Herbal Monograph
Lemongrass
Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf
Poaceae (Grass family)
Tropical fever grass — broad-spectrum antimicrobial, carminative, and gentle nervine consumed daily by millions worldwide
Overview
Plant Description
Tall, densely tufted, aromatic perennial grass, 1-2 m tall in favorable conditions. Forms dense clumps of long, linear, strap-shaped leaves arising from short, thick rhizomatous bases. Leaves 60-100 cm long and 1-2 cm wide, glaucous green, rough-textured with sharp, finely serrated margins (can cut skin — hence 'barbed wire grass'), tapering to a fine point. Leaf sheaths tightly clasped, pale green to white at the base, becoming pink-purple with age. The entire plant is strongly aromatic with a distinctive lemon scent when crushed, due to the citral-rich volatile oil produced in oil glands throughout the leaves. Inflorescence a large, loose compound panicle, but C. citratus rarely flowers outside its native range and almost never sets viable seed. The lower, bulbous portion of the stem (the 'stalk') is the part most commonly used in cooking.
Habitat
Tropical and subtropical grasslands, open areas, and disturbed ground. Requires warm temperatures (optimum 25-30°C), full sun, and adequate rainfall or irrigation (1,500-2,500 mm annually). Grows in a wide range of soil types but prefers well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 5.0-7.0). Does not tolerate frost or extended cold below 10°C. In temperate regions, grown as an annual or in containers brought indoors for winter.
Distribution
Native to South and Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia). Widely cultivated throughout the tropics and subtropics: Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central and West Africa, Central and South America, Caribbean islands, and Hawaii. Major commercial producers include India, Guatemala, China, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. Naturalized in many tropical regions. In the United States, cultivated in Florida, Hawaii, and Southern California.
Parts Used
Leaf (fresh or dried)
Preferred: Fresh leaf infusion (tropical practice); dried leaf infusion; essential oil for aromatherapy
The leaves are the primary medicinal part, rich in volatile oil (0.2-0.5% of fresh weight, 1-2% of dried weight). Used for infusion (tea), decoction, and essential oil distillation. Lemongrass leaf tea is one of the most widely consumed herbal teas in tropical regions, particularly in the Caribbean (as 'fever grass'), Southeast Asia, and Latin America.
Stalk (lower bulbous stem)
Preferred: Fresh, bruised and added to cooking
Primarily a culinary part, used extensively in Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, and other Southeast Asian cuisines. Contains volatile oil and may contribute therapeutic benefits in food-as-medicine contexts. Not typically used in formal herbal preparations.
Essential oil (Cymbopogon citratus aetheroleum)
Preferred: Diluted in carrier oil for topical use; diffused for aromatherapy
Steam-distilled from fresh or partly dried leaves. The essential oil (dominated by citral) is used in aromatherapy, perfumery, food flavoring, and as a raw material for the synthesis of vitamin A and ionones. Medicinally used topically (diluted) for antimicrobial and analgesic applications.
Key Constituents
Volatile oil (0.2-0.5% fresh weight; 1-2% dried weight)
The volatile oil, dominated by citral, is responsible for essentially all of lemongrass's therapeutic actions. Citral's broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity is well-documented in vitro and supports the traditional use of lemongrass tea for febrile infections. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of citral and myrcene contribute to the traditional use for pain and inflammation. The sedative/anxiolytic effects of citral, myrcene, and linalool support the calming, sleep-promoting reputation of lemongrass tea. The overall volatile oil profile creates a multi-target pharmacological effect: antimicrobial + anti-inflammatory + analgesic + anxiolytic.
Phenolic compounds
The phenolic compounds provide antioxidant activity that is retained in aqueous infusion (tea) after volatile oil compounds have been partially lost. Isoorientin and orientin are particularly notable as they are water-soluble, heat-stable, and well-extracted by boiling water, meaning that lemongrass tea retains significant antioxidant activity. The phenolic fraction may contribute to the observed cholesterol-lowering and antidiabetic effects of lemongrass decoction in preclinical studies.
