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)
Classes: Cardiovascular, Herbals; Gastrointestinal, Herbals; Pulmonary, Herbals
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