Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus): Properties and Benefits

Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf / Lemongrass

Cymbopogon citratus, popularly known as lemongrass, is a perennial herbaceous grass that holds a prominent place in both traditional medicine and the cuisines of many countries. Native to tropical Asia, it is now grown in warm regions all over the world thanks to its intense citrus scent, which comes from the citral concentrated in its leaves, and to the ease with which it multiplies in pots and backyards. In most households the plant reaches the table as a tea or infusion made with fresh or dried leaves, although it also turns up in seasonings, juices, perfumes and personal care products.

Popular and International Names of Lemongrass

Lemongrass has gathered a great many popular names, and some of them, such as the Brazilian erva-cidreira, are also applied to lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), which makes the scientific binomial the safest reference when buying or identifying the species.

• English: citron grass, fever grass, lemongrass, West Indian lemongrass.
• Spanish: hierba limón, limoncillo, pasto limón, té limón, zacate limón.
• Portuguese: capim-cheiroso, capim-cidreira, capim-de-cheiro, capim-limão, capim-santo, erva-cidreira (Brazil); erva-príncipe (Portugal).
• French: citronnelle, herbe citron, verveine des Indes.
• Italian: cimbopogone, citronella.
• German: Zitronengras.

Botanical Synonyms of Cymbopogon citratus

Over the nineteenth and twentieth centuries the species received several different names, most of them in the genus Andropogon, where De Candolle originally described it, until Otto Stapf transferred it to Cymbopogon, the combination accepted today and indicated by the author abbreviation (DC.) Stapf.

• Andropogon ceriferus Hack.
• Andropogon citratus DC.
• Andropogon citratus DC. ex Nees
• Andropogon schoenanthus subsp. procerus (Hack.) Maire & Weiller
• Andropogon schoenanthus var. citratus (DC.) Benth.
• Cymbopogon nardus subsp. procerus (Hack.) Soenarko
• Cymbopogon nardus var. ceriferus (Hack.) Soenarko
• Cymbopogon nardus var. citratus (DC.) Soenarko
• Cymbopogon schoenanthus subsp. procerus Hack.

Botanical Family: Poaceae

Lemongrass belongs to the Poaceae family, also known as Gramineae, which brings together the true grasses and includes cereals such as rice, maize and wheat, as well as sugarcane. Within this family, the genus Cymbopogon groups aromatic grasses rich in essential oil, among them citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus), with which lemongrass is frequently confused both in the trade and in everyday language.

Parts of Lemongrass Used

The leaves are the part most often used to make tea, while the stalks, thicker and paler toward the base, appear mainly in cooking and in juices. The leaves are also the source, through distillation, of the essential oil mentioned throughout this article, a form far more concentrated than the plant itself that calls for its own precautions of use.

• Leaves.
• Stalks.

Ethnobotanical and Traditional Uses

In many cultures lemongrass is used in folk medicine for a whole range of everyday complaints, and it is valued above all as a mild calming herb and as a digestive aid. Traditional records describe the tea as a way to relieve stomachaches, fevers and headaches, along with external use of the plant on skin rashes and insect bites. In some communities it is also taken with the aim of lowering blood pressure and as an anticonvulsant, indications that belong to folk knowledge and do not replace medical supervision. In Brazil the tea made from the dried leaves is known as abafado, and it was precisely this form of use that Brazilian researchers evaluated in healthy volunteers in the 1980s. Outside the home medicine cabinet, the plant is a signature ingredient of Asian cooking, where it lends a fresh citrus flavor to broths, dishes and drinks.

Therapeutic Properties of Lemongrass

The properties below bring together traditional records and findings from laboratory and animal studies, which are not always confirmed in people: a double-blind trial with volunteers, for example, found no difference between the tea and placebo in either sleep induction or sleep quality.

• Analgesic (traditionally recorded for pain; a peripheral effect has been observed in laboratory animals and partly attributed to myrcene)
• Antibacterial (activity of the essential oil observed in the laboratory)
• Antifungal (activity of the essential oil observed in the laboratory)
• Anti-inflammatory (effect observed in experimental studies)
• Antioxidant (activity observed in laboratory assays)
• Antispasmodic (traditionally recorded for colic and spasms)
• Anxiolytic (effect of the essential oil observed in mice, not yet confirmed in studies with people)
• Carminative (traditionally recorded for the relief of gas)
• Digestive (traditional use of the tea after meals)
• Diuretic (traditionally recorded as increasing urine output)
• Hypocholesterolemic (effect on cholesterol investigated in preliminary studies, with no clinical confirmation)
• Hypotensive (mild effect attributed to the concentrated tea, investigated in preliminary studies)
• Sedative (traditionally recorded as a mild calming herb; the effect on sleep was not confirmed in volunteers)

Detailed Phytochemical Profile of Lemongrass

Cymbopogon citratus concentrates its bioactive compounds in two main fractions: the essential oil, dominated by citral and accompanied by other monoterpenes, and the aqueous extracts of the leaves, such as the tea itself, which are rich in phenolic acids and flavonoids and include the noteworthy substances listed below.