Other constituents
Beta-sitosterol may contribute to the cholesterol-lowering effect observed in some animal studies of lemongrass.
Herbal Actions
Kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms
Lemongrass essential oil and aqueous extracts demonstrate broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity in vitro. Citral is active against gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus, including MRSA), gram-negative bacteria (E. coli, P. aeruginosa — less susceptible), and fungi (Candida albicans, Aspergillus spp., dermatophytes). The antifungal activity is particularly well-documented. The traditional name 'fever grass' in the Caribbean reflects the antimicrobial and antipyretic use.
[2, 3]Reduces inflammation
Citral and myrcene inhibit COX-2 activity and pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6) in preclinical models. Citral also inhibits NF-kB activation. The anti-inflammatory effect is supported by the presence of luteolin and isoorientin. Animal studies show significant reduction in carrageenan-induced edema and formalin-induced pain.
[4, 7]Relieves intestinal gas and bloating
The volatile oil (citral, myrcene) relaxes GI smooth muscle, relieving intestinal gas and bloating. This carminative action is the basis for the widespread use of lemongrass tea as a digestive aid throughout tropical regions.
[10]Promotes perspiration
Hot lemongrass infusion promotes perspiration, supporting the body's febrile response. The traditional Caribbean use as 'fever grass' combines diaphoretic with antimicrobial and analgesic effects — a rational approach to managing febrile illness.
[10]Relieves pain
Myrcene has demonstrated peripheral analgesic activity (likely through prostaglandin synthesis inhibition). Citral contributes additional analgesic effects. The analgesic action supports the traditional use for headache, myalgia, and general malaise during febrile illness.
[4]Supports and calms the nervous system
Mild calming, anxiolytic effect from citral, myrcene, and linalool. Lemongrass tea is traditionally consumed in the evening for relaxation and sleep promotion in many tropical cultures. Animal studies confirm sedative and anxiolytic activity of lemongrass essential oil.
[5]Prevents or slows oxidative damage to cells
Significant antioxidant activity from both the volatile oil (citral, geraniol) and non-volatile phenolic compounds (isoorientin, chlorogenic acid). Lemongrass tea demonstrates free radical scavenging activity in DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays.
[6]Therapeutic Indications
Immune System
Febrile illness (colds, flu, fever)
The most widespread traditional indication globally. Lemongrass tea ('fever grass') is the standard home remedy for febrile illness throughout the Caribbean, Latin America, and tropical Africa. The rational basis combines diaphoretic, antimicrobial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory actions. Typically prepared as a strong hot infusion and consumed frequently during illness. While no RCTs have been conducted for this specific indication, the pharmacological profile supports the traditional use.
[10]Digestive System
Dyspepsia, bloating, and flatulence
Widely used as a digestive tea throughout Southeast Asia and Latin America. The carminative and antispasmodic actions of the volatile oil relieve GI gas and bloating. The aromatic-bitter quality stimulates digestive secretions. Lemongrass tea after meals is a common cultural practice in Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
[10]Nervous System
Anxiety and nervous tension
Animal studies demonstrate anxiolytic effects of lemongrass essential oil (inhalation and oral administration). Costa et al. demonstrated that mice exposed to lemongrass essential oil showed reduced anxiety in the elevated plus maze without motor impairment. The traditional evening use of lemongrass tea for relaxation in many cultures supports this indication. Human clinical evidence is limited.
[5]Musculoskeletal System
Muscle pain and inflammation (topical)
Topical application of diluted lemongrass essential oil for myalgia, arthralgia, and sports injuries. Myrcene's analgesic and muscle relaxant activity provides pharmacological support. Used in traditional Thai massage oil blends.
