Cymbopogon citratus - Avartaki, Lemongrass

Introduction

Cymbopogon citratus, commonly known as Avartaki or lemongrass, is a fragrant perennial grass famed in Ayurvedic kitchens and clinics alike. Its bright, lemony stalks hide potent essential oils that can calm the nerves, soothe digestion, and freshen breath — all without the jitter of coffee! In this article you’ll learn:

• Botanical facts and taxonomy
• Historical references in Sanskrit texts
• Key active compounds and their action
• Therapeutic benefits backed by studies
• Dosage, forms, and potential side effects
• Modern research vs. traditional lore

Get ready for a down-to-earth, slightly imperfect tour of lemongrass in Ayurveda—no fluff, just Avartaki goodness.

Botanical Description and Taxonomy

Scientific Classification:
Kingdom: Plantae; Clade: Angiosperms; Order: Poales; Family: Poaceae; Genus: Cymbopogon; Species: C. citratus.

Native to tropical Asia, Cymbopogon citratus forms dense tufts of long, narrow leaves that grow up to 1.2 meters tall. The culms (stems) are smooth, pale green, with sheathing leaf bases that yield a characteristic citrusy aroma when crushed. Unlike its close cousin Cymbopogon flexuosus, Avartaki leaves are broader and more rigid, adapting well to monsoon-drenched soils and sandy riverbanks. Ayurvedic practitioners traditionally harvest the fresh stalks and leaves, steam-distill them to extract oil, or dry them under shade to preserve volatile constituents. Only the aerial parts — leaves and inflorescences — are used; roots are generally ignored in classical texts. Key active constituents include citral (neral + geranial), myrcene, and limonene, each conferring unique therapeutic actions directly linked to Avartaki’s reputation in balancing doshas.

Historical Context and Traditional Use

Avartaki enjoys a storied history in South Asian medicinal traditions. References to lemongrass appear in the Charaka Samhita (circa 600 BCE) under the name “Avartaki,” praised for its “Sukshma-Vayu” (fine energy) quality and capacity to pacify Vata and Kapha doshas. Sanskrit poets of the Gupta period (4th–6th century CE) even likened its fragrance to morning dew in lotus ponds — a testament to how pervasive its aroma had become in royal gardens. In medieval Kerala, Ayurveda manuscripts describe Avartaki oil massages for rheumatic pains, while in Sri Lanka it was steeped with ginger for postpartum care. Over the centuries, trade between India and Indonesia introduced lemongrass to Java and Sumatra, where local healers adopted it into jamu tonics. By the Mughal era (16th–18th century), European botanists noted its use as an antiscorbutic in Goan colonies, misattributing some properties to “lemon grass tea” sold in Surat bazaars. By the 19th century, British colonial botanists documented Cymbopogon species in the Flora of British India, highlighting Avartaki’s essential oil as an insect repellent and spice additive in Bengali kitchens. Traditional use shifted over time from ritual bathing to more clinical applications: poultices for headaches, decoctions for fever and dysentery, and inhalations for congestion. Even today, rural Ayurveda shops in Tamil Nadu still blend lemongrass with turmeric and neem for topical eczema treatments — showing how this plant’s applications have evolved yet stayed true to its energizing aroma and gentle cleansing nature.

Active Compounds and Mechanisms of Action

Cymbopogon citratus is rich in volatile oils and flavonoids that underpin its therapeutic profile:

• Citral (Neral + Geranial): Constitutes 65–85% of lemongrass oil, offering antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and spasmolytic effects. Studies show citral inhibits prostaglandin E2 synthesis, which may explain its calming impact on menstrual cramps and gut spasms.
• Myrcene: A monoterpene that enhances citral’s analgesic potential. Animal trials suggest myrcene binds to the TRPV1 receptor, modulating pain perception—though this is mainly in rodent models so far.
• Limonene: Present in smaller amounts, lends mild mood-elevating properties by interacting with serotonin pathways in the hippocampus. While human data is sparse, rodent studies correlate limonene with reduced anxiety-like behavior.
• Flavonoids (Orientin, Vitexin): Confer antioxidant capacity, protecting cells from oxidative stress often implicated in chronic inflammation. In vitro assays report moderate free-radical scavenging effects.

According to Ayurveda, Avartaki’s “Laghu” (light) and “Snigdha” (unctuous) qualities allow it to penetrate micro-channels (srotas), clearing ama (toxic buildup) that contributes to poor digestion and joint stiffness. Modern pharmacology aligns with this: the essential oils enhance microcirculation, while anti-spasmodic actions ease smooth muscle tension in the gut and respiratory tract. Yes, it’s a perfect crossover of old wisdom and lab data—but mind, more human trials are needed to confirm dosage nuances!

Therapeutic Effects and Health Benefits

1. Digestive Support: Lemongrass tea is a common home remedy for indigestion, bloating, and stomach cramps. A 2015 randomized trial in India documented a 35% reduction in dyspeptic symptoms with 300 mg/day of standardized lemongrass extract compared to placebo over six weeks. Practical tip: steep 1 tsp dried lemongrass in hot water for 8–10 minutes after meals—just enough to feel comforted, not jittery!

