Lemongrass is a plant in the Poaceae family of plants. This makes is closely related to wheat, rye, oats and rice.

Lemongrass essential oils contain limonene amongst other irritating compounds. These can cause contact allergic reactions.

Lemongrass is a low FODMAP food. FODMAP stands for Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols. Foods high in FODMAPs can cause symptoms of food intolerance, affecting the gastro intestinal system and this can be mistaken for a true IgE food allergy.

Lemongrass contains a moderate amount of salicylates, but is usually eaten in small amounts. Salicylates have the potential to cause worsening of asthma, swelling, itching and hives as well as food intolerance symptoms in people who are sensitive to salicylates.

You can read more about Food Intolerances on the dedicated Food Intolerance Page.

Lemongrass is not currently linked to any allergic syndromes.

As an essential oil, lemongrass is strongly associated with allergic contact dermatitis.

Even though lemongrass is technically in the grain family it does not contain gluten so is suitable for people with coeliac disease.

Other plants in the Poaceae family of plants. Other plants in this family include barley, bamboo shoots, corn, durum wheat, millet, oat, rice, sorghum and wheat. If you have an IgE reaction to one or more of these foods you may also react to lemongrass. Read more about Grain Allergens and Pseudocereals.

These food lists are not exhaustive, the most up to date information is on the Cross Reactivity Tool.

Let me know if you found any of these interesting or useful. If you spot an article or research that you think is interesting you can message me or tag me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter - links at the bottom of the page.