Lemongrass

OTHER NAME(S): Abafado, Andropogon citratus, Andropogon flexuosus, British

Indian Lemongrass, Cana Santa, Capim-Cidrao, Capim-Santo, Ceylon Citronella
Grass, Cimbopogone, Citronella, Citrongräss, Citronnelle, Citronnelle de Ceylan,
Citronnelle des Indes, Citronnelle de Java, Citronnelle de Madagascar, Cochin
Lemongrass, Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogon flexuosus, Cymbopogon nardis,
East Indian Lemongrass, Fever Grass, Grass Tea, Guatemala Lemongrass, Herbe
Citron, Hierba de Limón, Jonc Odorant, Lemon Grass, Lemon Grass Stalk, Limonaria,
Limon Out, Madagascar Lemongrass, Sakumau, Sera, Sereh, Squinant, Ta-Khraj, Tej-
Sar, Verveine Indienne, West Indian Lemongrass, Zacate Limon. 
Lemongrass is a plant. The leaves and the oil are used to make medicine.
Lemongrass is commonly taken orally, applied directly to the skin, or inhaled
as aromatherapy for many different conditions. But there is limited scientific
research to support any of its common uses.

In food and beverages, lemongrass is used as a flavoring. For example, lemongrass

leaves are commonly used as "lemon" flavoring in herbal teas.

In manufacturing, lemongrass is used as a fragrance in deodorants, soaps,

and cosmetics. Lemongrass is also used in making vitamin A and natural citral.

How does it work ?

Lemongrass might help prevent the growth of some bacteria and yeast. Lemongrass
also contains substances that are thought to relieve pain and swelling, reduce fever,
improve levels of sugar and cholesterol in the blood, stimulate the uterus and
menstrual flow, and have antioxidant properties.
 Uses & Effectiveness  ?

Insufficient Evidence for

 Dandruff. Early research suggests that applying a lemongrass oil solution to

the hair reduces dandruff in some people.
 High cholesterol. Early research suggests that taking lemongrass oil
by mouth does not reduce cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol.
 Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Early research suggests that applying lemongrass
oil to the skin can decrease pain in adults with RA. However, more research is
needed to know if this is more than just a placebo effect.
 Yeast infection in the mouth (thrush). Early research suggests that drinking
lemongrass tea decreases symptoms of thrush in people with HIV/AIDS.
 Stomach and intestinal cramps.
 Stomach ache.
 High blood pressure.
 Convulsions.
 Pain and swelling.
 Vomiting.
 Cough.
 Achy joints (rheumatism).
 Fever.
 Common cold.
 Diabetes.
 Exhaustion.
 Headache.
 Use as an antiseptic and astringent.
 Other conditions.

Lemongrass is LIKELY SAFE for most people when used in food amounts. It

is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth, applied to the skin, or inhaled as
aromatherapy short-term for medicinal purposes. Rarely, lemongrass oil might
cause a rash of skin irritation when applied to the skin. However, there have
been some toxic side effects, such as lung problems after inhaling lemongrass
and a fatal poisoning after a child swallowed a lemongrass oil-based insect
repellent.
 Special Precautions
and Warnings
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It is LIKELY UNSAFE to take lemongrass by mouth
during pregnancy. Lemongrass seems to be able to start menstrual flow, so there is a
concern that it might cause a miscarriage.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of lemongrass depends on several factors such as the user's
age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific
information to determine an appropriate range of doses for lemongrass. Keep in
mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be
important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your
pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.