Tincture: 5-15ml (1:5, 45% Poole, 2006)
Topical: Diluted essential oil 4 drops rubbed where needed.
Safety
Avoid the ingestion of lemongrass essential oil. As with all essential oils, topical application may cause skin irritation and burning. In most applications, essential oils should be diluted with a carrier oil.
Additional thorough research should be completed prior to therapeutic use in pregnant women or in children. Other conditions must be evaluated as well.