Properties: Pungent, warm
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Lung, Heart, Stomach, Bladder
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Dispels Wind and frees the Collaterals
Joint pain, headache, irregular menses, postpartum oedema
Fever, colds and flu
Externally for bruises and haematoma caused by impact injuries
External use for ringworm
Brazilian folklore uses this herb to calm the mind, treat muscular spasms, cramp and fatigue
Recently used for hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Warms the Centre, relieves pain and checks diarrhoea
Stomach ache due to cold, digestive tract spasms and vomiting, weak digestion, diarrhoea
Obesity to boost metabolism and burn fat
- Topically as an insect repellent
Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) is more effective than Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) but may be more irritating to the skin.
Suggested Daily Dosage: 10-15g in decoction.
Cautions: Over usage causes headache and uneasiness in stomach. It may irritate sensitive skin. Do not use on inflamed skin or eczema.
Notes:
Also known as Ning Meng Cao, 檸檬草, literally Lemon (Ning Meng 檸檬) Grass (Cao 草).
Although commonly used in lay practice there is surprisingly little information on traditional actions for this herb. These have been taken from Zhou, Xie & Yan (2011) Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Vol. 5 with indications from:
http://alternativehealing.org/xiang%20mao.htm
http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/cymbopogon.php
http://www.ayurvedictalk.com/lemongrass-multifaceted-health-benefits-of-the-ancient-herb
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-719/lemongrass
https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/7-wonderful-benefits-of-lemongrass-tea-the-healing-brew-1459468
Appears in 1 formulae listed on this site: (click to display)
Research Links & References: (click to display)
Research Links:
Reference Notes:
Individual herb information has sourced mainly from TCM Wiki and American Dragon for basic data and then updated manually with my own notes. Zhou, Xie and Yan (2011): Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Vol. 5, and A+ Medical Encyclopaedia have been used for entries not available from those sources with additional material searched for and filled in where available. Western herbs not appearing in the Chinese literature have used Ross (2010): Combining Western Herbs and Chinese Medicine: A Clinical Materia Medica, White Rabbit Institute of Healing and therapeutika.ch. Choices of which source to use or combine have been my own.
These pages are intended to assist clinicians and are not intended for self-diagnosis or treatment for which a qualified professional should be consulted. Actions and indications are taken from traditional uses and do not necessarily reflect the evidence base which should be researched independently. Dosages are for guidance only and will vary dependening on the potency of the batch and the tolerance of the individual so should be evaluated by a professional based on individual needs.