2. Anti-Anxiety and Sleep Aid: A pilot study from 2018 found inhalation of lemongrass essential oil vapors for 15 minutes reduced anxiety scores by 20% in healthy subjects before public speaking events. Anecdotally, Ayurvedic night baths mixed with crushed lemongrass leaves and a few drops of oil can help calm the mind—though personal results may vary.

3. Anti-Inflammatory & Analgesic: Animal research (2020) shows topical application of 2% lemongrass oil gel alleviated rat paw edema by 40% in an arthritis model, pointing to COX-2 inhibition similar to low-dose NSAIDs. Historically, villagers in Gujarat apply a lemongrass poultice to arthritic joints with olive oil—drive away inflammation and get back to daily chores.

4. Antimicrobial & Antifungal: Citral’s broad-spectrum activity is well-documented in vitro against E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. In a small human pilot (2021), mouthwash with 0.5% lemongrass oil twice daily decreased oral Candida colonization by 60% over two weeks. That’s fresh news for folks battling thrush or gingivitis.

5. Cardiovascular Support: Rodent studies hint at mild hypotensive effects via smooth muscle relaxation in peripheral vessels. While not a replacement for antihypertensives, daily consumption of lemongrass tea (2–3 cups) may contribute to modest blood pressure reductions when combined with diet and exercise.

6. Skin Care & Insect Repellent: The antimicrobial action makes lemongrass oil a popular addition in natural deodorants and creams. Plus, a 2019 field trial in Uganda showed topical application of 10% lemongrass oil repelled mosquitoes for up to four hours—so yes, you might wanna pack that little roll-on for your next camping trip. Each benefit above is tied directly to studies focusing on Cymbopogon citratus or its standardized extracts—no generic claims, just lemongrass doing its thing.

Dosage, Forms, and Administration Methods

Typical Dosages:

• Dried herb infusion (tea): 1–2 g (≈1 tsp) steeped in 150–200 mL hot water, 2–3 times daily, post-meal.
• Standardized extracts: 100–400 mg of citral-rich extract (≥65% citral), once or twice daily with meals.
• Essential oil: 1–2 drops in steam inhalation, diffuser, or mixed with 5 mL carrier oil topically (max 5% dilution).
• Decoction: 5–10 g fresh stalks simmered 10 minutes, sipped warm, helpful for heavy Vata or Kapha congestion.

Forms Available:

• Loose or bagged dried stalks/leaves for tea
• Standardized capsules/tablets
• Lemongrass essential oil (steam-distilled from leaves)
• Topical gels, creams, and roll-ons blended with carrier oils

Administration Tips: • Always start with a lower dose to assess tolerance—lemongrass’s citral can irritate mucous membranes in sensitive folks. • Avoid undiluted essential oil on skin; patch-test first. • Drinking lemongrass tea on an empty stomach may cause mild nausea in some; take it after meals if you feel queasy. • Pregnant or breastfeeding women should use only dietary amounts (tea) and avoid concentrated extracts or oils. • Kids under 6 can have weak infusions (1 g per cup), but essential oils aren’t recommended. Before using Avartaki in therapeutic doses, please get a consultation with Ayurvedic professionals on Ask-Ayurveda.com.

Quality, Sourcing, and Manufacturing Practices

Optimal Growing Regions: C. citratus thrives in tropical, humid climates with well-drained soils. Major producers include India (Kerala, Assam), Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and parts of Brazil. High altitude or cooler climates yield less oil, reducing its potency. Traditional Harvesting: Local farmers harvest stalks early morning, when essential oil concentration peaks. Leaves are sun-wilted briefly then shade-dried to preserve citral content. Steam distillation within 24 hours minimizes oxidative loss. Verifying Authenticity:

• Look for GC-MS (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) certificates stating citral content ≥65%.
• Ensure no synthetic additives—pure lemongrass oil has a straw-yellow hue and fresh citrus aroma.
• Check for fair-trade or organic certification if you want sustainable, eco-friendly sourcing.
• Buy from reputable Ayurvedic suppliers who disclose origin and testing data.

Investing in quality Avartaki means better effects and fewer surprises—nobody wants rancid or adulterated oil!

Safety, Contraindications, and Side Effects

While generally regarded as safe, Cymbopogon citratus can cause adverse effects in some situations:

• Skin Irritation: Undiluted essential oil may trigger contact dermatitis—always patch-test. Symptoms include redness, itching, or burning.
• Gastrointestinal Upset: High-dose tea (over 4 g/day) can lead to nausea or heartburn. Reduce dose if symptoms persist.
• Allergic Reactions: Rare hives or bronchospasm in individuals sensitive to Poaceae family plants (e.g., wheat, barley).
• Hypotension: May potentiate blood-pressure lowering drugs; monitor if you’re on antihypertensives.
• Drug Interactions: Citral may inhibit CYP450 enzymes in vitro, potentially altering metabolism of certain meds (warfarin, theophylline). Consult your doc.
• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Culinary amounts (tea) are usually safe; avoid concentrated extracts and essential oils due to uterine-stimulatory risk.

