Synonyms: Fever Grass, Guatemala Lemongrass, Indian Lemongrass, Indian Melissa, Indian Verbena, Lemongrass, Madagascar Lemongrass, West Indian Lemongrass
Family: Gramineae or Poaceae
Genus species: Cymbopogon citratus (West Indian Lemongrass), Cymbopogon flexuosus (Indian Lemongrass)
Type: Perennial grass
Part Used: Whole herb
Location: Cultivated in tropical zones worldwide
Actions: Anodyne, antihypertensive, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antituberculotic, carminative, common cold preventative, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, insect repellant, mild astringent, pectoral, perfume, sedative, stomachic, tonic, uterine stimulant
Indications: Abdominal pain, anxiety, cholera, common cold, cough, dyspepsia, elephantiasis, fever, gingivitis, headache, hemoptysis, hypertension, indigestion, influenza, leprosy, malaria, muscle spasms, nausea, neuritis, pneumonia, pyorrhea, rheumatic pain, sprain, stomachache, toothache, tuberculosis
Chemicals & Nutrients: Aluminum, Calcium, Chromium, Fats (7%), Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein, Silicon, Sodium, Vitamin C
Contraindications: Diverticulitis, diverticulosis, duodenal ulcer, esophageal reflux, gastrointestinal disease, lactation, pregnancy, spastic colitis, stomach ulcer, ulcerative colitis.
Drug Interactions: Due to the diuretic action of this herb the following drug interactions are possible: increased risk of toxicity with anti-inflammatory analgesics; if hypokalemia occurs possible antagonism with antiarrhythmics and potentiation of muscle relaxants; antagonizes antidiabetic (hypoglycemic) drugs; may potentiate and/or interfere with antihypertensives; may potentiate lithium therapy; when taken with corticosteroids there is a risk for hypokalemia; may potentiate other diuretics and increase the risk of hypokalemia. Due to the antihypertensive (hypotensive) action of this herb the following interactions are possible: when taken with anesthetics an increased hypotensive effect; potentiation of antihypertensives; when taken with diuretics difficulty with diuresis and hypertension may result; antagonism of sympathomimetics.
Side Effects: (Possible adverse effects and/or overdose effects) Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.
Safety: GRAS.