Lemongrass
Lemongrass · ตะไคร้（タクライ）
Cymbopogon citratus
“The refreshing green herb”
| Thai name | ตะไคร้ |
|---|---|
| Species | Cymbopogon citratus |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Part used | Leaf and stalk |
| Aroma | Fresh, lemony citrus |
What is lemongrass?
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a perennial grass, called "takhrai (ตะไคร้)" in Thailand. Marked by a fresh, lemon-like citrus aroma, it has been used across daily life in Thailand — in cooking, in tea, and in the steam bath. It is also recorded as a mosquito repellent and as a herb turned to in fever and pain. Around 80% of its essential oil is citral (geranial and neral), which together with citronellal is traditionally described as a calming scent.
The archetypal green herb
The archetype of the green herbs enjoyed for aroma. In contrast to RootHerbs that store compounds in the root, here the fresh scent of leaf and stalk is itself the star. Knowing the difference is the first step to understanding RootHerb®.
Steaming lemongrass in op samun phrai fills the room with a refreshing aroma. In the Thai luk prakop compress, a formulation recorded in the peer-reviewed literature includes its leaves and sheaths at about 10%. In neighbouring Laos, the whole plant is recorded as being used in postpartum steam baths and herbal baths.
Familiar in Japan as a herbal tea. Widely used to flavor tom yum goong and to refresh in herbal baths.
Note: this page introduces the traditions and culture around the plant. It does not guarantee any effect.
📖 Read the Journal article on this herb →