Overview
Lemongrass is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for parasites and worms. Bhutrina (Lemongrass) is described as an aromatic grass used in Ayurvedic medicine. The text identifies it as Cymbopogon jwarankusa, a grass found in various parts of India including the Himalayas, central India, and the Deccan. The plant grows 8-9 inches tall with jointed stems and aromatic leaves. The grass yields a fragrant essential oil. It is 23% ash with manganese present. The text describes it as a fever remedy (hence the species name jwarankusa, meaning 'fever-destroyer'). It is pungent and bitter with heating potency. Used in fevers, digestive disorders, and as a flavoring agent. Dose: 2-5 grams.
How Lemongrass Helps with Parasites and Worms
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Lemongrass has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing parasites and worms:
- Potency (Virya): Cooling
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Pungent
- Taste (Rasa): Pungent, bitter, sour
- Qualities (Guna): Light, dry, penetrating
Safety & Precautions
Contraindications: None known
Safety: No drug–herb interactions are known.
Other Herbs for Parasites and Worms
See all herbs for parasites and worms on the Parasites and Worms page.
▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)
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.