Overview

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.



Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Lemongrass overview.

Side Effects

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 and Warnings

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.

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.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Pentobarbital interacts with Lemongrass

    Lemongrass essential oil might cause sleepiness. Taking lemongrass together with a sedative drug like pentobarbital might increase side effects and feelings of sleepiness.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) substrates) interacts with Lemongrass

    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 (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with Lemongrass

    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) interacts with Lemongrass

    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.

Dosing

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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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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