• Citral (a mixture of geranial and neral, the main component of the essential oil and the source of its citrus aroma)
• Flavonoids (such as isoorientin and swertiajaponin)
• Geraniol (a monoterpene alcohol with anti-inflammatory activity described in experimental studies and associated, in mice, with the gastric healing promoted by the essential oil)
• Limonene (a monoterpene with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity described in experimental studies)
• Myrcene (a monoterpene with sedative and analgesic effects observed in laboratory animals, in which it reproduced the peripheral analgesic action of the tea)
• Phenolic Acids (such as caffeoylquinic acid and chlorogenic acid)
• Terpenes (various other volatile compounds that round out the aromatic profile of the plant)

One curious finding from the studies in mice is that geraniol, rather than citral, was the component associated with the healing of gastric lesions, which shows that the effect of an essential oil cannot always be explained by its main constituent.

Preparation and Administration Forms of Lemongrass

Lemongrass can be prepared in several ways, and the leaf infusion remains both the most common form and the one most studied in people, whereas tinctures and concentrated extracts call for professional guidance.

Infusion (Tea)

To make the infusion, use 1 to 2 teaspoons of fresh or dried lemongrass leaves for each cup of hot water and let it steep in a covered container for 5 to 10 minutes. Then simply strain and serve, hot or cold, bearing in mind that the more concentrated tea is precisely the one associated with the plant’s mild hypotensive effect.

Tincture

Tinctures are alcoholic extracts of the plant, usually prepared by macerating the leaves in grain alcohol for a few weeks, and for this reason the dose and method of use should be set by a health professional.

Essential Oil and Extracts

Lemongrass extracts, including the essential oil, are highly concentrated forms of the plant, used mainly in aromatherapy and in topical products. The essential oil is irritating to the skin and mucous membranes when applied undiluted and must not be ingested, so its application should strictly follow the guidance of a specialist, always with the oil diluted in a vegetable carrier oil.

Synergy with Other Medicinal Plants

Tradition often combines lemongrass with other plants in popular use, creating blends traditionally used for moments of relaxation, for digestive comfort and for skin care. These combinations are a traditional record, not a promise of results, and each plant has its own contraindications that must be respected before any blend is prepared.

Traditional Combinations for Relaxation

In calming blends, lemongrass appears alongside plants traditionally used for the same purpose, and anyone already taking sedatives or anxiolytics should avoid combining several of them without professional guidance.

• Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
• Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
• Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

Traditional Combinations for Digestion

For digestive discomfort after meals, tradition blends lemongrass with spices and aromatic herbs that are in everyday culinary use.

• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
• Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Traditional Combinations for Skin Care

For external use, homemade preparations pair the plant with calendula and St. John’s wort, the latter calling for caution with sun exposure after application.

• Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
• St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Recipes and Usage Protocols of Lemongrass

Lemongrass has household uses that range from the traditional tea to the kitchen, and the recipes below work with amounts close to culinary ones, the range in which the plant is considered low risk.

Simple Lemongrass Tea

This tea is traditionally used as a calming drink at the end of the day, and to make it you only need to bring 1 liter of water to a boil, add 3 to 4 crushed and chopped lemongrass stalks and let them steep for 10 minutes with the pan covered. Once strained, serve it hot or iced, with honey or lime to taste.

Aromatic Paste for Cooking

Process a few lemongrass stalks with garlic, onion, cilantro, olive oil and salt in a blender, or pound them in a mortar, until you get a smooth paste that can be used to season meat, fish or vegetables with the citrus touch typical of Southeast Asian cooking.

Refreshing Lemongrass and Ginger Drink

Blend 2 chopped lemongrass stalks, a piece of fresh ginger about 2 cm long, the juice of 1 lime and 500 ml of water, sweetening to taste. After straining, serve over ice as a refreshing drink for hot days.

The preparations above follow traditional records and do not replace professional guidance. Before any internal use, check the contraindications and interactions described in this article.

Associated Therapies

Lemongrass appears in a number of different complementary approaches, which may accompany, but never replace, conventional medical care.

Aromatherapy

In aromatherapy, lemongrass essential oil is used for a scent considered relaxing, and tradition associates its inhalation with reduced stress, a sense of well-being and relief from headaches and mental fatigue. Studies in mice have described an anxiolytic effect of the oil linked to the GABAergic system, but these findings still need to be confirmed in people, and the essential oil must not be used on babies and young children, including in diffusers placed near them.

Clinical Phytotherapy

In phytotherapy, lemongrass is studied for its possible anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, and standardized extracts are being investigated for digestive complaints, infections and inflammatory conditions, always under professional supervision. The Brazilian study in healthy volunteers, published in 1986, found no signs of toxicity with the tea taken over two weeks, but it also failed to confirm any effect on sleep compared with placebo, which shows the distance between popular use and clinical proof. A scoping review published in 2024 brought together the clinical applications of the essential oil already investigated in people, a field of research that remains open.

