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