Lemongrass, Cymbopogon citratus, is another lovely lemony plant like Lemon Balm; however, it looks very different and is not a member of the mint family. It is a member of the Graminaceae family, aka grasses. Lemongrass is a sweetly scented grass that grows in large clumps up to 5 feet tall with long and narrow leaf blades and branched stalks of flowers.
After much research, I’m still not sure if it’s supposed to be Lemongrass or Lemon grass…I’m gonna go with Lemongrass.
Native to southern India and Sri Lanka, she is cultivated in many tropical areas around the world for her oil–which is used as a flavoring in cooking, for the scent, and as a herbal remedy. The general USDA Zones are 10 and 11 to grow year-round but can be grown as an annual or brought indoors during the winter in colder areas. She grows great in large pots, by the way.
Lemongrass contains both citral and citronellal, which are sedatives, but the plant can also be used as a bug repellant. Citronella is a different plant from Lemongrass, but they are closely related and contain many of the same constituents.
Safely taken internally as a tea for digestive problems, the essential oil should not be taken internally unless under professional supervision. It should also be diluted if used topically, as it can cause skin irritation.
Lemongrass works internally as a tea by relaxing the muscles of the stomach and gut, relieving cramping and gas. It is safe for children and, in the Caribbean, is known as a fever-reducer, especially for ailments that include congestion. A few drops of essential oil diluted in a tsp-tbsp of carrier oil and rubbed on the lymph nodes, like on the neck during upper respiratory illness, can help drain swollen nodes. Carefully massage the area with the oil, and leave it to absorb into the skin. Don’t wipe it off.
C. martinii and C. nardus are widely used in soaps and detergents for their smell, while C. densiflorus is smoked by medicine men in Tanzania to induce dreams that ‘foretell the future.’
The herb, as a poultice, and the essential oil, diluted in a carrier oil, can be used topically to reduce pain and arthritis and treat ringworm.
Lemongrass is highly antifungal and a great remedy for fungal infections, including athlete’s foot. You may drink a cup 1-4 times a day, apply the spent tea bags directly on the area, and apply diluted essential oil–whichever you prefer, or all.
Subscribe to get full access to blog posts.
This is the last post in the One Moon Herbal Study that I planned over a year ago, but that doesn’t mean that there won’t be more herbal posts. I just don’t have anything scheduled, and I will be focusing on some other things, including my Apothecary and the two books I have in progress.
Many blessings,
Emma Lee Joy
Red Hawk Ridge 
Leave a reply to Sweet Violet – Red Hawk Ridge Cancel reply