Lemongrass for Parasites and Worms

Does Lemongrass (Bhutrina, Cymbopogon citratus) help with parasites and worms? It has a modest classical place here. Both of its entries in the Bhavaprakash Nighantu (Varga 2 and Varga 3) list it as anthelmintic (Krimighna), meaning worm-destroying.

It is better known as a fever and digestive herb, and that is part of why it fits. The same entries call it an appetizer (Deepana) that kindles the digestive fire, and Ayurveda links worms to the heavy, sluggish, Kapha-laden gut that weak digestion leaves behind.

The Sushruta Samhita (Sutra Sthana 38) places Lemongrass in the Surasadi group, alongside basil and Vidanga, Ayurveda's main worm herb. Think of Lemongrass as a gentle kitchen support rather than a primary dewormer.

Ayurveda says worms (Krimi) are bred by excess Kapha, sweat, blood and stale feces. The Charaka Samhita (Vimana Sthana 7) adds that worms in the feces live in the large intestine and grow from the same causes as Kapha-type worms.

Lightening the terrain

Lemongrass tastes pungent, bitter and sour, and its qualities are light, dry and penetrating (Laghu, Ruksha, Tikshna). Its post-digestive effect is pungent (Katu Vipaka). Light and dry are the opposite of heavy, moist Kapha, which is the environment classical texts say worms need.

Rekindling digestion

As a digestive kindler, Lemongrass works on Agni, the digestive fire. Ayurvedic sources also use it for bowel spasms, colic, gas and diarrhea, and describe it as a tonic for the intestinal lining.

On the modern side, its fragrance comes mainly from citral, with limonene as a co-constituent, and these aromatic compounds carry documented antimicrobial activity. Our sources contain no research on Lemongrass against intestinal worms specifically.

Our sources do not record a worm-specific protocol for Lemongrass. The forms below are the ones they give for the leaf, which is used as an infusion, decoction or powder. For worms, the warm decoction suits the goal of rekindling a sluggish gut.

Vehicle

Honey suits Kapha-type complaints. Add it only once the tea has cooled to drinkable warmth, never to hot tea. A slice of ginger in the decoction adds warmth for a cold, sluggish gut.

Pairing

For the expulsion itself, the classical plan relies on Vidanga, followed by Triphala to scour the bowel. Lemongrass fits alongside as a gentle digestive support.

Lemongrass essential oil is for steam and external use only. Never drink it.

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

Best form: a warm leaf decoction. It delivers the light, pungent, digestive-kindling action straight to a sluggish gut, and it is easy to make at home.

Kitchen version: simmer 2 to 4 g of dried lemongrass leaf with a slice of fresh ginger in 200 ml water, strain, and sip warm twice daily. Add a little honey once it has cooled.

Pair it: for an actual worm clear-out, combine it with a primary worm herb such as Vidanga.

Find Lemongrass on Amazon ↗ Vidanga Powder ↗

Never take lemongrass essential oil internally, and have suspected worms confirmed with a stool test.