Materia Medica: Lemongrass
Société Apothecary
Lemongrass: Materia Medica Bright, citrusy, and full of vitality, Lemongrass has long been revered in tropical herbal traditions for its uplifting aroma, digestive ease, and purifying actions. Commonly used in teas, culinary traditions, and healing steams, this grassy aromatic is both soothing and invigorating. “Lemongrass clears the air and the spirit—awakening clarity and gentle renewal.” MATERIA MEDICA Latin Binomial: Cymbopogon citratus Common Name(s): Lemongrass, Fever Grass, Citronella Grass TCM Name: Xiang mao cao (香茅草) – related species Ayurvedic Name: Bhustrina Family: Poaceae (Grass family) Physical Description of the Plant: A tall, clump-forming tropical grass with long, narrow blades and a strong lemon scent. Grows in tufts, often over 3 feet tall. Bulbous lower stalk resembles scallions or green onions. Habitat: Native to Southeast Asia; widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates worldwide. Thrives in sunny, well-drained soils. Harvest and Collection: Harvest stalks when mature but tender, typically during the growing season. Stalks and leaves are used fresh or dried. Parts of the Plant Used: Aerial parts—especially stalks and leaves Qualities: Aromatic, lemony, sweet, slightly bitter Energetics: Cooling, drying, light, dispersing Chemical Constituents: Essential oils (citral, geraniol, limonene, myrcene) Flavonoids Saponins Tannins Chlorogenic acid Terpenes and aldehydes Actions: Carminative Digestive tonic Antimicrobial (especially antifungal and antibacterial) Febrifuge (reduces fever) Nervine (mildly calming) Diaphoretic (promotes sweating) Antioxidant Anti-inflammatory Insect repellent (topical use) Indications: Digestive upset, gas, bloating Low-grade fevers and colds Mild anxiety or restlessness Mild muscle aches and joint discomfort Candida or fungal overgrowth (internally and externally) Headaches from heat or tension Mild hypertension or circulatory stagnation Detoxification and lymphatic support Diagnostic Picture: Lemongrass suits individuals with digestive stagnation, mild fever, or tension. It supports clear thinking and digestion, and is particularly useful for those needing aromatic stimulation or a sense of mental and physical clarity. Contraindications/Cautions: Avoid high doses in pregnancy—traditional caution due to uterine-stimulating effects May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals when used topically (essential oil) Always dilute essential oil before topical application Drug Interactions: None well-documented, but consult with a practitioner when combining with sedatives or blood pressure medications Dosage: Infusion (Tea): 1–2 tsp dried leaf or fresh chopped stalk per cup; steep 10–15 minutes Tincture: 2–4 mL up to 3x daily Essential Oil: 1–2 drops diluted in carrier oil; external use only Culinary Use: Chop fresh stalks and add to soups, curries, or teas Combinations: With Ginger and Tulsi for a warming immune tonic With Peppermint or Lemon Balm for a digestive or cooling summer tea With Echinacea or Cinnamon for fever support With Lavender or Chamomile for calming stress blends Folklore: In Caribbean and Southeast Asian folk medicine, Lemongrass is used as a “fever grass” tea to bring down heat and ease colds. It’s often burned or brewed as a household remedy to repel spirits and insects alike. In Ayurvedic and Thai traditions, it is used to soothe the nerves, promote digestion, and cleanse the body energetically and physically. Applications: Lemongrass shines as a tea, digestive tonic, or steam for colds and stress. Its essential oil is useful for sore muscles and fungal skin issues when diluted. It’s a beautiful herb for refreshing the body and spirit—ideal in hot weather or high-tension times. Recipes: Cooling Digestive Tea 1 part Lemongrass 1 part Lemon Balm 1 part Peppermint Steep and enjoy after meals or on warm days Fever Support Decoction 1 part Lemongrass 1 part Ginger 1 part Cinnamon Simmer gently for 15 minutes. Sip warm to promote sweating and recovery Lemongrass Infused Oil Fresh Lemongrass chopped Cover with coconut or olive oil Infuse for 2 weeks; strain and use for fungal skin support or muscle rub Scientific Research: Studies support Lemongrass’s antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Citral, its dominant compound, contributes to its antibacterial and antifungal activity. It has shown promise in supporting digestion, blood sugar regulation, and calming the nervous system. References: Hoffmann, D. “Medical Herbalism” Khare, C.P. “Indian Herbal Remedies” PubMed articles on Cymbopogon citratus https://www.mountainroseherbs.com https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Check out our lemongrass products here . Three Lemongrass Recipes to Try at Home Refreshing Lemongrass Tea 3 stalks of fresh lemongrass, chopped 4 cups of water Honey or sweetener of choice (optional) Lemon slices (optional) Rinse the lemongrass stalks thoroughly to remove any dirt. Chop the lemongrass into small pieces to release its essential oils. Boil the water in a pot, then add the chopped lemongrass. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Strain the tea into a teapot or cups and sweeten with honey if desired. Add a slice of lemon for extra zest and enjoy warm or chilled. Lemongrass-Infused Oil 5 stalks of fresh lemongrass, chopped 1 cup of carrier oil (such as coconut or olive oil) Chop the lemongrass stalks into small pieces to maximize the infusion. In a small saucepan, combine the lemongrass and carrier oil. Heat the mixture gently over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. Strain the oil through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a sterilized jar. Use this infused oil for massages or as a fragrant addition to your skincare routine. Zesty Lemongrass Stir-Fry 2 tablespoons of lemongrass, finely chopped 1 pound of mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots) 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil 2 tablespoons of soy sauce 1 teaspoon of grated ginger Salt and pepper to taste Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped lemongrass and grated ginger, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant. Toss in the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Add soy sauce, salt, and pepper, mixing well to coat the vegetables. Serve the stir-fry hot as a side dish or over rice for a complete meal. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before introducing new herbal remedies into your routine.