Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFormsTraditional UsesMedicinal BenefitsSide Effects and Interactions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Forms
Traditional Uses
Medicinal Benefits
Side Effects and Interactions
Lemongrass—whose scientific name isCymbopogon citratus—is an edible herb traditionally used in certain cuisines andaromatherapy. It may also be useful for medicinal purposes, with research showing potential gut, immune, and mental health benefits.
This article provides an overview of possible culinary and medicinal uses for lemongrass in essential oil and dried forms, also outlining the herb’s common side effects and interactions.
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Forms of Lemongrass
In nature, lemongrass grows as a tall, thin, stalky plant that thrives best in a tropical or semitropical environment.
One of dozens in theCymbopogonspecies, lemongrass can be modified for human use and consumption in the following forms:
Traditional Uses of Lemongrass
Native to parts of Asia, lemongrass is commonly cultivated in South America and Central America, Africa, and other tropical environments. With its lemony flavor and aroma, the plant’s traditional uses are similar to how it is used today.
Lemongrass is a common flavor ingredient in herbal teas, soups, and other dishes.It’s also been used in traditional medicine as a home remedy for various ailments involvingdigestion, fevers, the nervous system, and more.
Additionally, the plant has served as a key fragrance ingredient, both for therapeutic purposes and as aninsect repellent.
9 Lemongrass Medicinal Benefits
Some research suggests that lemongrass may be able to help with certain ailments, like fever,inflammation, and digestive issues. While more scientific evidence is needed before lemongrass can be broadly recommended as a treatment, there are several promising medicinal benefits that the plant may be able to offer, including:
Anti-Inflammatory
Cardiovascular Health
Recent research on lemongrass has found it to potentially play a role in reducing the risk of heart disease, lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL), considered “bad"cholesterol, levels, and supporting againsthypertension (high blood pressure).
Antimicrobial
Digestive Support
Anecdotally, lemongrass has been a remedy for an upset stomach—includingcrampsand vomiting.However, at least one study found that lemongrass cuts down on the toxicity ofEscherichia coli(E. coli),a bacterial infection that can cause food poisoning from contaminated foods. Other research done on animals found that lemongrass essential oil may help protect the stomach lining againstgastric ulcers.
Cancer-Fighting
Diuretic
A popular ingredient in beverages like detox teas, lemongrass may be helpful in weight loss and metabolism-boosting. Research does show that the plant is a naturaldiuretic(reduces fluid buildup), but more studies are needed on these specific properties before it can be widely recommended.
Pain Reliever and Fever Reducer
Natural chemicals in lemongrass might help relieve pain, swelling, andfeverdue to its soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits. Some studies have also shown that lemongrass oil may help cool the body’s temperature.
Dandruff Remedy
Some initial research points to lemongrass essential oil havingdandruff-reducing properties. Experts think this may be due to the herb’s ability to cut down on the growth of fungus that’s linked to dandruff, but more research is needed.
Anxiety Reducer
The fresh, clean scent of lemongrass has long been used in products like candles, soaps, disinfectants, and insect repellants. But there may be more than just a pleasant smell behind this popular essential oil. Studies link the aroma of lemongrass to a quick reduction inanxietyand tension when inhaled.
Lemongrass is considered to be generally safe for most people. That said, there are some potential side effects and interactions to consider when using lemongrass orally, topically, or therapeutically.
When used topically, lemongrass can cause skin irritation. Apply it with a carrier oil, and do a spot test of a small area of skin before using it generously. Many essential oils have the potential to prompt allergiccontact dermatitis(a common skin reaction).
In addition, consuming high amounts of the plant extract has also been known to cause side effects such as:
When repeatedly consumed in high amounts, it may be possible that lemongrass could eventually cause liver, stomach, or kidney function damage.
Summary
Lemongrass has traditionally been used in cuisine, teas, topicals, and essential oils as a potential remedy for minor ailments. Research is starting to back up some of these anecdotal claims, with studies pointing to the plant’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cancer-fighting properties, among others. Lemongrass may also help with digestive issues, relieve pain, reduce fever, ease anxiety, and more.
