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    Yemama Apothecary

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    Aromatic Exterior-Releasing, Mosquito-Repelling & Antispasmodic Sovereign (芳香解表 / 祛风散寒驱蚊避秽温中止痛利湿杀虫药)

    爪哇香茅 / 柠檬草 / 大香茅 / 驱蚊草 — Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt (syn. Cymbopogon nardus var. mahapengiri)

    Pinyin: Zhǎowā Xiāngmáo / Níngméngcǎo · Malay: Serai Wangi Jawa / Serai Wangi / Serai Gajah · Family: Poaceae (禾本科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Warm (微温 / 温)

    Flavor

    Pungent, intensely lemon-rosy aromatic (辛、大香)

    Meridians

    Lung (肺), Spleen (脾), Stomach (胃), Liver (肝)

    Traditional Edict

    Java Citronella (Serai Wangi Jawa). Purplish basal culms with sparkling rose-lemon bouquet. Warms middle burner, scatters cold, stops gastrointestinal colic, repels mosquitoes, and serves as royal postnatal confinement bath herb (Mandi Herba).

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • Distinguish from culinary lemongrass (Serai Makan / C. citratus). Undiluted oil irritates skin; always dilute to <=5% in carrier oil. Contraindicated in severe Yin deficiency with dry tongue.

    Clinical Applications

    • Natural insect vector repellency (Aedes aegypti dengue defense), postpartum muscular fatigue and uterine involution, functional dyspeptic flatulence, and cutaneous tinea ringworm.

    Quality Markers

    Citronellal >= 35.00%-45.00%, Geraniol >= 20.00% & Citronellol >= 10.00% (GC-MS/FID ISO 3848)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. Citronellal and geraniol desensitize insect antennal olfactory co-receptors (Orco), masking human lactic acid/CO2 plumes. 2. Geraniol blocks L-type calcium channels, relieving abdominal and uterine spasms. 3. Antifungal membrane ergosterol disruption.

    Preparation & Dosage

    THE SOVEREIGN MATERNAL CONFINEMENT BATH (Mandi Herba Serai Wangi): 100-150 g fresh/dried leaves boiled in 10 L water with Da Feng Ai. Natural Mosquito Repellent Oil: 5 mL pure oil in 95 mL Virgin Coconut Oil. Dried tea: 5-10 g.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. Royal Confinement Postnatal Bath Synergy with Baeckea frutescens (Cucur Atap) and Blumea balsamifera. 2. Rainforest Anti-Mosquito Liniment with Melaleuca cajuputi (Kayu Putih).

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    Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only