Cymbopogon citriodora
Jekkapedia
Cymbopogon citriodora, East Indian Lemongrass
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Cymbopogon
Typical grass like magenta flowers. Flowers only in the tropics or under protection. Lemon scented, linear, grey/green leaves up to 90cm in length. Culinary; both the culms (stems) and leaves are used in eastern food and for making tisanes.
Characteristics:
East Indian Lemongrass can be seen at the herb farm in Jekka’s Herbetum and is available to buy as both herb plants and online as herb seeds.
Details
Growing
• Indoor Sowing: In late spring, into prepared plug trays or pots, cover seeds with perlite. Bottom heat, 20-22°C, aids germination. Can be difficult to germinate.
• Outdoor Sowing: Not suitable.
Medicinal
This sweetly-scented grass has been used traditionally in its native India and Sri Lanka to produce a relaxing tea used to calm and relieve the cramping and colic associated with digestive problems. In India it has also been used as a topical skin application to treat fungal infections such as ringworm.
In the Caribbean it is seen as a herb for lowering fevers or used in a warm poultice to ease painful joints in arthritis.
Caution: Professional supervision is recommended when using the essential oil produced from this plant, which is extremely toxic and should not be taken internally.
Please note: The information provided here is for educational interest only and is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat significant health problems. Any serious or long-term health concerns should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.
See our blog for more information about the National Institute of Medical Herbalists
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