Lemongrass

Lemongrass has been cultivated for centuries and used as a flavoring in food, a scent for aromatherapy, and an ingredient in medicinal applications. It is a very common ingredient in Asian cuisine, and its pleasant, citrusy scent is used both in candles and as an insect repellent.

Health Benefits of Lemongrass

The sedative and anti-inflammatory properties of lemongrass have found several medicinal uses:

• Reducing anxiety. The sedative properties of lemongrass have been popularly used to induce relaxation and sleep.

• Alleviating digestive complains. Lemongrass properties have been shown to inhibit the bacterial strains that cause symptoms of gastrointestinal stress, such as colic, gas, diarrhea, and vomiting.

The health properties of lemongrass come from monoterpenoids, mainly citral, which is composed of the two isomers, geranial and neral. Both of these isomers have a strong citrus odor, lending citral its usefulness as a flavoring and as a scent.

Lemongrass essential oil concentrates the anxiolytic properties of the herb, and its monoterpenoids (mainly citral) have been suggested to influence the central nervous system by binding to the same receptor of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) targeted by a group of psychoactive drugs called benzodiazepines, causing mildly anti-depressant, sedative effects.^1,2

The analgesic and antimicrobial activities of lemongrass have been attributed to its high citral content, which has been shown to soothe digestive complains as well as inhibiting harmful bacterial strains, such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella.^3,4,5,6

Citronella oil, which is made from a particular variety of lemongrass, owes its repellent properties and smell to three compounds: geraniol, citronellol, and citronellal.

Similar antimicrobial properties can be found in herbs like calendula, coconut, and lime, whereas lemon balm, St. John's wort, and valerian also have sedative effects.

Lemongrass Side Effects & Cautions

Lemongrass is generally considered safe for oral consumption; however, topical applications may trigger allergic reactions in people with certain sensitivities.

Since there's no information on the safety of lemongrass during pregnancy and lactation, it is recommended to consume the herb only in culinary amounts during this period.

Lemongrass has a bright, fresh citrus taste, which is appreciated in Asian dishes. It can be steeped like tea or used to flavor preparations. Similarly to a bay leaf, it is removed before eating. Chopped small, the leaves will add a lively zing to main dishes.

Natural Forms

• Raw. The fresh leaves and hard stalks of lemongrass can be steeped into teas, soups, sauces, and curries for a bright, lemony flavor. They can also be made into hot infusions and home remedies as well as for flavoring beverages.

• Dried. The dried leaves of lemongrass can be used to flavor many dishes as well as brew herbal infusions.

• Infusion. The fresh or dried leaves of lemongrass can be stepped in hot water in order to obtain a warm infusion that can be taken for soothing the nerves, calming an upset stomach or relieving fever.

• Poultice. The freshly crushed leaves and stems of lemongrass can be applied topically as a poultice in order to relieve joint and muscle pain.

Herbal Remedies & Supplements

• Essential oil. Mostly used in aromatherapy for its anxiolytic properties, lemongrass essential oil is also an analgesic agent, which can be applied topically in order to relieve muscle and joint pain.

• Tincture. This concentrated form of lemongrass needs to be diluted in water and acts as a mild sedative. It is often used for treating insomnia, stress, and stomach discomfort.

• Capsules. The dried and pulverized leaves of lemongrass are often commercialized in capsules and taken to relieve stomach complains and joint pain as well as to balance cholesterol levels.

Due to its antibacterial properties and pleasant flavor, lemongrass is often used in natural cough pills, mixed with other herbs.

Natural Forms

Depending on the latitude, fresh lemongrass can be difficult to find. Sometimes, it is sold in organic stores and ethnic markets, where it is also possible to find a dried and chopped version of the plant. However, the dried leaves of lemongrass can be found, usually in the form of teabags, in some specialized health stores, herbal shops, and online. Lemongrass seeds or young starter plants can often be found at local nurseries.

Herbal Remedies & Supplements

Lemongrass essential oil is usually available at local herbal shops as well as through online retailers, which usually store a wider variety of lemongrass supplements, including tinctures and capsules.

Lemongrass is a perennial herb that can grow in a wide variety of soils and climates. It can be planted in a pot and grows very well inside or outdoors. Although it is a hardy plant, lemongrass thrives under a particular set of conditions and requires some basic care.

• Lemongrass prefers warm, humid climates. It grows well at a temperature range of 50 - 92°F (10 - 33°C), and it needs enough sunshine for the development of oil in the plant. The grass is sensitive to cold weather and cannot withstand frost.

• Lemongrass is widely adapted to a range of soils and performs well on sandy to clay loam soils with a pH range of 5,0 to 8,4, and good drainage.

• Lemongrass usually grows by slips obtained by dividing well-grown clumps. The tops of the clumps should be cut off within 8 - 10 inches (20 - 25 cm) of the root. The latter should be divided into slips and the lower brown sheath should be removed to expose young roots. For home production, a stalk of lemongrass, even one from the grocery store, may be placed in a glass of water and roots will grow within a few weeks.

• For agricultural production, a row spacing of eight inches (20 cm) with a row width of 16 inches (40 cm) will give a total of 125,000 plants per hectare in a high rainfall area, or under irrigation. In areas with lower rainfall, 60,000 plants per hectare is an advisable density.

• Planting of slips can be done as soon as the active growing season starts and during most times of the year when soil moisture is sufficient. Avoid planting during very hot times of the year and during winter, when plants are usually dormant

• Stalks can be harvested any time after they reach at least 0.5 inches (12.5 mm) thick. To do so, the blade should be cut at ground level, right above the base. The entire stalk can be used either fresh or dried and will last for quite some time after cutting. Lemongrass is a relatively hardy plant and shouldn't take too much to flourish.

• The stem-boring caterpillar (Chilotrea) is the most common pest attacking lemongrass in Southeast Asia. The caterpillar is white, with a black head, and has black spots on the body.

Plant Biology

The botanical name of lemongrass, Cymbopogon, is believed to come from the Greek kymbe, meaning 'boat', and pogon, meaning 'beard', in reference to the shape of lemongrass tiny flowers.

Historical information

Economic Data

India is the largest producer of lemongrass with about 80% of the produce being exported, mostly to West Europe, U.S.A., and Japan. Madagascar, Zambia, Guatemala, Mexico, China, and Sri Lanka also cultivate lemongrass on a large scale.

The world production of lemongrass oil is about 661 tons (600 tonnes) annually. North America represents about 33% of the global demand and Japan accounts for 10%.