Lemongrass
Profile
| Latin Name | Cymbopogon citratus |
| Chinese Name | Xiang Mao Cao |
| Family | Graminae |
| Note | Top |
| Aroma | <Moderate> Lemon-like |
| Color | Yellow to Amber |
| Parts Distilled | Leaves (Grass) |
| Regions | Africa, India, Sri Lanka |
| Taste | Spicy, Bitter |
| Nature | Wanning |
| Affinity | LR/SP |
| Major Chemical Constituents | Aldehydes (65-85% citral) |
| Skin Type | Oily, astringe the pores (acne) |
| Dosage | 3% dilution (need to experiment to find right concentration without irritation of the skin) |
TCM Categories
Functions
- Warm the Spleen for transformation & transportation
- Astringe yang
Indications
- Deficient Spleen Yang with flatulence, abdominal bloating, fullness, poor appetite, cold limbs, loss of concentration, heaviness, lethargy (SP-6, CV- 12. BL-20, BL-21, CV-6, SP-3)
Topical Applications
- Apply 2% dilution for scabies and ringworm
Other Applications
Specific Protocols
- Apply 2% dilution of Lemongrass (30%), Coriander (40%), and Ginger (30%) to CV-12 and ST-36 to tonify Spleen qi.
Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Stomachic (promoting the appetite or assisting digestion)
- Diuretic
- Insecticide (fleas, ticks, lice)
Contraindications & Cautions
- Heat & empty fire
- Can burn the skin (or combine with grapefruit oil and it will not be so annoying to the skin)
Notes
- Promotes mindfulness
- Affinity for SP 9; with deficient SP yang, it can help rid the SP of dampness
- Insecticidal capacity for Lyme disease after initial onset