Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a member of the Poaceae family, native to Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands, and Northern Australia. Traditionally, its leaves, stems, and oleoresin have been used for infusions, decoctions, and oil infusions.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and carminative actions, and has a long history of use in ayurvedic medicine, european herbal medicine, and african traditional medicine.

Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Lemon Grass
Scientific Name	Cymbopogon citratus
Plant Family	Poaceae
Genus	Cymbopogon
Species	citratus
Native Range	Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands, Northern Australia
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Stems, Oleoresin
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Carminative
Primary Traditional Systems	Ayurvedic Medicine, European Herbal Medicine, African Traditional Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Oil Infusion

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Cymbopogon citratus
Common Name: Lemon Grass
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Citron Grass, Lemon Grass, Citron Grass
Plant Family: Poaceae
Genus: Cymbopogon

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 meters.
Leaves: Linear leaves with a pale green upper surface and a slightly lighter green lower surface, characterized by prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescence composed of dense spikelets arranged in a panicle, each spikelet bearing two bracts and three to five florets with pale yellow to white lemma and palea, actinomorphic flowers with three stamens and a two-lobed stigma.
Stems: Culinary herb with erect growth habit, cylindrical and solid stem structure, smooth and glabrous surface, and nodes bearing leaf sheaths.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Ayurvedic Medicine
European Herbal Medicine
African Traditional Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Oil Infusion
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: Commonly referenced as a gentle anti-inflammatory, for irritation-related applications.
Antispasmodic: Historically regarded as a mild antispasmodic, in muscle-related contexts.
Carminative: In herbal literature, noted as a warming carminative, in stomach-related herbal uses.
Diuretic: In herbal texts, considered a moderate diuretic, in cleansing-oriented uses.

Active Compounds

Essential Oil: A complex mixture of volatile compounds produced by aromatic plant tissues.
Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Phenolic Acid: Naturally occurring phenolic compounds present in many plant species.
Terpenoid: Naturally occurring metabolites widely distributed in leaves, flowers, and roots.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific literature concerning this plant spans multiple areas, including phytochemistry and laboratory research. Detailed analysis of published studies is not included at this time and will be added as part of future editorial expansion.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: The use of this herb may warrant general caution in certain situations.
Contraindications: Contraindications related to this herb have been noted in traditional use and available sources.
Allergies: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb commonly causes allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications have been noted in traditional use and literature.
Toxicity: Reports of toxicity related to this herb are not well documented in available literature.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Available information regarding use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Dried or fresh plant parts are infused in hot water and consumed as a beverage.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Capsule: A preparation format using encapsulated plant powders.
Tincture: Plant material is macerated in alcohol to create a concentrated liquid extract.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates moderate moisture fluctuations.