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Lemongrass
( Cymbopogon citratus )
Family
Gramineae
Synonyms
Fevergrass, oilgrass, cane of
perfume
Character
Astringent, antioxidant,
carminative, expectorant, febrifuge
Description
Over fifty species of this
particular genus grow as perennials in tropical and subtropical regions of
both Africa and Asia. Most species are herbaceous bamboo grasses and rarely
grow as shrubs. Characterized by is hardiness and adaptability, lemongrass
has a fibrous root system and hollow stems with leaf sheaths that bear an
interesting fruit called a caryopsis. This particular family of plants
provides the source of all cereals ( wheat, maize, rice, oats, barley,
millet, rye, etc. ) and is considered the most important source of
carbohydrate nutrition world wide.
Phytochemistry
Flavones, polyphenols, coumarins,
alkaloids, cyanogenic compounds, saponins, ethereal oils, sterols,
triterpenes, pyrrolizidine derivatives, glucovanillin, methoxyarbutin
Traditional rain forest use
Grasses from this plant family
have been used by the Yumbos of Ecuador to treat eye infections. They apply
warm sap extracted from the grass to the eyes. The Achuraras similarly place
drops of the stem sap into eyes that are inflamed. The Ketchwa tribe chews
the leaves of the Coix species ( related to lemongrass ) as a treatment for
toothache. The Sionas use lemongrass leaves for their aromatic properties
and combine them with sugar and water to treat abdominal pain. The Tikunas
crush the leaves and make a tea for headaches, flu-like symptoms and fevers.
Modern medicinal applications
As a good source of beta-carotene
and vitamin A, lemongrass has significant antioxidant properties. Currently,
Peruvian governmental authorities are attempting to commercially cultivate
lemongrass as an economic crop. This herb is valued for treating colds,
fever, digestive upset and headaches.
Authentication
Many species of lemongrass have
been analyzed for their essential oils which are rich in terpenoids. Both
antispasmodic and antibiotic activity have been observed in the cymbopogon
genus. Lemongrass is reputed to slow the discharge of mucus as well as
reduce mucus production in respiratory conditions, due in part to its
astringent properties.
Safety
Considered nontoxic if used as
directed. |
