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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
Ayurvedic Actions
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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
