Lemongrass (British Indian lemongrass, citronella, cochin lemongrass, cymbopogon citratus, cymbopogon flexuosus, East Indian lemongrass, fever grass, Guatemala lemongrass, Madagascar lemongrass, Melissa grass, sereh, West Indian lemongrass)

Suggested dosing of British Indian lemongrass, citronella (lemongrass)

 

Tea

1-2 tsps lemongrass/6 oz water

 

Topical

Dosage varies

 

Suggested uses of British Indian lemongrass, citronella (lemongrass)

Oral

Gastrointestinal spasms, stomachache, hypertension, convulsions, pain and neuralgia, vomiting, cough, rheumatism, fever, common cold, and exhaustion

 

Topical

Headache, stomachache, abdominal pain, and musculoskeletal pain.

 

Inhalation

Aromatherapy for musculoskeletal pain

 

Efficacy

Insufficient reliable information regarding efficacy. More studies are needed

 

British Indian lemongrass, citronella (lemongrass) adverse (side) effects

Allergic reactions (topical use), increased amylase, increased bilirubin, toxic alveolitis (inhaled use)

 

Warnings

Contraindications

None reported

 

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy category: avoid use

Lactation: avoid use

 

Pregnancy categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

 

Pharmacology of British Indian lemongrass, citronella (lemongrass)

Metabolism: N/A

Excretion: N/A

 

Mechanism of action

N/A