Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Southeast Asia, India, and Africa. Traditionally, it has been employed as a calming agent for the nervous system, often consumed as a tea or used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and promote relaxation. The rationale for its use centers around its purported ability to alleviate anxiety and nervous tension, conditions generally associated with sympathetic nervous system overactivity. Some traditional practices suggest that lemongrass helps to “balance” or “calm” the nerves, though these descriptions are not rooted in modern neurophysiology.

Scientific studies on lemongrass’s direct effects on the sympathetic nervous system are limited. Most research has focused on its anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing), sedative, and antioxidant properties in animal models or in vitro assays. While some components, such as citral, have shown mild calming effects in animal studies, there is insufficient evidence to confirm a direct modulatory effect on the sympathetic nervous system in humans. Thus, while the use of lemongrass for nervous system support is grounded in tradition and supported by anecdotal evidence, robust scientific validation—especially specific to the sympathetic nervous system—is lacking.

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