[4]Skin / Integumentary
Fungal skin infections (topical)
Lemongrass essential oil demonstrates significant antifungal activity against dermatophytes (Trichophyton, Microsporum) and Candida species in vitro. A clinical study showed efficacy of a lemongrass oil-based preparation for pityriasis versicolor (tinea versicolor). Topical application at 2-5% in carrier oil.
[9]Energetics
Temperature
cool to neutral
Moisture
slightly dry
Taste
Tissue States
heat/excitation, damp/stagnation
Lemongrass has a cooling energetic despite being used as a diaphoretic (the hot infusion is warming by temperature but the herb itself is energetically cooling — similar to peppermint). The cooling quality is reflected in the traditional use for fever and hot, inflammatory conditions. In Ayurvedic terms, lemongrass reduces Pitta and Kapha while potentially increasing Vata if used excessively (due to its drying quality). In Thai traditional medicine, lemongrass is classified as cooling (yen) and is used for hot conditions. The aromatic, slightly bitter quality supports digestion while the cooling action helps manage heat and inflammation.
Traditional Uses
Caribbean folk medicine
- Known as 'fever grass' — the primary home remedy for fever and colds
- Strong hot infusion consumed frequently during febrile illness
- Used for headache, muscle pain, and general malaise
- Digestive aid for stomach cramps and bloating
- Calming tea for stress and insomnia
"In the Caribbean (Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados, Haiti, and other islands), lemongrass is universally known as 'fever grass' and is the standard domestic remedy for fever, colds, and flu. It is one of the most important medicinal plants in Caribbean folk medicine. The common name directly reflects the primary traditional indication: reduction of fever. The plant was likely introduced to the Caribbean from Southeast Asia and quickly adopted into the creolized herbal tradition."
[11]
Southeast Asian traditional medicine (Thai, Indonesian, Vietnamese)
- Digestive tea and culinary spice (inseparable food-medicine tradition)
- Treatment of fever and colds
- Component of traditional massage oil preparations
- Insect repellent (the fresh plant is placed near entryways)
- Postpartum recovery (herbal steam baths for new mothers in Thai tradition)
"In Thai traditional medicine, lemongrass (takrai) is classified as a cooling herb used for hot conditions (fevers, inflammation, heat exhaustion). It is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in Thailand and is inseparable from the culinary tradition — the same plant serves as food ingredient and medicine. In Indonesian jamu (traditional herbal medicine), lemongrass features in numerous formulations for digestive health, fever, and pain."
[10]
Brazilian and Latin American folk medicine
- Known as capim-limão or capim-cidreira
- Tea for anxiety, insomnia, and nervous tension
- Digestive aid and carminative
- Treatment of fever and colds
- Used as a mild hypotensive in Brazilian folk medicine
"In Brazil, lemongrass tea (chá de capim-limão) is one of the most popular herbal teas, consumed daily by millions. It is valued primarily as a calming, anxiolytic tea — taken in the evening for relaxation and sleep promotion. The Brazilian folk use emphasizes the nervine and carminative properties more than the antimicrobial use. Surveys of herbal medicine use in Brazil consistently rank lemongrass among the top 5 most commonly consumed medicinal plants."
[5]
West African traditional medicine
- Treatment of malaria and fever (widely used, though antimalarial efficacy is not established)
- Digestive complaints and abdominal pain
- Headache and body pain
- Insect repellent
"In West Africa, lemongrass decoction is one of the most commonly used herbal remedies for fever and suspected malaria. While the antimalarial activity of lemongrass has been investigated, it is generally considered insufficient as a standalone antimalarial treatment. The antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic actions may explain symptomatic relief. Ethnobotanical surveys in Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon consistently identify lemongrass among the most frequently used medicinal plants."
[2]
Modern Research
Antimicrobial activity — comprehensive in vitro evaluation
Systematic evaluation of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil and citral against a broad panel of pathogenic bacteria and fungi.
