LEMONGRASS - The Wonder Herb

LEMONGRASS – The Wonder Herb

OVERVIEW

Lemongrass is a tropical plant in the grass family. There are different species, e.g., Cymbopogon flexuosus (commonly found in India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Burma and Thailand); Cymbopogon citratus, the West Indian variety (grown in Maritime South East Asia), and cymbopogon nardus (native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia). The first two varieties are found in abundance in The West Indies, particularly in Jamaica. C. flexuosus is a more robust plant than C. citrtus, the former growing as tall as 6 feet; whereas  the latter can grow up to about  2 foot 6 inches. The aroma from C. citratus is much lighter and subtler than that of C. flexuosus.  Each country has a local name for its lemongrass, for example, in Jamaica, it is known (by everyone) as fever grass.

Lemongrass is often referred to as a “wonder herb”! This is due to its numerous beneficial characteristics, such as ease of establishment, low maintenance (no weeding, no manure, no insecticide application), long crop duration, frequent harvest potential, highly tolerant to grazing by animals. Fortunately, unlike for other crops, there has been no report of lemongrass being stolen!

For centuries, lemongrass has been used for both its commercial and health benefits.

USES

Lemongrass is normally taken orally as a spice in cooking or as a beverage (Tea), or applied topically, and inhaled as in Aromatherapy. The essential Oil derived from lemongrass is highly favoured in the production of a wide range of cosmetic products. Lemongrass essential oil is one of the ten most popular essential oils currently in use. Pure essential Oil of lemongrass is produced by the process of Steam Distillation, which is considered the Gold Standard technique.

CONTENTS/COMPOSITION:

The “secret” of lemongrass resides in the composition of its essential oil. For example, it contains Citronella Oil – used as an Insect Repellent, Geraniol and Cirtonellol – used as Antiseptics; hence their use in Soaps and Household Disinfectants. Lemongrass essential oil also contains a host of medicinal compounds, such as myrcene, limonene, citral, and dipentene. Each of these compounds are known to exert one or more specific medicinal benefit.

PROPERTIES AND BENEFITS OF LEMONGRASS

Lemongrass, in general, has been known to provide a long list of health benefits. The majority of these have been handed down by folklore. However, recent scientific studies, mostly in animals, have strongly suggested that lemongrass has enormous medical potentials. The following table summarizes some of the reported benefits of lemongrass:

SIDE EFFCTS

Lemongrass is likely safe in the majority of persons when used in moderate amounts. Also, it is possibly safe when consumed (e.g., as a tea or spice in the diet), applied to the skin or inhaled, as in aromatherapy. There are limited side effects reported from the “natural” use of lemongrass. However, the most common side effect reported in the literature is a skin irritation in some sensitive individuals. This may be because of a natural allergy or misuse of the essential oil. 

DOSAGE

The use of lemongrass, as an herb, like all other natural herbs is unregulated. Therefore, there are no stipulated dosage. Generally, the common use is based on years of experience, passed on by folklore.

PRECAUTIONS

It is likely to irritate the skin in sensitive individuals and produce additional types of irritations. It is advisable that pregnant women, and mothers breast-feeding consult their doctor or care giver before using lemongrass.

INTERACTIONS – To date, there are no available data for lemongrass interactions.