Citrus hystrix vs East Indian Lemongrass

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Citrus hystrix

Antimicrobial

Cymbopogon flexuosus

Antimicrobial

Citrus hystrix

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

East Indian Lemongrass

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Southeast Asian lime with double leaves; leaves and peel essential in Thai and Indonesian cuisine and folk medicine.

Indian lemongrass species producing citral-rich essential oil; used in Ayurveda for fever, digestion, and as antimicrobial.

Active Compounds

limonene, beta-pinene, citronellal, flavonoids, vitamin C

citral, geraniol, limonene, myrcene, linalool

Traditional Uses

oral hygiene, digestive stimulant, hair conditioning, aromatherapy

Fever reduction, Digestive stimulant, Antimicrobial, Insect repellent

Modern Uses

antimicrobial oral rinse, digestive tonic, hair growth, aromatic stimulant

Essential oil antimicrobial, Antifungal, Digestive support

Adult Dosage

Leaf tea 5-10g 2x/day; juice for oral rinse

2-4g fresh leaf as tea

Contraindications

citrus allergy, photosensitivity from peel

Essential oil internal use caution, Skin sensitivity

Side Effects

photosensitivity with peel oil, contact dermatitis

Skin irritation with undiluted oil

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E