Navigating the Health Risks of Lemongrass
Lemongrass, known scientifically as Cymbopogon citratus, is a tropical grass widely used as a flavoring agent and in traditional remedies. While generally considered safe in small culinary amounts, using it medicinally, in concentrated teas, or as an essential oil can present significant health risks for certain individuals. Understanding these potential dangers is crucial for safe consumption.
Adverse Health Effects and Side Effects
Many of the health problems associated with lemongrass are dose-dependent, meaning they are more likely to occur with higher intake or more concentrated forms, like essential oil. The reported issues vary from mild irritation to serious complications.
Commonly reported side effects include:
- Digestive Upset: Large quantities of lemongrass, especially in tea, can cause stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. This is often due to its potent diuretic properties, which can lead to dehydration if not balanced with proper fluid intake.
- Dizziness and Fatigue: Some individuals may experience drowsiness, dizziness, or weakness, particularly when consuming excessive amounts. This sedative-like effect can be concerning for those operating machinery or driving.
- Frequent Urination: The herb's natural diuretic effects can cause an increase in urination frequency, which, while sometimes sought for detoxification, can also lead to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances.
- Allergic Reactions: As with many plants, some people may have an allergic reaction to lemongrass. This can manifest as a skin rash, itching, hives, or respiratory distress. Individuals with known allergies to other grasses should exercise particular caution.
- Low Blood Pressure: Lemongrass has antihypertensive properties and can lower blood pressure. This can be dangerous for individuals who already have low blood pressure (hypotension) or are taking medication for it, potentially leading to fainting or dizziness.
Specific Safety Concerns for Vulnerable Populations
Certain groups of people should completely avoid or exercise extreme caution when using lemongrass, especially in medicinal doses.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Lemongrass is considered likely unsafe when taken orally during pregnancy. The herb can stimulate uterine contractions and menstrual flow, which increases the risk of miscarriage. Due to a lack of reliable information, it is also best to avoid use while breastfeeding.
- Children and Infants: Lemongrass should not be used on infants or children under two. There are recorded incidents of severe reactions, including fatal poisoning from a child ingesting lemongrass oil-based insect repellent. Always consult a medical professional before giving any herbal supplement to a child.
- Individuals with Kidney or Liver Disease: Some studies suggest that high doses or prolonged use of lemongrass tea may adversely affect kidney function, with an increase in serum urea and creatinine. People with pre-existing kidney or liver conditions should consult a healthcare provider.
Drug Interactions and Topical Sensitivities
Lemongrass can potentially interfere with the efficacy of certain prescription medications.
Potential Drug Interactions:
- Diabetes Medications: Because lemongrass can lower blood sugar, it may enhance the effects of antidiabetic drugs, potentially causing blood sugar levels to drop too low (hypoglycemia).
- Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants): Lemongrass can thin the blood, increasing the risk of bleeding when taken with medications like warfarin or aspirin.
- Blood Pressure Medications: The blood pressure-lowering effect of lemongrass can compound the effects of antihypertensive medications, leading to dangerously low blood pressure.
- Liver-Metabolized Drugs: Lemongrass may interfere with liver enzymes (CYP450), potentially altering how the body breaks down certain medications and increasing the risk of side effects.
Topical Application Risks:
- Skin Irritation: Lemongrass essential oil can be a skin irritant and cause contact dermatitis, especially if not properly diluted with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil. A patch test is always recommended before applying it more liberally.
- Photosensitivity: Some essential oils, including lemongrass oil, can cause photosensitivity, making the skin more susceptible to sunburn when exposed to UV light.
Lemongrass vs. Common Citrus Plants: A Comparison
To better understand its unique problems, here is a comparison of lemongrass with other common citrus-flavored plants.
| Feature | Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) | Lemon (Citrus limon) | Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Form of Concern | Concentrated essential oil, high-dose tea | Acidic fruit juice (tooth enamel, heartburn) | Mild tea or culinary use, generally very safe |
| Key Risks | Allergies, drug interactions, pregnancy risk, hypotension, renal issues | Tooth enamel erosion, heartburn from acidity | Rare allergic reactions, sedation in high doses |
| Drug Interaction Concerns | Significant interactions with blood thinners, antidiabetics, and liver-metabolized drugs | Minimal interactions, mostly limited to acidity affecting certain drug absorption | Very mild, potential sedative effect may interact with sedatives |
| Pregnancy Safety | Unsafe orally; risk of uterine stimulation | Safe in food amounts, excess acidity can cause heartburn | Generally considered safe in moderation |
| Main Compound | Citral (highly concentrated in essential oil) | Citric acid | Citral, citronellal (lower concentration) |
Cultivation and Agricultural Challenges
Beyond health concerns, lemongrass cultivation presents its own set of problems for growers. It is a water-intensive crop that struggles in drought conditions, though water deficit can increase essential oil concentration at the cost of overall yield. The plant is also susceptible to various diseases and pests, including rust disease, leaf blight, and mealybugs. Growers must manage humidity, water levels, and pests to ensure a successful crop. The use of pesticides and fungicides to combat these issues raises separate environmental concerns.
Conclusion
While lemongrass is a valuable culinary and aromatic herb, it is not without its problems, especially when used in medicinal concentrations. The key takeaway is to approach it with caution, understanding the distinction between culinary use and therapeutic doses. Pay close attention to potential side effects like dizziness, digestive upset, and allergies, particularly with essential oils and strong teas. Pregnant individuals and those on certain medications must avoid it due to significant safety risks. For those with underlying health conditions, consulting a healthcare provider before using lemongrass is the safest course of action. For more information on safe herbal practices, consult resources like the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's guide on lemongrass and other herbs.
