Giant turpentine grass
StarCymbopogon nardus
Synonyms: Andropogon citrosus, Andropogon nardus var. zeyheri, Cymbopogon claessensii, Andropogon nardus subsp. grandis, Andropogon nardus, Andropogon pseudohirtus, Cymbopogon confertiflorus, Cymbopogon thwaitesii, Andropogon nardus var. validus, Lagurus paniculatus, Cymbopogon afronardus, Cymbopogon nardus var. confertiflorus, Cymbopogon validus var. lysocladus, Cymbopogon prolixus, Cymbopogon nardus var. luridus, Andropogon nilagiricus, Sorghum nardus, Cymbopogon virgatus, Andropogon confertiflorus, Andropogon nardus var. luridus, Cymbopogon nardus subsp. nilgiricus, Andropogon nardus var. prolixus, Andropogon thwaitesii, Andropogon grandis, Andropogon nardus subsp. nilagiricus, Cymbopogon validus, Andropogon hamulatus
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
In Sri Lankan and broader South-East Asian folk medicine, decoctions of the leaf of Cymbopogon nardus are taken as a warming carminative and digestive for indigestion, colic, and flatulence, and used as a mild febrifuge and diaphoretic for colds, fevers, and rheumatic complaints; the leaf and distilled oil are also applied externally as an aromatic rub for muscular aches and as an insect-repellent wash (Nadkarni, 1976; PROSEA 19). Citronella oil itself, expressed from this species and from the closely related C. winterianus, is included in regional pharmacopoeias as a topical antimicrobial and fragrance ingredient. Phytochemical work has confirmed citronellal, geraniol, and citronellol as the principal aromatic constituents, with in-vitro and in-vivo activity supporting the traditional antimicrobial and carminative uses.
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Botanical Description
Cymbopogon nardus (Poaceae), Ceylon citronella grass, is a robust, densely tufted perennial grass native to South and Southeast Asia (especially Sri Lanka and southern India) and cultivated widely across the tropics as the source of citronella essential oil. It forms stout clumps 1 to 2 metres tall arising from short, knotty rhizomes. The long, narrow, linear leaf blades reach 50 to 100 centimetres, are bluish-green and arching with rough margins, and release a strong lemon-citronella aroma when crushed, owing to high concentrations of citronellal, geraniol, and citronellol. Mature plants produce large, branched terminal panicles of slender, paired racemes carrying small awned and awnless spikelets; flowering is sporadic in cultivation. Commercial cultivation centres on leaf harvest and steam distillation for citronella oil, which is used as an insect repellent, fragrance, and topical antimicrobial ingredient. The grass is grown for both essential oil production and as a traditional aromatic herb in Sinhalese and South Asian cuisine and medicine.
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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