While lemongrass may be generally safe for most healthy adults, some people may experience an allergic reaction with side effects. Always check with a healthcare provider before using any natural remedies like lemongrass to make sure the herb is safe for you.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Shah G, Shri R, Panchal V, Sharma N, Singh B et al.Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of cymbopogon citratus, stapf (lemon grass).J Adv Pharm Technol Res. 2011 Jan;2(1):3-8. doi:10.4103/2231-4040.79796Nida Tabassum K.Therapeutic benefits of lemongrass and tea tree.Ann Civil Environ Eng. 2020;4(1):027-029. doi:10.29328/journal.acee.1001022Silva H, Bárbara R.Exploring the anti-hypertensive potential of lemongrass-A comprehensive review.Biology (Basel). 2022 Sep 22;11(10):1382. doi:10.3390/biology11101382Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Lemongrass.Taweechaisupapong S, Ngaonee P, Patsuk P, Pitiphat W, Khunkitti W.Antibiofilm activity and post antifungal effect of lemongrass oil on clinical Candida dubliniensis isolate.South African Journal of Botany. 2012;78:37-43. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2011.04.003DeFilipps RA, Krupnick GA.The medicinal plants of Myanmar.PhytoKeys. 2018:(102):1-341. doi:10.3897/phytokeys.102.24380Mukarram M, Choudhary S, Khan MA, et al.Lemongrass essential oil components with antimicrobial and anticancer activities.Antioxidants. 2021;11(1):20. doi:10.3390/antiox11010020Chaisripipat W, Lourith N, Kanlayavattanakul M.Anti-dandruff hair tonic containing lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) oil.Forsch Komplementmed. 2015;22(4):226-229. doi:10.1159/000432407Goes TC, Ursulino FR, Almeida-Souza TH, Alves PB, Teixeira-Silva F.Effect of lemongrass aroma on experimental anxiety in humans.J Altern Complement Med. 2015 Dec;21(12):766-73. doi:10.1089/acm.2015.0099Sindle A, Martin K.Art of prevention: essential Oils - Natural products not necessarily safe.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2020 Nov 12;7(3):304-308. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2020.10.013Dosoky NS, Setzer WN.Maternal reproductive toxicity of some essential oils and their constituents.Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Feb 27;22(5):2380. doi:10.3390/ijms22052380
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Shah G, Shri R, Panchal V, Sharma N, Singh B et al.Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of cymbopogon citratus, stapf (lemon grass).J Adv Pharm Technol Res. 2011 Jan;2(1):3-8. doi:10.4103/2231-4040.79796Nida Tabassum K.Therapeutic benefits of lemongrass and tea tree.Ann Civil Environ Eng. 2020;4(1):027-029. doi:10.29328/journal.acee.1001022Silva H, Bárbara R.Exploring the anti-hypertensive potential of lemongrass-A comprehensive review.Biology (Basel). 2022 Sep 22;11(10):1382. doi:10.3390/biology11101382Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Lemongrass.Taweechaisupapong S, Ngaonee P, Patsuk P, Pitiphat W, Khunkitti W.Antibiofilm activity and post antifungal effect of lemongrass oil on clinical Candida dubliniensis isolate.South African Journal of Botany. 2012;78:37-43. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2011.04.003DeFilipps RA, Krupnick GA.The medicinal plants of Myanmar.PhytoKeys. 2018:(102):1-341. doi:10.3897/phytokeys.102.24380Mukarram M, Choudhary S, Khan MA, et al.Lemongrass essential oil components with antimicrobial and anticancer activities.Antioxidants. 2021;11(1):20. doi:10.3390/antiox11010020Chaisripipat W, Lourith N, Kanlayavattanakul M.Anti-dandruff hair tonic containing lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) oil.Forsch Komplementmed. 2015;22(4):226-229. doi:10.1159/000432407Goes TC, Ursulino FR, Almeida-Souza TH, Alves PB, Teixeira-Silva F.Effect of lemongrass aroma on experimental anxiety in humans.J Altern Complement Med. 2015 Dec;21(12):766-73. doi:10.1089/acm.2015.0099Sindle A, Martin K.Art of prevention: essential Oils - Natural products not necessarily safe.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2020 Nov 12;7(3):304-308. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2020.10.013Dosoky NS, Setzer WN.Maternal reproductive toxicity of some essential oils and their constituents.Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Feb 27;22(5):2380. doi:10.3390/ijms22052380
