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How does it feel?
Lemongrass is a thick, tropical long grass that is native to India. The leaf blades are multiple, stiff and can grow to lengths of 2m and widths of 1/2m in the tropics. The plant has a solid portion at the bottom that is a distinctive light pink colour and has very dense and fibrous roots. Lemongrass is now grown throughout South East Asia, India, Sri Lanka, Africa, Brazil, Guatemala, USA and the West Indies.
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What can I use it for?
Lemongrass is packed with the pungent and stimulating essential oils, citral and limonene. The essential oils possess antibacterial, analgesic and antipyretic properties. It has, therefore, developed a use in the treatment of fevers and infections of the digestive and respiratory tract. The painkilling properties of the oils has also instigated its use in relieving the pain caused by arthritic conditions and where there may be nerve damage. The stimulating, pungent nature of the essential oils invigorate the circulation, with a particular focus upon the peripheral and cerebral circulation network.
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Into the heart of Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a naturally vibrant herb. It is packed with stimulating and pungent essential oils that power through congestion and encourage the removal of toxicity. It warms and energises the circulation both externally and internally, improving the peripheral blood supply and helping to relieve pain aggravated by inflammation. Its pungency pushes out built up phlegm, mucous and toxins present within the respiratory and digestive tracts, improving both their efficacy and core strength.
The pungent and bitter taste profile of this plant helps to regulate movement and metabolism within the digestive tract and particularly the intestines, clearing away congestion influencing bloating, cramping and colic.
The stimulating essential oils in lemongrass dry excess mucous and phlegm trapped in the respiratory tract and the lungs, acting as an effective expectorant in fevers and also chronic asthma.
Lemongrass is a mild diaphoretic that stimulates the circulation and can help to clear built up toxicity and congestion preventing recovery from infection. The anti-bacterial properties of the essential oils also make lemongrass effective for treating infection.
Lemongrass contains essential oils with painkilling properties that can be helpful in relieving menstrual cramping and spasms, and stimulate the blood flow. It will also encourage the flow of breast milk.
The essential oils improve blood supply to the muscles and joints, indicating this herb in relieving arthritic based pain and inflammation.
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Traditional actions
AnalgesicsAnalgesics are medications that are applied internally or externally to reduce pain. Many of them work by depressing the functions of the central nervous system, Examples of effective analgesics include Jamaican Dogwood (Piscidia erythrina), Pasqueflower (Anenome pulsatilla), California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica), Corydalis (Corydalis yanghusuo) and Wild Lettuce (Lactuca virosa). Topically, Aconite (Aconitum napellus) and Cayenne (Capsicum minimum) are powerful anodynes.
CarminativesCarminative herbs are high in essential oils and help ease digestion by relieving gas, spasms and cramps. Examples include Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum), Fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare) and Peppermint leaf (Mentha piperita).
DiaphoreticsDiaphoretics are herbs that cause sweating by increasing circulation in the periphery of the body. Usually used to help to relieve fevers, some examples are Yarrow aerial parts (Achillea millefolium), Elder flowers (Sambucus niger), Ginger root (Zingiber officinalis).
DiureticsDiuretics are herbs that stimulate the flow of urine, and help remove fluids from the body. Common examples are Dandelion leaf (Taraxacum officinalis), Burdock root (Arctium lappa) and Corn silk (Zea mays).
EmmenagoguesEmmenagogues are herbs that stimulate and promote menstruation. Examples include Marigold flowers (Calendula officinalis) and Chaste Tree fruits (Vitex agnus-castus), Turmeric root (Curcuma longa).
ExpectorantsExpectorants are herbs that assist the body in expelling mucus from the upper respiratory tract. Examples include Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Elecampane root (Inula helenium) and Thyme leaf (Thymus vulgaris).
GalactagoguesGalactagogues are herbs that encourage the flow of breastmilk. Examples include Fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare), Celery seed (Apium graveolens) and Shatavari root (Asparagus racemosus).
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Did you know?
The bulbous stem of the plant is traditionally crushed to release the pungent essential oils. The essential oils, particularly citronella is a popular ingredient in many perfumes and cosmetic products, but is also an excellent insect repellent.
Additional information
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Interactions
No drug-herb interactions are known.
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Dosage
1-9g per day or 5-15ml of a 1:5 in 45% tincture
