Lemongrass vs Litsea cubeba

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Lemongrass

Cymbopogon citratus

Digestive

Digestive

Lemongrass

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Litsea cubeba

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Tropical Asian grass widely used as a culinary and medicinal herb. Popular as a digestive and fever-reducing tea across Asia and Africa.

Deciduous aromatic tree of East and Southeast Asia with small pepper-like fruits yielding lemony essential oil.

Active Compounds

citral, geraniol, myrcene, citronellol, limonene

citral, limonene, linalool, geraniol, flavonoids

Traditional Uses

Treating fever, Treating digestive complaints, Treating colds and flu, Insect repellent

Traditional Chinese medicine for digestive and heart conditions, Used in Southeast Asian folk medicine for pain and infections

Modern Uses

Antimicrobial effects, Digestive support, Anxiety relief, Cholesterol management research

Antimicrobial action, Anti-inflammatory, Digestive support, Mood lifting aromatherapy

Adult Dosage

2-4g dried leaves or 1 fresh stalk as tea

Essential oil diluted 1-2% topically; Tea from fruits: 5g per cup

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, Citral allergy, Topical use on sensitive skin

Skin sensitization, Pregnancy in high doses

Side Effects

Allergic reactions, Skin irritation from essential oil, Dizziness, Increased appetite

Skin sensitization from essential oil, Mild gastrointestinal effects

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E