Lemongrass
Latin Name: Cymbopogon citratus
(Other species used medicinally: Cymbopogon flexuosus)
Herb Class/Action:
Lemongrass is classified as a carminative, antimicrobial, nervine, febrifuge, and diaphoretic.
Parts of Plant Used:
The fresh or dried stalks and leaves are used medicinally and culinarily, with the lower stalk being most aromatic.
Flavors:
Lemongrass has a bright, citrusy, lemon-like flavor with subtle floral and slightly spicy undertones.
Energetics:
Lemongrass is energetically cooling and drying.
Medicinal Properties:
Digestive Support: Lemongrass is a soothing carminative used to relieve indigestion, gas, bloating, and cramping. It supports healthy digestion and is often enjoyed after meals or blended into digestive teas.
Antimicrobial and Immune Support: Lemongrass has antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It’s used to help the body fight infections, especially when paired with other immune-supportive herbs.
Nervous System Calming: As a gentle nervine, lemongrass promotes relaxation and helps relieve mild anxiety, irritability, and insomnia. It has a soft uplifting energy that calms the mind while gently stimulating the body.
Febrifuge and Diaphoretic: Lemongrass supports the body during fevers by encouraging gentle sweating and helping to regulate temperature. It’s a useful herb for colds, flu, and seasonal transitions.
Circulatory and Detoxification Support: Lemongrass helps stimulate circulation, move stagnation, and support elimination through the kidneys and skin. It is often used in cleansing or detoxifying formulas.
In the Garden:
Lemongrass is a tropical perennial grass native to Southeast Asia. It grows in tall, clumping stalks and prefers full sun, warm temperatures, and well-drained soil. It can be grown as an annual in cooler climates or overwintered indoors in containers. The lower stalks are harvested for culinary and medicinal use, while the leaves are also aromatic and useful in teas. It makes a striking, fragrant addition to herb and permaculture gardens.
Culinary Uses:
Lemongrass is widely used in Thai, Vietnamese, and other Southeast Asian cuisines. The tender inner stalk is chopped or crushed for use in soups, curries, broths, marinades, and stir-fries. Dried leaves are used in teas and herbal infusions for their citrusy aroma and digestive properties. It pairs well with coconut, ginger, garlic, and chili.
Precautions:
Lemongrass is generally safe for most individuals when used in food and moderate medicinal amounts. Rare allergic reactions or skin sensitivities (especially from essential oil use) may occur in sensitive individuals. Pregnant individuals should avoid excessive internal use of concentrated lemongrass extracts due to its stimulating properties. The essential oil should be diluted properly before topical application.
