Cymbopogon Nardus

Rendle.

Citronella (E); Lemon grass (E); Hierba de limon (S); Limoncilla (C) . Brushing the teeth with the rhizome is supposed to whiten and preserve. The leaves, used as a condiment in soups and meats, are also a tea substitute, and the source of an insecticide. In Darien, they are primarily used in a refreshing medicinal tea (!). Travelers destined to be away from water awhile take a few rootstocks along to chew, believing that this alleviates the thirst (!). In the Choco, the tea is used for treationg fevers and malaria, and for perfuming the houses.