Findings: Lemongrass essential oil and purified citral demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity. Against bacteria: MIC values ranged from 0.06-0.5% (v/v) for gram-positive species (S. aureus, MRSA, S. pyogenes) and 0.12-1.0% for gram-negative species. Against fungi: strong activity against Candida albicans (MIC 0.06-0.12%), Aspergillus spp., and dermatophytes. The antifungal activity was consistently strong across studies. Citral was identified as the primary antimicrobial compound.
Limitations: In vitro studies. MIC values may not be achievable systemically with oral administration of tea or standard preparations. Topical antimicrobial application is better supported by the concentration data.
Anxiolytic and sedative effects
Evaluation of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil for anxiolytic and sedative effects in mice using behavioral tests.
Findings: Lemongrass essential oil administered by inhalation and by oral gavage demonstrated anxiolytic effects in the elevated plus maze (increased time in open arms) and sedative effects (reduced locomotor activity) in mice. The anxiolytic effect was comparable to diazepam at certain doses. The effect was not accompanied by significant motor impairment, suggesting an anxiolytic rather than purely sedative mechanism. Citral and myrcene were proposed as the active compounds.
Limitations: Animal model. Behavioral anxiety models in mice have limited direct translatability to human anxiety disorders. No human clinical trials for anxiolytic indications.
[5]
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity
Investigation of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil and citral for anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in rodent models.
Findings: Oral administration of lemongrass essential oil and citral significantly reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema (anti-inflammatory) and formalin-induced nociception (analgesic) in rats. The anti-inflammatory effect involved inhibition of COX-2 and reduction of PGE2 production. Myrcene contributed significant peripheral analgesic activity. The effects were dose-dependent.
Limitations: Animal models. Doses used on a mg/kg basis were higher than typical human tea consumption. No human clinical trials for analgesic indications.
[4]
Antioxidant activity of lemongrass tea
Characterization of antioxidant compounds in Cymbopogon citratus infusion (tea) and evaluation of antioxidant capacity.
Findings: Lemongrass infusion demonstrated significant antioxidant activity in DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. The major antioxidant compounds in the infusion were identified as C-glycosyl flavones (isoorientin and orientin) and phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid) — not the volatile oil compounds. This finding is important: it demonstrates that lemongrass tea retains significant antioxidant activity even after partial volatile oil loss during boiling.
Limitations: In vitro antioxidant assays. The clinical relevance of in vitro antioxidant capacity is debated.
[6]
Cholesterol-lowering effects
Evaluation of Cymbopogon citratus oil and extract effects on serum cholesterol in animal models and a limited human observation.
Findings: Oral administration of lemongrass oil (100-1000 mg/day) reduced serum cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic rats. The mechanism appeared to involve inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase and increased fecal excretion of bile acids and cholesterol. An early observational study in humans suggested cholesterol-lowering effects but was not well-controlled.
Limitations: Primarily animal data. The one human observation was preliminary and poorly controlled. Doses of essential oil used in animal studies were high relative to human tea consumption. No rigorous human RCTs for cholesterol-lowering.
[8]
Antifungal clinical study — pityriasis versicolor
Clinical evaluation of a lemongrass oil-based preparation for pityriasis versicolor (tinea versicolor) in Thai patients.
Findings: Topical application of a 2.5% lemongrass oil shampoo/solution twice daily for 2 weeks showed clinical improvement in patients with pityriasis versicolor, with mycological cure rates comparable to standard antifungal preparations. The preparation was well-tolerated without significant skin irritation at this concentration.
Limitations: Small sample size. Not a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Single skin condition. Short treatment duration. Cultural and environmental factors (tropical climate) may limit generalizability.
[9]
Insect repellent activity
Evaluation of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil as a mosquito repellent.
Findings: Lemongrass essential oil demonstrated significant spatial and contact repellency against Aedes aegypti and Anopheles mosquitoes in laboratory and field conditions. Protection duration was approximately 2-3 hours with 10-30% oil formulations. Citral and citronellal were identified as the primary repellent compounds.
