Lemongrass

Cymbopogon citratus

Citroengrass Fever Grass Lemongrass Sereh Te Limon Zacate Limon Parts used Uses Habitat and cultivation Constituents How much to take Side effects and cautions

A perennial tuft with sturdy stems and rather broad, aromatic leaves. The species grown commercially for oil distillation are mostly distinguished by their characteristic smell and chemical composition of the oil. In addition to C. citratus, the main ones are C. nardus (Ceylon citronella grass, the source of citronella oil), C. martinii (ginger grass, palma-rosa, rusha) and C. winterianus (Java citronella oil).

Lemongrass is an important ingredient in Oriental cooking. The oils of Cymbopogon species are mainly used in the perfume industry and have limited medicinal applications.

PARTS USED

Dried aboveground parts, the essential oil.

USES

The leaves and essential oil are used to treat dyspeptic disorders, colds, nervous conditions and exhaustion. Some massage oils and aromatherapy oils contain lemongrass oil.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Lemongrass is now grown as a crop plant in many parts of the world. C. nardus occurs naturally in tropical Asia, C. martinii originated in India but is cultivated in Malaysia and C. winterianus is a cultigen of unknown origin grown commercially in India and Indonesia.

CONSTITUENTS

Lemongrass oil contains large amounts of citral (geranial, neral) and numerous other monoterpenoids. Citronella oil has geraniol, citronellol and citronellal as main ingredients.

HOW MUCH TO TAKE

Leaf infusions or dilute oil may be taken orally; oil is also applied topically.

SIDE EFFECTS AND CAUTIONS

Much diluted lemongrass oil and citronella oil are flavourants of food or drinks. In their pure form however, they may be toxic or even lethal if taken orally in large amounts.