Native to tropical regions of India and South America, lemongrass, or Cymbopogon citratus, is a tall, grassy plant that reaches 5 ft. in height. Valued as an ingredient in Asian cuisine, lemongrass also has a history of medicinal use, according to the Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. Lemongrass tincture, a liquid extract of the medicinal constituents of the lemongrass plant, may be beneficial in treating some conditions. Lemongrass tincture is available as a supplement but consult your doctor before using any herbal remedy to treat a medical disorder.
Topical Application
Added to an ointment or diluted in water, lemongrass tincture may be beneficial in the topical treatment of fungal disorders, including ringworm or athlete's foot, according to the Gale encyclopedia. Rubbed on the skin, it may increase blood flow to the area and may ease the pain of tendinitis and rheumatism, reports Gale, although research does not exist to back up these claims.
By adding 10 drops of lemongrass tincture to a cup of water in a small spray bottle, you may make a natural pesticide--due to the citronella in the herb--to keep bugs away. In rare instances, lemongrass tincture may trigger an allergic skin reaction, resulting in burning or a rash. Avoid contact with eyes.
Fever Reduction
Also called fevergrass, lemongrass tincture may help reduce a fever, reports the Physician's Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines.
Diuretic
Adding four or five drops of lemongrass tincture to a glass of water or herbal tea may produce mild diuretic action in the body, suggests the PDR.
Digestion
Lemongrass tincture, added to hot herbal tea, may aid digestion, reduce muscle cramps and ease spasms. It may also be beneficial in treating some headaches, according to the website Gourmetsleuth.com, although clinical evidence confirming these benefits is lacking. Before using lemongrass tincture to treat any disorder, consult your doctor to rule out a serious condition.
The PDR reports that Native Americans used lemongrass to eliminate intestinal worms and parasites and to treat flatulence and other stomach ailments.
References
- GourmetSleuth.com: Lemongrass
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Edition"; Joerg Gruenwald, PhD, 2000
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Volume 3"; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