Limitations: Duration of protection is significantly shorter than DEET-based products (8-12 hours). Requires frequent reapplication. Field efficacy was lower than laboratory results.
[7]
Preparations & Dosage
Infusion (Tea)
Strength: 2-4 g fresh (or 1-2 g dried) per 250 mL water
Use 2-4 g (approximately 1 tablespoon) of fresh lemongrass leaves, chopped or bruised, or 1-2 g dried lemongrass per 250 mL of boiling water. Cover and steep 10-15 minutes. Strain. Fresh leaves produce a more aromatic, flavorful tea than dried. May add honey, ginger, or lime to taste.
One cup (250 mL), 2-3 times daily.
2-3 times daily. For fever: every 2-3 hours as hot infusion.
Acute use: duration of illness. Chronic use as a daily tea: no established duration limits. Long-term consumption is a cultural norm in many tropical regions.
Children over 2 years: half cup, 1-2 times daily. Generally well-tolerated in children.
Fresh lemongrass tea is strongly preferred in tropical cultures where the plant grows abundantly. The fresh leaf produces a brighter, more aromatic infusion with higher volatile oil content. Covering the cup during steeping retains volatile compounds. For fever, the tea should be consumed hot to maximize diaphoretic effect. Lemongrass tea is one of the most palatable herbal teas, with universal appeal — it makes an excellent base for herbal blends.
[10]
Decoction
Strength: 5-10 g fresh herb per 500 mL water
Simmer 5-10 g of fresh chopped lemongrass stalks and leaves in 500 mL water for 10-15 minutes. Strain.
One cup, 2-3 times daily.
2-3 times daily.
Duration of illness or as a daily beverage.
Half cup, 1-2 times daily.
Decoction is common in Caribbean and African practice. The prolonged simmering extracts more non-volatile constituents (flavonoids, phenolic acids) but reduces volatile oil content. This is actually advantageous for the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, which depend on heat-stable phenolics rather than volatile citral.
[11]
Tincture
Strength: 1:2 fresh, 25% ethanol; 1:5 dried, 45% ethanol
Macerate fresh or dried lemongrass in ethanol-water menstruum. Fresh herb: 1:2 in 25% ethanol. Dried herb: 1:5 in 45% ethanol.
2-4 mL, 3 times daily.
3 times daily.
4-6 weeks for chronic use.
Not commonly used as tincture. Infusion preferred for children.
Tincture is less commonly used than infusion for lemongrass, as the tea form is palatable, effective, and culturally preferred in most regions where lemongrass is used medicinally. Tincture may be useful for combination formulas in Western herbal practice.
[10]
Essential Oil
Strength: Pure essential oil, steam-distilled from fresh leaves
For topical use: dilute 3-5 drops in 10 mL carrier oil (2-5% dilution). For aromatherapy: add 3-5 drops to diffuser or bowl of hot water for inhalation. For bath: add 3-5 drops mixed with a dispersant (bath salts, full-fat milk) to warm bath water.
Topical: 2-5% dilution in carrier oil, applied 2-3 times daily to affected area. Aromatherapy: diffuse for 30-60 minutes.
Topical: 2-3 times daily. Aromatherapy: as needed.
Topical antifungal: 2-4 weeks. Aromatherapy: ongoing as desired.
Children over 2 years: 1-2% dilution for topical use only. Not for internal use.
CAUTION: Citral is a known skin sensitizer. Always dilute essential oil before topical application. Perform patch test before first use. Avoid use on broken or irritated skin. Do not apply near eyes or mucous membranes. Internal use of the essential oil is not recommended without practitioner guidance — the tea is a safer and adequate oral form.
[7]
Safety & Interactions
Class 1
Can be safely consumed when used appropriately (AHPA Botanical Safety Handbook)
Contraindications
Citral is a recognized contact allergen. Individuals with known sensitivity to citral or lemongrass should avoid all preparations. Cross-reactivity with other citral-containing essential oils (melissa, verbena, may chang) is possible.
