October 7, 2002

LEMONGRASS

Latin Name: Cymbopogon citratus

Alternate Names: Fever Tea, Melissa Grass, Sereh

Family: POACEAE

Parts Used: Leaves.

Properties: Antibacterial, Antiseptic, Antiviral, Diaphoretic, Digestive Tonic, Diuretic, Refrigerant, Sedative

Internal Uses: Colic, Diarrhea, Fever, Flatulence, Flu, Headache, Herpes, Parasites, Stomachache

Internal Applications: Cold water infusion, Tincture, Capsules. Lemongrass is a specific remedy against nematodes and the oil shows activity against some gram-positive bacteria. It also contains five constituents that inhibit blood coagulation.

Topical Uses: Arthritis, Athlete's Foot, Backache, Insect Repellent, Muscle Soreness, Oily Skin, Rheumatism, Ringworm, Sciatica, Sprains, Tendonitis

Topical Applications: Use as a poultice for arthritis pain and as a bath herb for sore muscles. Essential oil is used in perfume, soaps, deodorants, detergents and lotions. Add to massage oil to help backache, sciata, sprains, rheumatism and tendonitis. Oil is also diluted and applied for athletes foot. Used as a natural insect repellent for fleas, flies and mosquitos. Essential oil is applied to ringworm. Used in lotions and toners for oily skin. Use in potpourri, or use in sprays to deodorize rooms and deter airborne bacteria.

Culinary uses: Young leaves are added to salads. Used in Thai and Vietnamese curries. Added to soups, fish, and chicken dishes. Outer leaves are too fibrous to eat and are usually removed before serving. Only the inner core is tender enough to eat. Essential oil is added to candies, baked goods, puddings, meats and oils.

Energetics: Pungent, Bitter, Cool.

Chemical Constituents: Essential oil (citral, citronellal, geraniol).

Comments: Native to the tropics of Southeast Asia. The genus name Cymbopogon is from the Greek kumbo, meaning 'cup', and pogon, meaning 'beard'. Citratus refers to its fresh lemony scent.

-- Cheryl in KS (klingonbunny@planetkc.com), October 07, 2002

Answers

-- Cheryl in KS (klingonbunny@planetkc.com), October 07, 2002.