Use of Xiang Mao (lemongrass) in TCM

Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.

Preparation: Remove impurities, wash, soak in water, cut slices and dry.

Dosage: 6-15 grams

Main actions according to TCM*: Expels wind and clear the meridians. Warms body core and stops pain.

Primary conditions or symptoms for which Xiang Mao may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Common cold Stomach rumble Diarrhea Rheumatism Headache Abdominal pain Muscle cramps

Key TCM concepts behind Xiang Mao's properties

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Xiang Mao belongs to the 'Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold' category. Herbs in this category are used for Internal Cold with Qi Deficiency and/or Yang Deficiency. In the Yin and Yang system of thought Yang is Hot in nature. A deficiency of Yang will therefore lead to Internal Coldness since there will as a result be more Yin (Cold in nature) than Yang. In extreme cases this can lead to so-called 'Yang collapse' with convulsions or coma and these herbs are particularly indicated to treat such scenarios.

As suggested by its category Xiang Mao is Warm in nature. This means that Xiang Mao tends to help people who have too much 'Cold' in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Hot in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Cold in their body are said to either have a Yin Excess (because Yin is Cold in nature) or a Yang Deficiency (Yang is Hot in Nature). Depending on your condition Xiang Mao can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.

Xiang Mao also tastes Pungent. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Pungent ingredients like Xiang Mao tends to promote the circulations of Qi and Body Fluids. That's why for instance someone tends to sweat a lot when they eat spicy/pungent food.

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Xiang Mao is thought to target the Gallbladder, the Stomach and the Lung. Similar to modern medicine, in TCM the Gallbladder stores and releases bile produced by the Liver. It also controls the emotion of decisiveness. The Stomach on the other hand is responsible for receiving and ripening ingested food and fluids. It is also tasked with descending the digested elements downwards to the Small Intestine. In addition to performing respiration, the Lungs are thought in TCM to be a key part of the production chain for Qi and the Body Fluids that nourish the body.

Research on Xiang Mao

Citronellol (an essential oil constituent from Cymbopogon citratus) has been shown to lower blood pressure in rats by a direct effect on the vascular smooth muscle leading to vasodilation.¹

In a small, randomized, controlled trial, an infusion made from C. citratus was used as an inexpensive remedy for the treatment of oral thrush in HIV/AIDS patients.²

The plant's essential oil enhances GABA-ergic neurotranssmision at sufficient doses (with an anxiolytic threshold dose of 10 mg/kg) via positive allosteric agonism in the same manner as benzodiazepines (ex. diazepam) which are used clinically as anxiolytics, sedative/hypnotics, muscle relaxants, and anticonvulsants.³

Sources:

1. Bastos JF. Moreira IJ. Ribeiro TP. Medeiros IA. Antoniolli AR. De Sousa DP. Santos MR. (2010). "Hypotensive and vasorelaxant effects of citronellol, a monoterpene alcohol, in rats". Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology. 106 (4): 331–337. doi:10.1111/j.1742-7843.2009.00492.x.

2. Wright SC. Maree JE. Sibanyoni M. (2009). "Treatment of oral thrush in HIV/AIDS patients with lemon juice and lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) and gentian violet". Phytomedicine. 16 (2-3): 118–124. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2008.07.015.

3. Costa CA, Kohn DO, de Lima VM, Gargano AC, Flório JC, Costa M (1 Sep 2011). "The GABAergic system contributes to the anxiolytic-like effect of essential oil from Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass)". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 137: 828–36. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2011.07.003.

Use of Xiang Mao as food

Xiang Mao is also eaten as food. It is used as an ingredient in dishes such as Lemongrass and Coconut Curry with Summer Vegetables or Lemongrass chicken skewers.