Drug Interactions
| Drug / Class | Severity | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Cytochrome P450 substrates (CYP2B6 substrates particularly) (Various — includes cyclophosphamide, efavirenz, bupropion) | minor | In vitro evidence suggests citral may inhibit CYP2B6 activity. This could theoretically increase plasma levels of drugs metabolized by this enzyme. |
| Antidiabetic medications (Hypoglycemic agents) | minor | Preclinical evidence of alpha-glucosidase inhibition by lemongrass flavonoids (isoorientin). Theoretically additive hypoglycemic effect. |
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy
possibly unsafe
Lactation
insufficient data
PREGNANCY: The AHPA Botanical Safety Handbook lists lemongrass as Class 1 (can be safely consumed when used appropriately) for the herb/tea form. However, citral has shown embryotoxic effects at high doses in animal studies (doses far exceeding tea consumption). Moderate tea consumption during pregnancy is likely safe based on widespread traditional use, but concentrated essential oil should be avoided. Formal safety studies during pregnancy are lacking. LACTATION: Insufficient formal data. Lemongrass tea is consumed by breastfeeding mothers in many cultures without reported adverse effects. Considered compatible with breastfeeding at culinary/tea doses by most authorities.
Adverse Effects
References
Monograph Sources
- [1] Gardner Z, McGuffin M (eds.). American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook, Second Edition: Cymbopogon citratus. CRC Press, Boca Raton (2013)
Clinical Studies
- [2] Naik MI, Fomda BA, Jaykumar E, Bhat JA. Antibacterial activity of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) oil against some selected pathogenic bacteria. Asian Pac J Trop Med (2010) ; 3 : 535-538 . DOI: 10.1016/S1995-7645(10)60129-0
- [3] Onawunmi GO. Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of citral. Lett Appl Microbiol (1984) ; 1 : 105-108 . DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-765X.1984.tb00040.x
- [4] Francisco V, Figueirinha A, Neves BM, García-Rodríguez C, Lopes MC, Cruz MT, Batista MT. Cymbopogon citratus as source of new and safe anti-inflammatory drugs: bio-guided assay using lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. J Ethnopharmacol (2011) ; 133 : 818-827 . DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2010.11.018 . PMID: 21075190
- [5] Blanco MM, Costa CA, Freire AO, Santos JG Jr, Costa M. Neurobehavioral effect of essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus in mice. Phytomedicine (2009) ; 16 : 265-270 . DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2007.04.007 . PMID: 19070450
- [6] Cheel J, Theoduloz C, Rodríguez J, Schmeda-Hirschmann G. Free radical scavengers and antioxidants from Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf.). J Agric Food Chem (2005) ; 53 : 2511-2517 . DOI: 10.1021/jf0479766 . PMID: 15796587
- [7] Boukhatem MN, Ferhat MA, Kameli A, Saidi F, Kebir HT. Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil as a potent anti-inflammatory and antifungal drugs. Libyan J Med (2014) ; 9 : 25431 . DOI: 10.3402/ljm.v9.25431 . PMID: 25242822
- [8] Elson CE, Underbakke GL, Hanson P, Shrago E, Wainberg RH, Qureshi AA. Impact of lemongrass oil, an essential oil, on serum cholesterol. Lipids (1989) ; 24 : 677-679 . DOI: 10.1007/BF02535084 . PMID: 2586227
- [9] Wannissorn B, Jarikasem S, Soontorntanasart T. Antifungal activity of lemongrass oil and lemongrass oil cream. Phytother Res (1996) ; 10 : 551-554
Traditional Texts
- [10] Hoffmann D. Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts Press, Rochester, VT (2003)
- [11] Mitchell SA, Ahmad MH. A Review of Medicinal Plant Research at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica, 1948-2001. West Indian Med J (2006) ; 55 : 243-269
Last updated: 2026-03-23 | Status: published
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