Cymbopogon Citratus

1.      History and use

The Cymbopogon citratus is improperly called citronella, like C nardus, which is another variety grown in India, but both plants have the same indications. The leaves are widely used in decoction as a refreshing and digestive drink. On the other hand, the decoction of leaves and roots is widely used as a febrifuge in Africa, but one prefers another species Cymbopogon giganteus.

2.      Description of the plant

It is a perennial herb with large leaves up to a and meter high lemon-scented when wrinkled. Flowers are rare even in the rainy season.It is grown in gardens.

3.      Curative action

The plant contains an essence rich in myrcene and citral responsible for the antispasmodic and stimulating action of digestion. However a very recent study carried out in Brazil showed that, if it was devoid of toxicity, the plant did not increase not the speed of the intestinal transit and did not have any hypnotic, febrifugal and anxiolytic action.

4.      Uses

Stomach pain and digestive problems Make an infusion with 15 g of fresh leaves in one liter of water, drink after the meal. Insect Repellent Smoke from dried leaves that are allowed to burn slowly fends off insects.