Cymbopogon ambiguus
StarCymbopogon ambiguus
Synonyms: Andropogon spectabilis, Andropogon exaltatus var. ambiguus, Cymbopogon exaltatus var. ambiguus
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
Aboriginal Australians have long used native lemongrass medicinally: the crushed or decocted leaves are inhaled as a steam or drunk as an infusion to relieve colds, chest congestion, headache and fevers, and are applied as a wash for aches and muscle cramps (Lassak & McCarthy, 1983). Pharmacological studies have since identified anti-platelet, anti-inflammatory and analgesic compounds consistent with these uses.
Botanical Description
An aromatic, tussock-forming perennial grass native to inland and northern Australia, growing in dense clumps to about 0.5 to 1 metre tall. The narrow, flat to inrolled leaf blades are greyish-green and strongly lemon-scented when crushed, owing to abundant aromatic oils. The flowering culms rise above the foliage and bear a loose, branched panicle of paired, hairy racemes typical of the genus Cymbopogon, the spikelets bearing fine awns and silky hairs. Drought-hardy and adapted to hot, dry, often sandy or stony habitats, it is widely distributed across the arid and semi-arid interior and tropical north of the continent, growing in open woodland, grassland and disturbed sites. It is closely related to the cultivated lemongrasses and is gathered by Aboriginal people both as a flavouring and as a medicinal plant.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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