Cymbopogon citratus

Characteristics
It is a clump-forming grass up to 1.2 m tall or 2m tall when in flower.
                                                                                   

Morphology

Leaves
Leaf blades are light green and  strap-shaped (up to 0.9 m long, 2.5 cm wide). Crushed leaves exude a lemony scent.

Stem
A pseudostem formed from tightly-overlapping leaf sheaths on non-flowering shoots is 12-25 cm long and 1-2 cm across, bulbous and thickening towards base of plant. It is fragrant when crushed and yellowish-brown or reddish.

Fruit
Spikelets with hairy awns, rarely observed.

Flower
Numerous brownish florets held on compound drooping panicles up to 0.5 m across, rarely produced in cultivation.
                                                                                     

Plant part used
Leaves, Roots
                                                                                     

Traditional Uses

• Herb and Spice : The crushed stalk produces a lemony flavor which is used in a variety of Southeast Asian dishes, such as curries, seafood, poultry dishes, and soups like Tom Yam Soup.
• Leaves can be boiled to make a refreshing tea to relieve stomach cramps, flatulence, colic and other digestive problems. Leaf paste is applied as a poultice on joints to treat rheumatism and on the forehead to relieve headaches and fever.  
• Roots are consumed to induce sweating and improve urine flow. Leaves can be placed in bathwater to treat cuts and wounds, reduce swelling, improve blood circulation and remove body odour.
• Essential oils extracted from the leaf stalk is used in perfumes, cosmetics, skin care and aromatherapy products.

• Antifungal activity - Essential oil of C. citratus inhibited the hyphal growth and spore formation of Aspergillus niger.
• Antiparasitic activity - Essential oil ofC. citratus (200, 300 and 500 mg/kg/day) administered to mice (pre-inoculated with Plasmodium berghei) for four days showed anti-parasitic activity against P. berghei in a dose-dependent mannar (62.1-86.6%). Essential oil of C. citratus has been shown to possess anti-amoebic activity as tested against Entamoeba histolyteca.
• Antibacterial activity - Essential oil of C. citratus (0.1% v/v) inhibited the growth of Helicobacter pylori without resistance to the oil even after 10 times application. The oil also reduced the density of H. pylori in the stomach of mice treated with the oil compared to untreated mice.
• Antianxiety activity - Essential oil of C. citratus (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg) pre-administered orally to male Swiss mice increased the sleeping time, the percentage of entries and time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze as well as the time spent in the light compartment of light/dark box.