Lemon grass, scientifically known as Cymbopogon citratus, is a pungent herb that has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-carcinogenic properties. Lemon grass is most commonly known as a culinary ingredient in Thai, Vietnamese and Caribbean cuisine but is also used as a natural fragrance, mosquito repellent, decorative plant and as a medicinal treatment. Lemon grass can be found in a variety of forms, including fresh or dried herbs, teas, oils, and herbal formulas such as tinctures and capsules.
Identification
Lemon grass, indigenous to the south and southeast regions of Asia and Australia, is a tall grassy-like plant that can grow six feet high and four feet wide. This plant has thick stalks and broad, lemon-scented leaves. It grows in clusters, and due to its popularity, is now cultivated across the United States. The stalk, leaves and bulb of the lemon grass plant are used. Many varieties of lemon grass exist, including Cymbopogon nardus or citronella grass; Cymbopogon martini, or ginger grass; and Cymbopogon winterianus or java citronella oil.
Uses
Lemon grass is a versatile herb. Aside from adding flavor to soups, stews, teas, drinks, and other ethnic dishes, lemon grass is also used in soaps, candles, perfumes and cosmetics. Since lemon grass contains the active ingredient citral, it has been medicinally used to help the digestive system, to treat muscle spasms and cramps, headaches, rheumatism, stomach aches and abdominal pain. According to Drugs.com, lemon grass may be effective for gastrointestinal disorders, nervous disorders, diabetes and to help reduce fevers. Additionally, this herb has been touted to help protect and prevent against cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Scientific Evidence
Most of the research done on lemon grass has involved animals, but the results are promising. In one of the latest studies published in the October 2010 issue of "Human and Experimental Toxicology," researchers from SASTRA University in India found that lemongrass is cardioprotective and anti-lipid peroxidative. The study showed that 200 mg/kg of body weight of lemon grass actually increased enzymatic antioxidants in the body preventing free radical damage. In another study published in the November 2010 issue of the "Journal of Applied Toxicology," researchers showed that lemongrass oil may be effective in treating breast cancer and has been shown to act as a protective shield against MNU-induced DNA damage.
Side Effects
Lemon grass is considered generally safe. There are no known cases that imply any toxic effects, however any herb should be used with caution. Applying lemon grass oil topically may cause an allergic reaction for those who have sensitive skin. Lemon grass may also cause uterine and menstrual stimulation, so if you are pregnant or breast feeding, ingesting lemon grass should be done only after consulting a physician.
References
- Gourmet Sleuth: Lemon Grass
- Drugs.com: Lemongrass
- "Human and Experimental Toxicology"; Cardioprotective effect of lemon grass as evidenced by biochemical and histopathological changes in experimentally induced cardiotoxicity; K. Gayathri et al,; October 2010
- "Journal of Applied Toxicology"; Protective effects of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus STAPF) essential oil on DNA damage and carcinogenesis in female Balb/C mice; L.T. Bidinotto et al,; November 2010
- Herbs2000.com: Lemongrass
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