Lemongrass is anti-parasitic and anti-fungal

Lemongrass, Cymbopogon citratus (syn. Andropogon citratus), is also known as West Indian lemon grass and oil grass. It is a true grass, but has been so extensively cultivated over centuries that it rarely flowers.

In its natural habitat in tropical rainforests it can reach a height of 5 feet (1.5m), but in cultivation in less favorable conditions it is unlikely to exceed 18″ (45cm) in height. It will not withstand frost, so is best grown in a large pot which can be taken indoors for the cooler months of the year. Stand the pot in a tray of biggish shingle which you should keep topped up with water to help provide a humid atmosphere for the plant, and try not to let the soil in the pot dry out completely. Of course if you live in a tropical area yourself then you can just grow it in your back yard.

Lemongrass will be familiar to anyone who likes Thai food, as it is a common ingredient. The bulbous base is the part used for this, the leaves normally being discarded, though they are sometimes used for tea.

Medicinally, the leaves and stem are used, as well as the essential oil (which is available as a Fair Trade product). You can make a standard infusion from the leaves using 3 handfuls of fresh or 30g (1 ounce) of dried leaves to 570ml (2.5 US cups, 1 UK pint) of boiling water. Allow to steep for at least 15 minutes (up to 4 hours) and strain before use. When cutting the leaves, leave around 6″ to encourage regrowth.

The standard infusion can be used to treat nausea and other digestive problems, headache, tickly coughs and mild fevers. Externally, the infusion (or the essential oil, diluted with a suitable carrier oil) can be used as a lotion to treat ringworm, lice, scabies, athletes foot, acne and arthritis.

Although lemongrass is often used in some parts (such as Brazil) to treat depression, a scientific study has not found any evidence that the plant is effective for this purpose.

As with all plants grown for medicinal purposes, lemongrass must be grown organically to avoid its properties being altered by the presence of foreign substances. To find out more about growing organic herbs visit the Gardenzone. For information on lemongrass oil in aromatherapy visit Guide to Aromatherapy.

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