Lemongrass is a plant in the grass family. There are over 100 lemongrass species, including Cymbopogon citratus, which is often used in foods and medicine.
Lemongrass leaf and essential oil contain chemicals that might help prevent some bacteria and yeast from growing. Lemongrass also contains chemicals that might relieve pain and swelling.
People use lemongrass for stomach pain, dandruff, high cholesterol, gingivitis, thrush, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse lemongrass with other plants and ingredients that have similar names, including citronella oil, lemon eucalyptus, and citronella (stone root). These are not the same.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using lemongrass for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Lemongrass is commonly consumed in foods. Lemongrass essential oil and dried leaves are possibly safe when used as medicine, short-term.
When applied to the skin: Lemongrass essential oil is possibly safe when used short-term. Some people might develop a rash or skin irritation.
When inhaled: Lemongrass essential oil is possibly safe when used in aromatherapy.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy: Lemongrass is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. Lemongrass can stimulate the uterus and menstrual flow, which might cause a miscarriage. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if lemongrass is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Lemongrass might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Glucuronidated drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Lemongrass might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Pentobarbital
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Lemongrass essential oil might cause sleepiness. Taking lemongrass together with a sedative drug like pentobarbital might increase side effects and feelings of sleepiness.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
Lemongrass is commonly consumed in foods. As medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of lemongrass might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
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