Lemongrass by Wanderer MoonChild

🌱 Botanical Basics

1. Common Name(s): Lemongrass
2. Folk Name(s): Fever Grass, Citronella Grass, Barbed Wire Grass
3. Scientific/Latin Name: Cymbopogon citratus (West Indian lemongrass), Cymbopogon flexuosus (East Indian lemongrass)
4. Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
5. Plant Type: Perennial grass (grown as annual in cold climates)
6. Botanical Description: Tall, clump-forming grass with long, arching, sharp-edged leaves, lemon-scented when crushed. Grows 2–4 feet tall. Produces thick fibrous stalks used in cooking and medicine.
7. Growing Zones/Climate: Hardy in USDA Zones 9–11; grown as annual or in containers in cooler zones.
8. Best Zones for Growth: Tropical and subtropical regions; thrives in warm, humid conditions.
9. Habitat & Range: Native to South and Southeast Asia; widely cultivated in tropical climates worldwide.

Cultivation & Harvest

1. Soil & Sun Requirements: Prefers fertile, well-drained loamy soil; full sun; moderate to high water needs.
2. Propagation: By division of clumps or rooted stalks; rarely grown from seed.
3. Companion Planting: Repels pests; good near vegetable gardens. Not known to interfere with other plants.
4. Harvesting Guidelines: Cut stalks at ground level when ½–¾ inch thick. Leaves can be harvested anytime for tea or smudging.
5. Drying/Preservation: Leaves and stalks can be dried in bundles; stalks can also be frozen or preserved in oil/vinegar.

Traditional & Historical Use

1. Cultural Significance: Widely used in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and folk medicine. In Caribbean traditions, known as “fever grass” for its cooling tea. Burned as incense in purification rites.
2. Traditional Medicine: Used for fevers, digestive issues, infections, headaches, and as a tonic for the nervous system.
3. Symbolism: Represents purification, clarity, and renewal.

Medicinal & Practical Properties

1. Active Constituents: Citral, geraniol, limonene, citronellal, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds.
2. Medicinal Uses:
   
3. Antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory
4. Digestive aid—relieves bloating, indigestion, cramps
5. Reduces fever (“fever grass tea”)
6. Calming—used for anxiety, insomnia, headaches
7. Supports detoxification and circulation
   
8. Preparation Methods: Infusions (tea), decoctions, tinctures, essential oil, poultices.
9. Dosage & Guidelines:
   
10. Tea: 1–2 tsp dried leaves or 1 stalk, simmer 10–15 minutes
11. Essential oil: dilute before topical use; not for internal use
    
12. Safety/Precautions: Generally safe in food/tea amounts. Essential oil can irritate skin and should be avoided internally. Use caution during pregnancy.

Magical & Spiritual Properties

1. Elemental Association: Air & Fire
2. Planetary/Deity Correspondence: Mercury (communication, clarity), Sun (purification, energy)
3. Magical Correspondences: Cleansing, protection, clarity, psychic awareness, road opening, success
4. Ritual Use: Burned for purification; added to ritual baths for cleansing and renewal; used in floor washes to clear negativity; carried in charm bags for success and protection.
5. Symbolism in Divination/Dreams: Suggests clarity, clearing of obstacles, and new beginnings.

Ecological & Culinary Uses

1. Pollinator Value: Flowers rarely produced outside native range, but grass offers habitat for small insects.
2. Wildlife Uses: Scent deters many pests and animals.
3. Culinary Uses: Common in Asian and Caribbean cuisine; used in soups, curries, teas, marinades, and desserts. Adds lemony, citrus-like flavor.

Household/Practical Uses

1. Quick Uses:
   
2. Tea for fever and digestion
3. Natural insect repellent (citronella)
4. Infused in oils or cleaning sprays for freshness
   
5. Notable Traits: Strong citrus scent; versatile in food, medicine, and magic.
6. Special Notes: Essential oil forms the basis of citronella insect repellent.

Fast Facts

1. Known as “fever grass” in Caribbean folk medicine
2. Staple in Asian cooking and Ayurvedic remedies
3. Purification herb in both household and magical practice

Supporting Notes

1. Chevallier, Andrew. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. DK Publishing, 2016.
2. Grieve, Maud. A Modern Herbal. 1931.
3. Duke, James. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. CRC Press, 2002.
4. Cunningham, Scott. Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. Llewellyn, 1985.