Lemon grass

Lemongrass is cultivated in Central and South America and Australia. The medicinal parts of the lemongrass plans are leaves the dried, the lemongrass oil of Cymbopogon citratus, and the citronella oil of C. nardus. Lemongrass contains alkaloids, a saponin fraction, and cymbopogonol. Fresh leaves contain 0.4% to 0.5% volatile oil that contains citral, myrcene, geranial, and several other fragrant compounds. Myrcene may have some peripheral analgessic activity similar to peripherally acting opiates that directly down-regulate sensitized receptors.

Reported uses

Lemongrass is used topically as an analgesic for neuralgic and rheumatic pain and strains, and as a mild astringent. The
crushed leaves are used topically as a mosquito repellent. The essential oil is used as a food additive and in perfumes. Internally, lemon grass is used as antispasmodic and for the treatment of nervous and GI disorders.

Administration

Oil: Applied topically for painTea: prepared by adding 2 to 4 g of esh or dried leaves to 5 oz of boiling water.

Hazards

Lemongrass may cause dry mouth, polyuria, allergic reactions, hypotension, and increased liver enzymes. Lemongrass has been found to have a diuretic effect in rats. Concomitant use of lemongrass with a diuretic may cause excess diuresis. Concomitant use of lemongrass with on antihypertensive agent may lead to hypotension. Lemongrass may exert on antimicrobial and antifungal effect. Concomitant use of lemongrass with an antibiotic and / or antifungal may lead to an enhanced effect.
Patients who are pregnant or breast feeding or with a history of liver dysfunction shouldn't use this herb.

Clinical considerations

Tell patient that lemongrass may cause increased frequency of urination.Monitor patient's liver enzymes.Advise patient to keep lemongrass out of reach of children.Tell patient to remind prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he's taking when obtaining a new prescription.Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using on herbal preparation because a treatment with proven efficacy may be available.

Research summary

Studies have shown lemongrass to be useful as an antitumor agent and a fever reducer. There has also been some indication that lemon grass has antiradical and antioxidant activity.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 15th, 2011 at 11: 54 am and is filed under herbs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

View the original article here

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.