Homeopathy

Although it is less common, Cymbopogon citratus appears in some homeopathic preparations, which the homeopathic tradition employs for digestive and nervous complaints according to its own principles, with no specific clinical evidence for these indications.

Contraindications and Side Effects of Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a low-risk traditional tea in culinary amounts, and in the study of volunteers who drank the abafado for two weeks there were no changes in laboratory tests with clinical manifestations. Even so, there are possible contraindications, interactions and side effects, especially with the essential oil and with the concentrated tea.

Contraindications

• Allergies: People with sensitivity to plants of the Poaceae family may have allergic reactions to lemongrass.
• Babies and Young Children: Do not use the essential oil on babies or young children, either on the skin or in diffusers near them.
• Essential Oil: The essential oil is irritating to the skin and mucous membranes when applied undiluted and must not be ingested.
• Liver or Kidney Disease: People with pre-existing liver or kidney conditions should consult a doctor before using the plant, especially in high doses.
• Low Blood Pressure: People with low blood pressure should use the concentrated tea in moderation, given the mild hypotensive effect attributed to it.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Pregnant women should consult their doctor before using it in medicinal amounts. Use in large amounts or in the form of essential oil is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, owing to the lack of conclusive studies on its safety.

Drug Interactions

• Anticoagulants: Lemongrass is listed among the plants with a possible interaction with anticoagulants, and anyone taking this type of medication should consult a health professional before regular consumption.
• Antihypertensives: People taking antihypertensives should use caution, given the mild hypotensive effect of the concentrated tea.
• Sedatives and Anxiolytics: Although the effect on sleep was not confirmed in volunteers, tradition attributes a calming action to the plant, so as a precaution it is best not to combine it with sedatives without guidance.

Side Effects

• Drowsiness: Because of the calming action attributed to the plant, drowsiness may occur, especially when it is combined with other sedatives.
• Gastrointestinal Disturbances: In some people, excessive consumption can cause nausea, vomiting or stomachache.
• Skin Reactions: The essential oil applied undiluted to the skin can cause irritation or dermatitis, particularly in sensitive people.

Historical Notes and Interesting Facts

Lemongrass has a long history of travel between continents, one that has left its mark on its names, on the cooking of many peoples and on the fragrance industry.

A Variety of Popular Names

The diversity of popular names, such as capim-santo, erva-príncipe and fever grass, reflects the adoption of the plant by very different cultures and regions. The English name fever grass, a direct reference to fever, echoes the traditional use of the tea in feverish conditions, while erva-príncipe is the name used in Portugal.

Origin and Spread

Native to tropical Asia, probably Southeast Asia, lemongrass was carried to many parts of the world for its aromatic and medicinal qualities, and its growing popularity made it an essential ingredient in many cuisines and traditional pharmacopoeias. In Brazil the plant adapted so well to backyards that it became a widespread homemade tea and was already the subject of national pharmacological research in the 1980s.

Use in Perfumery and Cosmetics

Beyond its medicinal and culinary uses, lemongrass essential oil is widely used in the perfume and cosmetics industry thanks to its fresh, citrusy scent, and it frequently appears in soaps, lotions and perfumes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lemongrass

How Should Fresh Lemongrass Be Stored?

To keep fresh lemongrass, wrap the stalks in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator, where they usually last up to two weeks. You can also freeze the chopped stalks to use later in teas and recipes.

Does Lemongrass Interact with Medications?

Yes, it may interact with sedatives, antihypertensives and anticoagulants, and people taking antihypertensives should use caution, given the mild hypotensive effect of the concentrated tea. Anyone on long-term medication of any kind should consult a health professional before using the plant regularly.

Does Lemongrass Tea Help You Sleep?

Folk tradition uses the tea as a mild calming drink at night, and studies in mice have observed an anxiolytic effect of the essential oil. In a double-blind trial with volunteers, however, the tea did not differ from placebo in sleep induction or sleep quality, so it can be part of a relaxation routine but does not replace a medical assessment in cases of persistent insomnia.

Can Lemongrass Be Used for Weight Loss?

There is no evidence that lemongrass causes weight loss, and it should not be seen as a slimming product. Its traditional record as a digestive and diuretic may give a feeling of less bloating, but any change in weight depends on a balanced diet and healthy habits.

Are Lemongrass and Lemon Balm the Same Plant?

Although both are known for their citrus scent and their use as a calming herb, lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) are distinct plants from different botanical families. Lemongrass is a grass with long, thin leaves, whereas lemon balm has rounder leaves and a milder scent, and the confusion grows because in parts of Brazil lemongrass itself is also called erva-cidreira, the usual Portuguese name for lemon balm.

Can Lemongrass Essential Oil Be Ingested?

No, and this is one of the main safety rules for the plant: the essential oil is irritating to the skin and mucous membranes when applied undiluted and must not be ingested, nor can it be used on babies and young children. For internal use, the traditional form is the leaf tea, considered low risk in culinary amounts, and pregnant women should consult their doctor before using it in medicinal amounts.