Lemon grass
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Monocots
(unranked):	Commelinids
Order:	Poales
Family:	Poaceae
Genus:	Cymbopogon
Species:	C. citratus
Binomial name
Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf,[1] 1906

Cymbopogon citratus, commonly known as lemon grass as well as oil grass, is a tropical plant from Southeast Asia which is often sold in stem form. Its leaves are used to make tea which can relieve stomach and gut problems. It can also act as an antidepressant and as a mood enhancer. While it can be grown in warmer temperate regions (such as UK) it is not hardy to frost. In Brazilian folk medicine it is believed to have anxiolytic, hypnotic and anticonvulsant properties,^[2] but at least one study has found no effect in humans.^[3]

[edit] In the Philippines

Abundant in the Philippines, and 65- to 85-% citral, Cymbopogon citratus contains active ingredients like myrcene, an antibacterial and pain reliever, citronella, citronellol and geranilol. NGO Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation Inc. (Adfi) established in Mambugsay, South of Negros and Escalante, Negros Occidental lemon grass essential oil production, via distillery plants which extract the oil. Hydro steam distillation, condensation and cooling were used to separate the oil from the water. Hydrosol or Hydrolat, as a by-product of the distillation process, is a pure natural water or plant water essence used for the production of skin care products such as lotions, creams and facial cleansing toner in its pure form. The main products are - organic unadulterated lemon grass oil (for industrial users), and “Negros Oil” (mixture of lemon grass oil with virgin coconut oil) used in aromatherapy.^[4]

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Cymbopogon citratus List of Chemicals (Dr. Duke's)
• Cymbopogon citratusfrom the Biodiversity Heritage Library