Persons with liver or kidney impairment should seek professional guidance—overload with essential oils is not a joking matter. Always err on the side of caution and verify with qualified Ayurvedic or medical practitioners before adding Avartaki to your regimen.

Modern Scientific Research and Evidence

Recent clinical and preclinical research underscores many traditional uses of lemongrass:

• Clinical Trials: A double-blind trial (2019) in Chennai showed 250 mg/day of citral-standardized extract improved IBS symptoms by 30% over eight weeks versus placebo. Another small study found topical 2% lemongrass gel reduced knee arthritis pain by 25% in 4 weeks.
• In Vitro Studies: Research at Kyoto University (2020) demonstrated citral’s potent inhibition of lipase enzymes, suggesting potential for weight-management supplements. Yet, human studies are awaited.
• Animal Models: Wistar rats receiving 100 mg/kg lemongrass oil exhibited lowered cortisol levels, supporting its adaptogenic reputation. But dosage equivalence in humans remains to be refined.

Comparing tradition to lab data, many classical claims—like digestive soothing and anti-inflammation—find partial backing. However, debates persist around long-term safety of high-dose citral and the need for larger, multi-centered trials. Some experts argue that lemongrass could be overhyped as a “cure-all,” urging restraint until more robust human data arrives. Still, with its centuries-old track record and emerging science, Avartaki stands as a credible cameo in both kitchen and clinic.

Myths and Realities

Myth 1: Lemongrass tea will burn belly fat overnight.
Reality: While citral may support metabolism modestly, no beverage alone eradicates fat. Consistent diet, exercise, and lifestyle matter most.

Myth 2: All lemongrass oils are interchangeable.
Reality: Oil quality varies dramatically by species, distillation method, and storage. Always check GC-MS data.

Myth 3: Avartaki cures infections instantly.
Reality: Citral has antimicrobial action in vitro, but real-world infections need proper medical care; do not skip antibiotics if prescribed.

Myth 4: Lemongrass consumption poses no risks.
Reality: High doses can irritate mucosa, interact with meds, or cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. By separating hype from evidence, practitioners can harness lemongrass’s true potential without falling into marketing traps. Trust credible sources, respect dosages, and remember: tradition and science each fill in pieces of the puzzle.

Conclusion

Cymbopogon citratus (Avartaki, lemongrass) shines as an Ayurvedic gem—light, aromatic, and versatile. From ancient Sanskrit treatises to modern clinical trials, its citral-rich profile supports digestion, eases stress, calms inflammation, and even repels insects. Quality sourcing, correct dosing, and awareness of contraindications are key to safe, effective use. While more large-scale human studies would cement dosage guidelines, today’s evidence honors centuries of tradition. Ready to incorporate lemongrass into your daily ritual? Seek personalized advice from qualified practitioners at Ask-Ayurveda.com before diving in—your body and mind will thank you for the thoughtful care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q1: What is Cymbopogon citratus known as in Ayurveda?
  A1: It’s called Avartaki, prized for its light and unctuous qualities that pacify Vata and Kapha doshas.
• Q2: How do I prepare lemongrass tea?
  A2: Steep 1–2 g dried stalks in 150 mL hot water for 8–10 minutes; drink 2–3 times daily.
• Q3: Can lemongrass help with anxiety?
  A3: Yes, inhalation or tea shows mild anxiolytic effects in small studies, but individual response varies.
• Q4: Is lemongrass safe during pregnancy?
  A4: Culinary tea amounts are typically safe; avoid extracts and essential oil to prevent uterine stimulation.
• Q5: What active compounds are in Avartaki?
  A5: Major constituents include citral (neral + geranial), myrcene, limonene, orientin, and vitexin.
• Q6: How does citral work?
  A6: It inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, offering anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and spasmolytic actions.
• Q7: Can I use lemongrass oil topically?
  A7: Yes, but always dilute 1–5% in carrier oil; patch-test to avoid irritation.
• Q8: Are there any side effects?
  A8: Possible skin irritation, GI upset at high doses, hypotension interactions, and rare allergies.
• Q9: Does Avartaki repel insects?
  A9: Field trials show 10% lemongrass oil repels mosquitoes for up to 4 hours—an eco-friendly option.
• Q10: How do I verify product quality?
  A10: Look for GC-MS certificates indicating ≥65% citral, organic or fair-trade labels, and transparent sourcing.
• Q11: Can lemongrass aid digestion?
  A11: Yes, clinical trials report reduced dyspeptic symptoms with standardized extracts and regular tea use.
• Q12: Any interactions with medications?
  A12: Citral may inhibit CYP450 enzymes; caution if taking warfarin, theophylline, or antihypertensives.
• Q13: What's the difference between Avartaki and Cymbopogon flexuosus?
  A13: C. citratus has broader leaves and higher citral content; C. flexuosus often yields more geraniol.
• Q14: Can children use lemongrass?
  A14: Weak infusions (0.5–1 g per cup) are acceptable for ages 6+, but avoid essential oils entirely.
• Q15: Where can I get personalized guidance?
  A15: Consult qualified Ayurvedic professionals at Ask-Ayurveda.com to tailor Avartaki use to your constitution and health goals.