Botanical Name : Andropogon citratus DC. (Syn. Cymbopogon citratus)
Family : Poaceae
Identification No.: SDACH/HG/092
Background :
The plant Cymbopogon citratus Stapf. commonly known as Lemon grass belongs to Poeceae family and is a native of tropical countries, especially in Southeast Asia. Various studies has been done on the plant to reveal its potential therapeutic effects.
Names in different Indian languages :
English: West Indian lemon grass, true lemon grass
Morphology :
Cymbopogon citratus is part of the grass family, Poaceae. They contain simple, bluish-green leaves with entire margins and are linear in shape. The blades tend to be 18–36 inches long. Like other grasses, the leaves also have parallel venation.
Habitat & Distribution:
Native to Southeast Asia, widely cultivated across tropical and subtropical regions of India including Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and West Bengal. Prefers warm, sunny climates and well-drained soil.
Varieties:
East Indian Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus)
West Indian Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) – commonly used
Substitute/Adulterant:
Often confused or substituted with Cymbopogon flexuosus or Cymbopogon winterianus (Citronella grass).
Phytochemicals:
Citral (major component)
Geraniol, Myrcene, Limonene
Flavonoids, Tannins
Raspanchaka:
Rasa: Tikta, Kashaya
Guna: Laghu, Ruksha
Virya: Ushna
Vipaka: Katu
Prabhava: Sugandhikara, Agnivardhaka
Dosha Shamakta: Kapha-Vata Shamak
Karma (Rogaghnata):
Agnideepana, Shwasahara, Krimighna, Jvarahara, Vatanulomaka
Amayika Prayoga/Therapeutic Uses:
External:
Oil applied in rheumatic pain, headaches, and fungal infections
Inhalation of steam for sinusitis
Internal:
Infusion (tea) used for digestive issues, colds, cough, and anxiety
Used in fever, bloating, and as an appetite stimulant
Part used: Leaf, Essential oil (from leaf)
Dose:
Leaf infusion: 20–40 ml
Essential oil: 1–3 drops (externally or in aromatherapy)
Yoga/Formulations:
Gavati Chaha (Lemongrass Tea)
Incorporated in herbal decoctions, stress relief and digestive blends
Lemongrass essential oil used in Aromaveda
IUCN Status: Not Evaluated (NE)
Research updates:
1. Gupta et al. (2023). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Cymbopogon citratus in respiratory disorders. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine.
2. Nair et al. (2021). Antimicrobial efficacy of lemongrass oil against resistant skin pathogens. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
3. Roy et al. (2020). Anxiolytic and sedative activity of Cymbopogon citratus extract in rodent models. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology.
