Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf

Family: Poaceae

Synonym:Andropogon citratus DC.

Bengali/Vernacular name: Lebugandhi ghash, Agnighas, Ghandhabena.

Tribal name: Dhan sabrang, Kukisawarang (Chakma); Chebela (Chak); Longthing, Longkeon (Khumi); Krah-tor (Khasia); Chabalan apan (Marma); Tokli chong, Takligonj (Murang); Dhan saberang (Tanchangya); Maibana (Tripura).

English name: Lemon grass.

Description of the plant: A tufted and perennial grass. Leaves about 1 m tall, 1-1.5 cm wide, scabrous, flat, long-acuminate, and smooth. Panicles 30-80 cm long, interrupted below; the branches and branchlets somewhat nodding. Perfect spikelets are linear-lanceolate, pointed, not awned, and about 6 mm long.

Plant parts used: Leaf, root.

Herbal uses: Pea-sized pills made with the leaves of the plant are taken with warm water thrice a day (two pills each time) until the asthma and bronchitis is cured. 

An extract made with the leaves of the plant is taken four times a day (100 ml amount each time) for three days to treat cold and cough.

Hot decoction of roots is used for the treatment of toothache.

The leaves of the plant are used for the treatment of liver disease, pneumonia, stomachache, and tuberculosis.

Internally, the grass is used as a tea in the treatment of digestive problems, where it relaxes the muscles of the stomach and gut, relieving cramping pains and flatulence.

Paste prepared from the leaves of the plant is applied to the forehead to relieve headache. 

Decoction prepared from the leaves of the grass is taken three times a day (100 ml amount each time) until the fever is cured.

The leaves of the grass are used for the treatment of hemoptysis, rheumatism, back pain, and bladder problems.

Distribution: The species iscultivated more or less throughout the country.

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