Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Pungent, bitter, sour
- Quality (Guna)
- Light, dry, penetrating
- Potency (Virya)
- Cooling
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent
- Dosha Effect
- Dos.aHIIHFW93.ï9LQH[FHVV
- Key Constituents
- Tisserand & Balacs 2000 (Essential oil Citral, limonene)
- Also Known As
- English: Lemongrass, Fever Grass
Sanskrit: भूतृण, जम्बीर तृण, रोहिष
Hindi: भूतृण, गन्ध तृण - Dhatu
- Plasma, blood, muscle, marrow
- Srotas
- Sweat, respiratory, digestive, urinary, female reproductive
What is Lemongrass / Bhutrina (भूतृण)?
Bhutrina (Cymbopogon citratus) is lemongrass, an important aromatic grass. It is the source of Indian Melissa oil (Lemon oil). The grass has a strong lemon fragrance due to the presence of Citral, the main constituent. Citral is a precursor to Vitamin A synthesis. The oil is used in perfumery, soap making, and as a flavoring. Medicinally, the decoction is used in fevers, colds, and digestive complaints. It has strong antimicrobial properties. The grass grows 4-6 feet tall. Cymbopogon jwarancusha (the antipyretic variety) is sometimes considered separately. Also related is C. citratus used for lemongrass oil production. Dose: leaf decoction 2-4 tola; oil 1-2 drops.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
Ayurvedic Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Rasa (taste) | Pungent, bitter, sour |
| Vīrya (energy) | Cooling |
| Vipāka (post-digestive) | Pungent |
| Guṇa (quality) | Light, dry, penetrating |
| Doṣa effect | Dos.aHIIHFW93.ï9LQH[FHVV |
| Dhātu (tissue) | Plasma, blood, muscle, marrow |
| Srotas (channel) | Sweat, respiratory, digestive, urinary, female reproductive |
Therapeutic Actions
- Dı-pana: Enkindles the digestive fire
- Amapa-cana: Reduces ama Vātānulomana Directs the flow of vata downwards
- Jvaraghna: Alleviates fevers Kāsaśvāsahara Alleviates coughs and breathing problems
- Biomedical: Carminative, diaphoretic, febrifuge, analgesic, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diuretic, emmenagogue, galactagogue
Dosage & Combinations
Dosage: 1–9g per day or 5–15ml of a 1:5 @ 45% tincture.
Combinations:
- Fennel, coriander, mint in digestive bloating and gas.
- Pippali, vasa in respiratory conditions.
- Ajwain, fresh ginger, turmeric for menstrual pain.
- Tulsi, cinnamon in fevers.
Safety & Contraindications
Contraindications: None known
Safety: No drug–herb interactions are known.
How to Use Lemongrass by Condition
Explore how Lemongrass is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)
References in Sushruta Samhita
The Surasadi Gana consists of: surasa (basil), shveta-surasa, phanijjhaka, arjaka, bhustrina (lemongrass), sugandhaka, sumukha, kalamala, kutheraka, kasamarda, chavaka, kharapushpa, vidanga, katphala, surasini, nirgundi, kulahala, ondura-karnika, phanji, prachiva, laka, kakamachi, and vishamushtika (verse 18).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 38: Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
The Surasadi Gana consists of: surasa (basil), shveta-surasa, phanijjhaka, arjaka, bhustrina (lemongrass), sugandhaka, sumukha, kalamala, kutheraka, kasamarda, chavaka, kharapushpa, vidanga, katphala, surasini, nirgundi, kulahala, ondura-karnika, phanji, prachiva, laka, kakamachi, and vishamushtika (verse 18).
— Sushruta Samhita, Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 38: Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs; Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.