L
Dosages (Lemongrass) — 1–4 g dry leaf/cup water (JAD); 1 mashed root and 10 leaves in 3 cups
water for 10 min., drink hot before retiring for fever (AAB); 15 leaves in decoction for fever (JFM).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Lemongrass) — Class 2b. Very safe (AHP;
JAD). Emmenagogue and uterotonic (AHP). TRAMIL suggest that grass teas be strained to remove
fibers that may damage the stomach (TRA). Commission E reports herb and EO not permitted for
therapeutic use. Allergic contact dermatosis occurs rarely (AEH). Citronella oil indicated in acci-
dental poisoning of 21-month-old child. Volunteer testing revealed no toxic effects from lemongrass
tea prepared from 4 g of plant, administered in a single dose or 2 weeks of daily oral doses. Higher
amounts caused upset stomach (10 g) and diarrhea (4 g for 14 days) in volunteers. Polyuria was
also reported by some volunteers (AEH). JNU mentions that the geraniol in basil and lemongrass
appears to fight cancer. But if I score these two herbs 1 for cancer, then I should score those herbs
richer in geraniol.
LEMON VERBENA (Aloysia citrodora Palau) ++Synonyms: Aloysia triphylla (L’Her.) Britton, Lippia citrodora Kunth, L. triphylla (L’Her.) Kuntze,
Verbena triphylla L’Her., Zappania citrodora Lam.
Activities (Lemon Verbena) — Acaricide (1; CRC); Analgesic (1; JBU); Antibacterial (1; CRC);
Antipyretic (f; PHR; PH2); Antiseptic (1; CRC); Antispasmodic (f; CRC; JFM; PHR; PH2);
Aphicide (1; CRC); Carminative (f; SKJ; WO2); Diaphoretic (f; JFM); Digestive (f; CRC; EFS;
HHB); Expectorant (f; CRC); Laxative (f; WO2; WBB); Nervine (f; CRC; EFS; SKJ); Pectoral (f;
CRC; EFS; JFM); Sedative (f; CRC; PH2); Stimulant (f; CRC); Stomachic (f; CRC; EFS; WBB);
Tranquilizer (f; CRC).
Indications (Lemon Verbena) — Agitation (f; PHR; PH2); Asthma (f; JFM); Bacteria (1; CRC;
WBB); Bite (f; JFM); Chill (f; PHR; PH2); Cold (f; JFM); Colic (f; JFM); Constipation (f; PHR;
PH2; WO2; WBB); Cramp (f; CRC; JFM; PHR; PH2); Dermatosis (f; PHR; PH2); Diarrhea (f;
CRC); Dyspepsia (f; CRC; PHR; PH2); Dyspnea (f; WO2); Fever (f; CRC; JFM; PHR; PH2); Gas
(f; JFM; SKJ; WO2); Hemorrhoid (f; PHR; PH2); Insomnia (f; CRC; PHR; PH2); Nervousness (f;
CRC; PH2); Pain (1; JBU); Rabies (f; CRC); Sore Throat (f; JFM); Spasm (f; CRC); Staphylococcus
(1; WBB); Ticks (1; CRC); Tuberculosis (1; CRC); Varicosis (f; PHR; PH2).
Dosages (Lemon Verbena) — 45 ml decoction, several ×/day (CAN); 2–5 cups decoction (5–29
g leaf/liter water)/day (PH2).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Lemon Verbena) — Class 1 (AHP). “Hazards
and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2). “Terpene-rich volatile oils
are generally regarded as irritant and may cause kidney irritation during excretion.” (CAN) Hence,
patients with renal problems should avoid it. Excessive doses are best avoided during pregnancy
and lactation (CAN). Contains glycosides of the relaxant sedative COX-2 inhibitor apigenin (FNF;
TRA).
LEMON WOOD
(Schisandra sphenanthera Rehder & E. H. Wilson) ++Synonym: S. chinensis var. rubriflora Franch.
Indications (Lemon Wood) — Amnesia (f; PH2); Anxiety (f; PH2); Cough (f; PH2); Dyspnea (f;
PH2); Enuresis (f; PH2); Insomnia (f; PH2); Night Sweats (f; PH2); Pulmonosis (f; PH2); Thirst
(f; PH2); Xerostoma (f; PH2).