Cymbopogonis Herba
Aliases：Xiang Mao, Ning Meng Cao, Da Feng Mao, Ning Meng Mao, Mao Cao Cha, Jiang Ba Mao, Jiang Cao, Xiang Ba Mao, Xiang Mao Cao, Feng Mao Cao, Jiang Ba Cao
Xiangmaocao (Cymbopogonis Herba) is a Chinese medicinal herb that dispels wind and unblocks channels. It is the dried whole plant of Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf (family Poaceae). It is cultivated in South China, Southwest China, Fujian, and Taiwan regions.
Efficacy & Actions
Dispel wind and unblock the meridians and collaterals, warm the middle to relieve pain, and stop diarrhea.
Indications
It is used for common cold with headache and body pain, wind-cold-dampness bi (arthralgia), epigastric and abdominal cold pain, diarrhea, and traumatic injury.
Modern Pharmacology
Antibacterial activity: Exhibits inhibitory effects against various bacteria. Anti‑inflammatory and antihypertensive effects: Reduces inflammatory responses and helps regulate blood pressure. Anticancer activity: Inhibits the growth or activity of tumor cells. Antimutagenic activity: Shows resistance to genetic mutation. Effects on smooth muscle: Modulates the contractile function of smooth muscle. Hypoglycemic effect: Helps lower blood glucose levels. Other activities: Analgesic (pain‑relieving), antinematodal, acaricidal (mite‑killing), and insecticidal (fly‑killing) effects.
Ingredients
Essential oil (volatile oil): Mainly contains monoterpenes, such as citral (geranial, neral), citronellal, geraniol, myrcene, limonene, etc. Responsible for the characteristic lemon aroma. Flavonoids: Luteolin, isoorientin, quercetin, kaempferol, etc. Phenolic acids: Chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, etc. Others: Long‑chain alcohols (e.g., octacosanol), phytosterols (β‑sitosterol), saponins, alkaloids, tannins, coumarins, sugars, proteins, and minerals.
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: 6–15 g in decoction. External use: Appropriate amount, decocted for washing or ground into powder for topical application.
Contraindications
Use with caution during pregnancy.
Selected Formulas
1. For generalized body pain due to wind‑cold‑dampness (from Sichuan Chinese Materia Medica, 1960) Take 500 g of lemongrass, decoct in water, and use the decoction for bathing. 2. For joint pain (from Guizhou Herbal Medicine) Take 30 g each of lemongrass, “shila” (local name, possibly a herbal plaster), and local Tujingjie herb. Crush together into a pulp, add a little wine, stir‑fry until hot, and apply externally to the painful area. 3. For stomach pain (from Guizhou Herbal Medicine) Take 30 g of lemongrass, decoct in water, and drink the decoction.
Daily Consumption
1. Lemongrass Tea 5-10g dried (or 1-2 fresh stalks), bruised and cut, steep in boiling water or boil 10 min. Add honey/rock sugar. Benefits: dispels wind-cold, relieves cold headache, aids digestion. 2. Tom Yum Soup / Thai dishes 2-3 fresh stalks (white part), bruise and cut. Simmer with galangal, kaffir lime leaves, shrimp, mushrooms. 3. Lemongrass Marinade (grilled meat/fish) Minced fresh lemongrass + garlic, chili, fish sauce, sugar. Marinate chicken, beef or fish before grilling. 4. Lemongrass Curry Blend fresh lemongrass with shallots, garlic, chili, turmeric to make curry paste. 5. Congee / Fried rice Add minced lemongrass to congee or fried rice. Dosage: Dried ≤10g/day; fresh 1-2 stalks per serving. Caution: Use with caution during pregnancy and for those with profuse sweating. Avoid long-term excessive intake.
Medicinal Parts
dried whole herb
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place, protected from moisture.