Botanical Name: Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf.
Family: Poaceae
Synonyms: Significant scientific synonyms include Andropogon citratus DC. and Andropogon ceriferus Hack. In Sanskrit, it is classically known as Bhustrina, Guhyabija, and Rohisha.
Vernacular Names: Across various regions, the plant is recognized as Gandhatrina or Nimbu Ghas (Hindi), Lemon Grass (English), Gandhabena (Bengali), Vasanappullu (Tamil), and Nimmagaddi (Telugu).
Classification: In terms of habit, Lemon Grass is a perennial, tall, aromatic, cespitose (tufted) grass. Within the Poaceae family, it is specifically noted for its high concentration of essential oils, distinguishing it from common forage grasses.
Habitat: Originally native to Maritime Southeast Asia, it is now widely cultivated throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of India, Sri Lanka, and Africa. It thrives in well-drained sandy or loamy soils and requires abundant sunshine and warm temperatures. It is highly resilient to drought but sensitive to frost and waterlogging.
Morphology: The plant grows in dense clumps and can reach a height of 1–2 meters. It lacks true stems, instead featuring a short, underground rhizome that gives rise to numerous leaves. The leaves are linear, tapering, and glaucous-green, measuring up to 90 cm in length, with a distinct citrus-like aroma when crushed. The flowers are borne in large, drooping panicles, though the plant rarely flowers under cultivation, as it is primarily propagated through division of the clumps. The fruit is a small, dry caryopsis, though rarely seen.
Useful Parts: The leaves and the essential oil extracted from the aerial parts are the primary components used in medicinal and culinary applications. The rhizome is occasionally used in specific traditional decoctions.
Chemical Composition: The therapeutic potency of Lemon Grass is primarily due to its essential oil, which consists of 65–85% citral (a mixture of geranial and neral). Other significant constituents include myrcene, geraniol, citronellol, and limonene. It also contains flavonoids like luteolin and phenolic compounds such as chlorogenic acid, which provide antioxidant support.
Pharmacological Action: Lemon Grass exhibits potent antimicrobial, antifungal, and antipyretic (fever-reducing) actions. It acts as a carminative to alleviate gastrointestinal gas and as a diaphoretic to induce sweating during fevers. It is widely used to treat digestive disorders, respiratory congestion, and as a mild sedative to manage anxiety and insomnia. Topically, the oil serves as an effective analgesic for joint pain and a natural insect repellent.
Formulation/Usage: Traditional applications involve the preparation of Phant (hot infusion) or tea, commonly known as “Lemon Grass Tea,” used to treat common colds, coughs, and indigestion. The essential oil is often diluted in a carrier oil for Abhyanga (massage) to relieve rheumatic pain. In Ayurveda, it is a key component in Mahavishagarbha Taila and other medicated oils used for nervous system disorders.
Rasa: Katu and Tikta.
Guna: Laghu, Ruksha, and Tikshna,
Virya: Ushna.
Vipaka: Katu