Lemongrass: Benefits, Uses & Dosage

Crush a stalk of Lemongrass (Bhutrina) between your fingers and the bright lemon scent tells you most of what you need to know. That fragrance comes from citral, the main constituent of its oil, and it carries much of the herb's medicinal reputation.

Its botanical name is Cymbopogon citratus, and in English it is also called Fever Grass. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu also describes a closely related variety, Cymbopogon jwarankusa, whose species name means "fever-destroyer".

In Ayurveda, Lemongrass is above all a remedy for fevers, colds and digestive complaints. It is one of the most approachable herbs in the kitchen pharmacy: a cup of the tea is easy to make, pleasant to drink and gentle on most people.

Fevers, Colds and Flu

The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists Lemongrass as Jvarahara and Jvaraghna, fever-relieving. Its decoction is used in fevers and colds, and its warming, sweat-inducing action helps break the early chills of colds and flu.

Breathing

It is also Shvasahara, easing breathlessness. Its light, penetrating qualities thin sticky mucus, and steam from its oil is used for sinus and chest congestion.

Digestion and Gas

As a Deepana herb, Lemongrass kindles the digestive fire (agni). Ayurvedic sources use it for bowel spasms, colic, gas, diarrhea and vomiting, and describe it as a tonic for the intestinal lining.

Worms

Both Bhavaprakash entries call it Krimighna, anthelmintic, linking it to worm infestations.

Pain and Skin (External)

The oil, mixed with coconut oil, is used externally for lumbago, rheumatism, neuralgia, sprains and ringworm, and it appears in bath oils and hair oils.

Classical Grouping

The Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana 38, places Lemongrass in the Surasadi group, alongside basil, Vidanga and Nirgundi.

Lemongrass is used as a tea, a decoction, a powder, or, for steam only, an essential oil.

The vehicle (anupana) shapes the effect. For a congested, mucus-heavy cold, add honey once the tea has cooled to drinkable warmth, never to hot tea. For chills and body aches, add extra ginger and a pinch of black pepper.

A household cold blend uses ginger 1 part, cinnamon 1 part and lemongrass 2 parts, steeped as a tea.

Lemongrass is one of the gentler herbs in this guide. Ayurvedic sources list no known contraindications and no known drug-herb interactions for the leaf.

• Essential oil is not for drinking. Use it for steam and external use only. Even a few drops taken internally can irritate the gut lining and the liver.
• Dilute on skin. Rare allergic skin reactions can occur, so dilute the oil well in a carrier oil.
• High fever. For a hot, feverish cold with a sore throat, use it cautiously alongside cooling herbs, and seek medical care for a fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Honey and infants. If you sweeten the tea with honey, never give it to infants under 12 months.

Pregnancy & Nursing

Our sources list no contraindications for the leaf, but they give no specific data on pregnancy. Ayurvedic sources also describe it as an emmenagogue, something that stimulates menstrual flow, so check with your doctor before using more than culinary amounts. Dilute the essential oil heavily before any topical use.

Children

Mild lemongrass tea is a common household drink, but do not sweeten it with honey for infants under 12 months, and never give the essential oil internally. Dilute the oil heavily before any use on a child's skin.

Elderly

Its gentleness makes Lemongrass tea a good option for older adults with weak digestion or a lingering cold.

Athletes

Our sources describe no specific athletic use, though the oil in coconut oil is used externally for sprains and pains.