Cymbopogon, Lemongrass
Bhutika (Ayurveda)
Vasanaipillu (Siddha)
Rumphius, G.E., Herbarium amboinense (1747)
Lemongrass
(Adam, 2019)
Botanical name:
Cymbopogon citratus
Parts used:
Herb
Temperature & Taste:
Cool, dry. Pungent, Bitter, Sour
Uses:
1. Moves the Qi:
-indigestion, colic, gas, cramps
-menstrual cramps and pain
-used for mild cases of anxiety, nervousness and hypertension
2. Clears Phlegm, Stops Cough:
-Cough, Bronchitis with yellow Phlegm
-Asthma, Catarrh
3. Clears Wind-Heat, Promotes Sweat:
-acute Fevers and acute gastroenteritis
4. Promotes Milk:
-stimulates Milk production
5. Externally:
-oil or wash for muscle and joint pain
-topically to aches, pains and bruises
-topically for fungal infections (oil, extract or concentrated decoction as a wash)
Dose:
Larger doses are used for Fever and to promote sweat. Small doses are used for colic, and cramping.
Infusion or brief Decoction: 2–9 grams
Tincture (1:5 in 45% alcohol): 5–15mls.
Folk remedy uses 15 leaves in decoction for Fever.
Main Combinations:
1. Colic, bloating, abdominal cramps:
i. Lemongrass with fresh Ginger and Orange peel (or Citrus Chen Pi).
ii. Lemongrass with Mint, Fennel, Coriander
2. Fever:
i. fresh Lemongrass with fresh Mint and Lemon juice (home remedy)
ii. Lemongrass with Basil, Cinnamon (Ayurveda)
3. Cough:
i. with excess mucus, Lemongrass with Long Pepper
ii. from hot Phlegm, with Plantain, Licorice
4. Menstrual pain and cramping, with
Cautions:
None noted
Large doses should not be used in Pregnancy
