Lemongrass—Cymbopogon citratus, Stapf
Lemongrass is a tufted perennial C4 grass herb with a rhizomatous rootstock that is grown in tropical regions like Southeast Asia and is also cultivated in Africa and South and Central America. It is prized for its medicinal properties and wide-ranging culinary applications. It has a strong citrus flavor and is used dried, powdered, or fresh. Studies have evaluated the pharmaceutical applications of this herb, and we will elaborate on the properties of this plant as follows:
Composition: This herb is rich in terpenes, various essential oils like Citral α, Citral β, Citronellal, Terpinolene, Myrecene, Terpinol, and several others. The plant also contains phenolic compounds and flavonoids, as well as vitamins C and A and folate. It also has small amounts of minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and manganese.
Applications:
Lemongrass has been used in various medicinal preparations secondary to its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, anti-amoebic, anti-fungal, antioxidant, anti-pyretic, analgesic, and anti-mutagenic properties.
The essential oil is obtained via steam distillation and is widely used in aromatherapy, perfumery, cosmetics, detergents, and pharmaceuticals.
Alternative medicine concoctions of lemon grass have been used effectively to treat coughs, fevers, and inflammation. Experimental studies have shown that combinations of lemon grass and naproxen have the same anti-inflammatory effects but with minimal gastric side effects—this holds promise for future pharmaceutical exploration.
The essential oils extracted from this herb may also have a useful alternative medicinal application in the treatment and control of scabies, secondary to its miticidal and ovicidal properties.
As elaborated above, lemongrass has a myriad of applications that are still being studied. However, always consult with your physician on the interactions and potential allergies associated with taking this herb. This herb is to be viewed as food and not a replacement for traditional medicine. As always, keep your health in center focus and live long and strong!
