Herb × Condition

Lime for Nausea & Vomiting

Sanskrit: निम्बूक | Citrus medica var. acida

How Lime helps with Nausea & Vomiting according to Ayurveda. Classical references, dosage, preparation methods, and what modern research says.

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Overview

Lime is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for nausea & vomiting. Small lime varieties (Kagzi Nimbu) are described with properties similar to Jambira (Lemon) but more sour and with thinner rind. They are widely used in cooking, pickles and as a digestive aid. The juice is used in numerous home remedies. Dose: As condiment. Verses continued.

How Lime Helps with Nausea & Vomiting

According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Lime has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing nausea & vomiting:

  • Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
  • Post-digestive (Vipaka): Amla (sour)
  • Taste (Rasa): Amla (sour)
  • Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Tikshna (sharp)

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Sour (Amla)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Sharp (Tikshna)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Sour (Amla)
Key Constituents
Citric acid, Vitamin C, Essential oil
Also Known As
English: Lime
Sanskrit: निम्बूक, जम्बीर
Hindi: नींबू, कागजी नींबू
Classical Text References (2 sources)

Then it should be rubbed with oil mixed with lime powder to promote more bleeding;

— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Siravyadha Vidhi

Into the heap of Kalamushkaka, pieces of lime stone are put in.

— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Kshar-AgniKarma Vidhi

After the heaps have been well burnt and fire has disappeared, one Drona (12,288 g) of ash of lime stone together with ash of Kalamushkaka and one and a quarter Drona (3072 g) of ash of others are taken, mixed together, dissolved well in half Bhara (48000 g) of water and cows urine separately, and filtered through a thick cloth till a slimy, reddish, clear and penetrating alkaline material is obtained.

— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Kshar-AgniKarma Vidhi

Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Siravyadha Vidhi; Kshar-AgniKarma Vidhi

Betel-leaf with cloves, camphor, nutmeg, lime for mouth cleansing.

— Sushruta Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, Chapter 24: Hygiene and Prophylactic Measures (Anagata-vadha-Prati-shedhaniya)

Betel-leaf with cloves, camphor, nutmeg, lime for mouth cleansing.

— Sushruta Samhita, Hygiene and Prophylactic Measures (Anagata-vadha-Prati-shedhaniya)

Source: Sushruta Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, Chapter 24: Hygiene and Prophylactic Measures (Anagata-vadha-Prati-shedhaniya); Hygiene and Prophylactic Measures (Anagata-vadha-Prati-shedhaniya)

Other Herbs for Nausea & Vomiting

See all herbs for nausea & vomiting on the Nausea & Vomiting page.

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.