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Shah G, Shri R, Panchal V, Sharma N, Singh B et al.Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of cymbopogon citratus, stapf (lemon grass).J Adv Pharm Technol Res. 2011 Jan;2(1):3-8. doi:10.4103/2231-4040.79796Nida Tabassum K.Therapeutic benefits of lemongrass and tea tree.Ann Civil Environ Eng. 2020;4(1):027-029. doi:10.29328/journal.acee.1001022Silva H, Bárbara R.Exploring the anti-hypertensive potential of lemongrass-A comprehensive review.Biology (Basel). 2022 Sep 22;11(10):1382. doi:10.3390/biology11101382Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Lemongrass.Taweechaisupapong S, Ngaonee P, Patsuk P, Pitiphat W, Khunkitti W.Antibiofilm activity and post antifungal effect of lemongrass oil on clinical Candida dubliniensis isolate.South African Journal of Botany. 2012;78:37-43. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2011.04.003DeFilipps RA, Krupnick GA.The medicinal plants of Myanmar.PhytoKeys. 2018:(102):1-341. doi:10.3897/phytokeys.102.24380Mukarram M, Choudhary S, Khan MA, et al.Lemongrass essential oil components with antimicrobial and anticancer activities.Antioxidants. 2021;11(1):20. doi:10.3390/antiox11010020Chaisripipat W, Lourith N, Kanlayavattanakul M.Anti-dandruff hair tonic containing lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) oil.Forsch Komplementmed. 2015;22(4):226-229. doi:10.1159/000432407Goes TC, Ursulino FR, Almeida-Souza TH, Alves PB, Teixeira-Silva F.Effect of lemongrass aroma on experimental anxiety in humans.J Altern Complement Med. 2015 Dec;21(12):766-73. doi:10.1089/acm.2015.0099Sindle A, Martin K.Art of prevention: essential Oils - Natural products not necessarily safe.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2020 Nov 12;7(3):304-308. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2020.10.013Dosoky NS, Setzer WN.Maternal reproductive toxicity of some essential oils and their constituents.Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Feb 27;22(5):2380. doi:10.3390/ijms22052380
Shah G, Shri R, Panchal V, Sharma N, Singh B et al.Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of cymbopogon citratus, stapf (lemon grass).J Adv Pharm Technol Res. 2011 Jan;2(1):3-8. doi:10.4103/2231-4040.79796
Nida Tabassum K.Therapeutic benefits of lemongrass and tea tree.Ann Civil Environ Eng. 2020;4(1):027-029. doi:10.29328/journal.acee.1001022
Silva H, Bárbara R.Exploring the anti-hypertensive potential of lemongrass-A comprehensive review.Biology (Basel). 2022 Sep 22;11(10):1382. doi:10.3390/biology11101382
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Lemongrass.
Taweechaisupapong S, Ngaonee P, Patsuk P, Pitiphat W, Khunkitti W.Antibiofilm activity and post antifungal effect of lemongrass oil on clinical Candida dubliniensis isolate.South African Journal of Botany. 2012;78:37-43. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2011.04.003
DeFilipps RA, Krupnick GA.The medicinal plants of Myanmar.PhytoKeys. 2018:(102):1-341. doi:10.3897/phytokeys.102.24380
Mukarram M, Choudhary S, Khan MA, et al.Lemongrass essential oil components with antimicrobial and anticancer activities.Antioxidants. 2021;11(1):20. doi:10.3390/antiox11010020
Chaisripipat W, Lourith N, Kanlayavattanakul M.Anti-dandruff hair tonic containing lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) oil.Forsch Komplementmed. 2015;22(4):226-229. doi:10.1159/000432407
Goes TC, Ursulino FR, Almeida-Souza TH, Alves PB, Teixeira-Silva F.Effect of lemongrass aroma on experimental anxiety in humans.J Altern Complement Med. 2015 Dec;21(12):766-73. doi:10.1089/acm.2015.0099
Sindle A, Martin K.Art of prevention: essential Oils - Natural products not necessarily safe.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2020 Nov 12;7(3):304-308. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2020.10.013
Dosoky NS, Setzer WN.Maternal reproductive toxicity of some essential oils and their constituents.Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Feb 27;22(5):2380. doi:10.3390/ijms22052380
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