Lemongrass
Scientific names: Cymbopogon citratus, Andropogon citratus, Cymbopogon flexuosus, Andropogon flexuosus
Family: Poaceae/Gramineae
Alternate names: Abafado, British Indian Lemongrass, Cana Santa, Capim-Cidrao, Capim-Santo, Ceylon Citronella Grass, Cimbopogone, Citronella, Citrongrass, Citronnelle, Citronnelle de Ceylan, Citronnelle des Indes, Citronnelle de Java, Citronnelle de Madagascar, Cochin Lemongrass, 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
Actions: Analgesic, Anticancer, Anticonvulsant, Anti-inflammatory, Antimalarial, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antiprotozoal, Antipyretic, Anxiolytic, Central nervous system (CNS), Hypoglycemic, Insect repellent, Lipid, Uterine
Background
Lemongrass is a plant in the grass family. There are over 100 lemongrass species, including Cymbopogon citratus, which is often used in foods and medicine.
Lemongrass leaf and essential oil contain chemicals that might help prevent some bacteria and yeast from growing. Lemongrass also contains chemicals that might relieve pain and swelling.
People use lemongrass for stomach pain, dandruff, high cholesterol, gingivitis, thrush, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse lemongrass with other plants and ingredients that have similar names, including citronella oil, lemon eucalyptus, and citronella (stone root). These are not the same.
Lemongrass leaf and essential oil contain chemicals that might help prevent some bacteria and yeast from growing. Lemongrass also contains chemicals that might relieve pain and swelling.
People use lemongrass for stomach pain, dandruff, high cholesterol, gingivitis, thrush, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse lemongrass with other plants and ingredients that have similar names, including citronella oil, lemon eucalyptus, and citronella (stone root). These are not the same.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Lemongrass is commonly consumed in foods. Lemongrass essential oil and dried leaves are possibly safe when used as medicine, short-term.
When applied to the skin: Lemongrass essential oil is possibly safe when used short-term. Some people might develop a rash or skin irritation.
When inhaled: Lemongrass essential oil is possibly safe when used in aromatherapy.
Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if lemongrass is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
When applied to the skin: Lemongrass essential oil is possibly safe when used short-term. Some people might develop a rash or skin irritation.
When inhaled: Lemongrass essential oil is possibly safe when used in aromatherapy.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy: Lemongrass is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. Lemongrass can stimulate the uterus and menstrual flow, which might cause a miscarriage. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if lemongrass is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
There is interest in using lemongrass for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Dosing & administration
Lemongrass is commonly consumed in foods. As medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of lemongrass might be. 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 a healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Lemongrass might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Glucuronidated drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Lemongrass might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Pentobarbital
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Lemongrass essential oil might cause sleepiness. Taking lemongrass together with a sedative drug like pentobarbital might increase side effects and feelings of sleepiness.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Products
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Per tea bag:
- Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass) essential oil
- Aspalathus linearis (leaf)
- Ribes nigrum
- Hibiscus sabdariffa
- Rosa canina
- Ribes nigrum (fruit)
- Glycyrrhiza spp. (root)
- Mentha spicata (leaf)
- Rosmarinus officinalis (leaf)
- Rubus fruticosus (Blackberry)
- Blueberry flavour
- Mentha spicata essential oil
- Ginseng spp. (root)
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This monograph was last reviewed on 03/10/2024 10:00:00 and last updated on 15/06/2018 18:59:19. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
