Herbs - Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus).
What Is It?
p>This is a fast growing, tall perennial grass which is native to Asia. There are two types - East Indian and West Indian, both being widely used in cooking, aromatherapy and medicine. The blades of grass are used in each case.
Action
It contains a volatile oil which is made up of 65%-85% citral, amongst many other compounds. It is analgesic, anti-microbial, anti-pyretic (reduces fever), deodorant, insecticide, sedative, nervine, carminative (wind relieving) and galactagogue (stimulates breast milk).
Uses
Historically it has been used to treat a number of conditions including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Athletes foot (topically)
- Dandruff (topically added to shampoo)
- Depression
- Excessive perspiration
- Fever
- Headaches
- Lice (topically)
- Muscle pains
Other information
It is normally available and can be made into a herbal tea for internal use, although it is more commonly used as an aromatherapy oil for topical applications and is an excellent skin tonic. Lemongrass can even be used as a natural insecticide to rid the kitchen / home of flies.
Cautions
- Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been sufficiently studied (internal treatment), but as an aromatherapy oil for topical application it should be fine.
- At the time of writing there are no well -known side effects, drug interactions or contra-indications from lemongrass.
 | This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk).
The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication. |