Nard Grass (Cymbopogon nardus)

Nard Grass (Cymbopogon nardus) is a member of the Poaceae family, native to Southeast Asia, Australasia, and Pacific Islands. Traditionally, its leaves, stems, and resin have been used for infusions, decoctions, and oil infusions.

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

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

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Nard Grass
Scientific Name	Cymbopogon nardus
Plant Family	Poaceae
Genus	Cymbopogon
Species	nardus
Native Range	Southeast Asia, Australasia, Pacific Islands
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Stems, Resin
Primary Medicinal Actions	Sedative, Anti-Inflammatory, Diuretic
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine, African Traditional Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Oil Infusion

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Cymbopogon nardus
Common Name: Nard Grass
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Nard Grass, Citron Grass, Patchouli
Plant Family: Poaceae
Genus: Cymbopogon

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 1 to 2 meters.
Leaves: Linear leaves with parallel venation, upper surface dark green, lower surface pale green, bearing distinct stomatal bands along midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescence composed of dense, spike-like clusters of small, pale yellow to white, actinomorphic florets with three stamens and a two-lobed pistil, arranged in a narrow, cylindrical raceme.
Stems: Cylindrical, hollow, fibrous, and aromatic, with a distinct node and internode structure, the stems are typically erect, unbranched, and have a smooth, glabrous surface.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Ayurvedic Medicine
African Traditional Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Oil Infusion
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Sedative: Historically regarded as a cooling sedative, in calming-focused applications.
Anti-inflammatory: Traditionally described as a soothing anti-inflammatory, in topical or internal use contexts.
Diuretic: In herbal literature, noted as a moderate diuretic, for elimination-focused applications.
Carminative: In herbal texts, considered a calming carminative, for digestive process support.

Active Compounds

Essential Oil: A complex mixture of volatile compounds produced by aromatic plant tissues.
Terpenoid: A large class of naturally occurring compounds derived from isoprene units.
Flavonoid: A widely occurring class of plant polyphenols found in leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Phenolic Acid: Simple phenolic molecules widely distributed across plant tissues.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Caution is advised in certain contexts based on traditional use and available information.
Contraindications: Contraindications for this herb are not clearly established in available sources.
Allergies: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb commonly causes allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: Available information regarding interactions with pharmaceutical drugs is limited.
Toxicity: There is insufficient evidence to determine the toxic potential of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Information addressing pregnancy and breastfeeding-related safety for this herb is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Water is poured over plant material and allowed to steep before straining.
Decoction: Plant parts are gently boiled in water to release soluble constituents.
Poultice: Plant parts are crushed or moistened and placed directly on the body.
Capsule: Capsules provide a standardized way to consume powdered plant material.
Infused Oil: This method allows plant material to release constituents into oil.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

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