Lemongrass for Gas and Flatulence

Does Lemongrass help with gas and flatulence? Ayurveda lists it among the herbs for gas, but as a gentle, supporting kitchen herb rather than a primary remedy. Its main classical reputation is for fevers, with digestive complaints close behind.

The reasoning comes from its actions. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu calls Lemongrass (Bhutrina) an appetizer that kindles the digestive fire (Deepana) and an herb that alleviates Vata (Vatahara), the dosha of air and movement. Ayurveda describes gas as Vata trapped in the colon, so both actions point in the right direction.

Ayurvedic reference works also list it for bowel spasms, colic, gas and intestinal spasms, and describe it as a carminative and stomachic. In the Sushruta Samhita (Sutra Sthana 38), Lemongrass appears in the Surasadi group of aromatic herbs alongside Tulsi.

In Ayurveda, gas and flatulence (Adhmana) is a Vata disorder combined with a weak digestive fire, or Agni. When the downward-moving wind of the lower abdomen (Apana Vayu) is blocked or erratic, gas builds up instead of passing. Underneath, food that Agni fails to fully digest ferments in the gut.

Rekindling digestion

Lemongrass works first on that root cause. As a digestive kindler (Deepana) and stomachic, it supports Agni so food is broken down instead of fermenting. Its qualities are light, dry and penetrating (Laghu, Ruksha, Tikshna), and its taste is pungent and bitter (Katu and Tikta Rasa).

Easing spasm and trapped wind

Ayurvedic sources describe Lemongrass as antispasmodic and carminative, and use it for bowel spasms, colic and intestinal spasms. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists it as Vata-alleviating (Vatahara), which matches the cramping, wandering pain of trapped gas.

A note on balance

Sources differ on its potency: one classical entry calls it heating, while a modern reference lists it as cooling and notes it can aggravate Vata in excess. Because its light, dry qualities resemble Vata itself, Lemongrass suits moderate use, often paired with warming, grounding spices. Its aromatic oil is mainly citral, with limonene.

For gas and flatulence, Lemongrass is best taken warm, as a tea or leaf decoction. Ayurvedic sources list infusion or decoction of the leaves and powder as its forms.

Timing and vehicle

Warm water is the natural vehicle (anupana), because cold drinks increase Vata in the colon. A slice of ginger in the tea adds warmth for a cold, sluggish gut, and ginger also has its own place in Ayurvedic gas care.

Essential oil

Lemongrass essential oil is for steam and external use only. Never drink it; even a few drops taken internally can irritate the gut lining and the liver.

Supporting habits

The herb works best alongside the habits Ayurveda stresses for gas: eat slowly, avoid eating before the previous meal is digested, and move gently after meals instead of sitting for hours.

If you want to start using Lemongrass for gas and flatulence today, here is the simplest starting point.

Best form: a warm dried leaf tea. It delivers the herb's digestive-kindling and antispasmodic action gently, in a form most people tolerate well.

Kitchen version: steep 1 teaspoon of dried lemongrass in 1 cup of hot water, covered, for 10 minutes. Strain and sip warm after meals. For a cold, sluggish gut, add a slice of ginger.

Find Lemongrass on Amazon ↗ Dried Ginger Root ↗

Never take lemongrass essential oil internally, and if you are pregnant, nursing or on medication, check with a qualified practitioner first.