Lemongrass
Medicinal potential, properties, and practical applications of this lemon-scented medicinal herb.
These hot and rainy days have been a boon to my potted lemongrass. Following the harsh frost that struck Atlanta this winter, my previous plant perished. Typically, I bring the pot indoors during winter, but I forgot to do so before leaving for a field expedition to Egypt. To replace my lost lemongrass, I simply bought some long lemongrass stalks at a local market this spring. I stuck them in the soil in a pot and placed it outside to soak up the sun and rain. Those few stalks have thrived, resulting in an ample supply of lemongrass for my herbal teas and soup stocks.
Lemongrass is a special plant to me. In its aroma, I find myself transported back to the flooded forests of the Amazon, where an indigenous healer once treated me with this plant. Here’s an excerpt from my book, The Plant Hunter, which recounts this moment:
This wasn’t the only culinary adventure I shared with Patricia. I spent a rainy afternoon on the steps of the lodge under the cover of the palm thatched walkway chatting away with her and other local village kids. To pass the time, they were eating some snacks—but not the type of snacks you would envision kids eating. They had found a nest of ants that featured large abdomens, which they would pluck up between their fingers and squeeze, forcing a creamy semisolid liquid to emerge. They would suck out the liquid, toss the rest of the ant body, and pick up the next one.
Patricia gestured to me to join them in sharing their happy bounty and so I did, curious about this jungle snack. The taste wasn’t bad—almost acidic in nature, with a citrus twist (likely due to the formic acid used as a poison defense by the ants). And so I, too, passed the time waiting out the rainstorm while munching on ants. It gave me the opportunity to learn more about the children’s daily lives as they talked and laughed together. Later that afternoon, though, I soon came to regret my decision to join in on the local fare. Don Antonio found me leaning over a wooden railing in the open hammock shelter of the lodge in a fit of painful projectile vomiting. The ant snack had not agreed with my stomach.
He told me to stay there and that he would be right back. I wasn’t going anywhere in any case, as my body continued to contract in painful dry heaves. He returned with a cup of hot coca leaf tea (Erythroxylum coca, Erythroxylaceae) and a large handful of long grass, which he crushed and twisted into a big knot. After waiting for me to finish the tea, he led me to a hammock, instructed me to lie down, and plopped the grass knot on my chest. I inhaled its potent aroma— it was lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus, Poaceae) from his garden—interesting, botanically speaking, because though it originated in Southeast Asia, this species had spread to various tropical regions across the globe due to its medicinal value.
He encouraged me to take slow, deep breaths and rest. Before he left, he shook his head and gave me a fatherly lecture: “Cashuka, you have the heart of an indígena, the mind of a brujita [little witch],” he said while gesturing to my heart and then my head. Laying his hand on my still-cramping stomach, he continued with a laugh, “But you have the stomach of a gringa. No more ants, okay?”
“Sí, sí,” I agreed, before falling asleep in the hammock for the remainder of the afternoon.
Though I never consumed the lemongrass on this day, the act of simply inhaling the fresh aroma of its crushed leaves was calming to my stomach. What else is this plant used for? Let’s find out…
Botanical Origins
Lemongrass has the scientific name of Cymbopogon citratus and it is a member of the grass, or Poaceae family. It is a perennial herb with long, skinny leaves. It can easily be propagated by vegetative means, simply by placing stalks into the soil.
Medicinal History
It has a long and storied history in traditional medicine, especially in Asia, South America, and Africa—all tropical regions where it flourishes. Traditionally, lemongrass leaves have been used to make tea or decoction. These leaves contain bioactive compounds that contribute to a range of medicinal effects, including anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, analgesic, and diuretic properties. Additionally, lemongrass finds use as a deodorant in various products like perfumes, soaps, and candles, while also serving as an insect repellent and, in certain regions, as a snake and reptile repellent.
Pharmacology
Lemongrass is rich in essential oil composed of a mixture of citral (mixtures of geranial and terpenoids), citronellol, myrcene, and genariol.
To delve deeper, here is a summary of major pharmacological activities reported in a review paper on this important medicinal plant:
Antibacterial
Essential oils like α-citral and β-citral isolated from the leaves possess potent antibacterial properties.
Effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including pathogens like Clostridium botulinum, Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes.
Anti-inflammatory
Citral extracted from lemongrass shows anti-inflammatory effects, inhibiting inflammatory mediators and serving as an additive in topical creams and ointments.
Suppresses cytokine-induced pathways, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-ƙB) pathways, reducing tissue inflammation.
Antinociceptive
Lemongrass has historical usage as an analgesic, reducing pain and anxiety.
Used to alleviate surgical operation pain and minimize physiological responses to pain.
Antifungal
Essential oils from lemongrass have exhibited activity against fungal infections like athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch, and yeast infections.
Antimalarial
Isolated compounds such as citral, myrcene, and citronellal have exhibited antimalarial properties, with activity against Plasmodium species.
Antihypertensive
Lemongrass aids in regulating glucose, lipid, and fat levels in the blood, potentially preventing obesity and hypertension.
Citral contributes to endothelium-independent vasorelaxation, lowering blood pressure.
Antioxidant
Lemongrass contains natural antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, with the ability to counteract oxidative stress.
Antidiabetic
Lemongrass has reduced insulin, glucose, and triglyceride levels in both lab and animal studies.
Dermatologic Applications
Lemongrass has been added to herbal soaps to treat skin conditions like rashes, itching, and swelling.
Insecticidal
Lemongrass essential oils are effective in controlling pathogens and insects, including mosquitoes and houseflies.
Recipes
I love to drink a nice glass of lemongrass tea, served either hot or cold. There is something incredibly refreshing about a glass of iced lemongrass tea on a hot summer afternoon. There are so many ways to enjoy this plant. I’m not a chef, but I do enjoy a good meal! Here is a great list of lemongrass recipes that I found online which you may enjoy.
Do you have a favorite way to use lemongrass as a food or medicine? I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment in the chat below the post.
The Takeaway
Lemongrass is highly valued for its medicinal contributions across industries like food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, soaps, and detergents. Its essential oils and bioactive compounds are extensively studied for antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.
Plus, it is easy to grow and smells great! ;)
Yours in health, Dr. Quave
Cassandra L. Quave, Ph.D. is a scientist, author, speaker, podcast host, wife, mother, explorer, and professor at Emory University School of Medicine. She teaches college courses and leads a group of research scientists studying medicinal plants to find new life-saving drugs from nature. She hosts the Foodie Pharmacology podcast and writes the Nature’s Pharmacy newsletter to share the science behind natural medicines. To support her effort, consider a paid or founding subscription, with founding members receiving an autographed 1st edition hardcover copy of her book, The Plant Hunter.
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