Lemongrass
Spice
Also known as: Bhustrina, Cymbopogon citratus, Xiang Mao (TCM), Sera, Fever grass, Cochin grass, Gavati Chaha
Overview
Lemongrass is a tropical aromatic grass with a long history in traditional medicine systems across Asia, prized for its bright citral-rich essential oil and its ability to clear dampness, reduce fever, and support digestive health. In Ayurveda, it is classified as Bhustrina and valued for its diaphoretic, carminative, and febrifuge properties, making it particularly useful in tropical climates where damp-heat conditions prevail. Chinese medicine uses the related Xiang Mao for dispelling wind-damp and warming the channels. Its versatility as both a culinary herb and medicinal plant, combined with its pleasant flavor and safety profile, makes it one of the most accessible therapeutic herbs for daily use.
Nutritional Highlights
Rich in citral (a combination of geranial and neral), the primary volatile compound responsible for its lemon scent and its antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Contains significant amounts of folate, manganese, magnesium, zinc, and iron. Provides myrcene, a monoterpene with analgesic and sedative properties that contributes to lemongrass tea's calming effect. Also supplies vitamin A, vitamin C, and various phenolic acids with antioxidant activity.
Ayurvedic Perspective
Used as a febrifuge (jvarahara) in Ayurveda, lemongrass tea promotes sweating that naturally reduces fever while supporting the body's immune response. Applied as a digestive aid for bloating, flatulence, and abdominal cramping, where its carminative action relaxes intestinal smooth muscle and expels gas. Its diuretic properties support kidney function and help flush excess water and uric acid from the tissues. The essential oil is used in Ayurvedic aromatherapy for headaches, muscle tension, and mental fatigue, and applied topically diluted for joint and muscle pain.
TCM Perspective
In Chinese medicine, lemongrass is used to dispel wind-damp and warm the channels, treating joint and muscle pain that worsens in cold, damp weather. It harmonizes the middle jiao by warming the Stomach and Spleen, alleviating nausea, poor appetite, and abdominal distension from cold-damp accumulation. Used as a diaphoretic for early-stage wind-cold invasion with chills, body aches, and headache. Its aromatic quality is employed to transform turbid dampness in the digestive system and clear the head in cases of damp obstruction.
Preparations
Lemongrass tea is made by bruising 2-3 stalks (smashing with the flat of a knife) and simmering in water for 10-15 minutes, yielding an aromatic, therapeutic decoction that can be sweetened with honey. For culinary use, the tender inner portion of the lower stalk is sliced thin or pounded into pastes for curries, soups, and stir-fries. The outer leaves can be tied in bundles and added to broths and stews for flavor extraction, then removed before serving. Lemongrass essential oil should always be diluted in a carrier oil before topical application and is excellent in steam inhalation for respiratory congestion.
Synergistic Combinations
Pairs with ginger for a powerful warming digestive and anti-nausea tea that clears dampness and kindles agni. Combines with mint and lime for a refreshing yet therapeutically active summer beverage. Works with turmeric and galangal in Thai-inspired preparations that provide comprehensive anti-inflammatory support. In traditional fever management, combines with tulsi (holy basil) and ginger for a tripartite diaphoretic tea.
Seasonal Guidance
Most beneficial during Kapha season (late winter and spring) when its aromatic, drying qualities help clear seasonal congestion and dampness. Excellent during monsoon and rainy seasons when damp-heat conditions and fever-producing infections are prevalent — this is its traditional therapeutic peak in tropical medicine. Useful in autumn for warming the digestive system as temperatures drop. In summer, combine with cooling herbs like mint to enjoy its digestive benefits without excessive heating.
Contraindications & Cautions
Those with Pitta excess or acid reflux should use moderately, as its mild heating quality may aggravate these conditions in concentrated preparations. Not recommended in large therapeutic doses during pregnancy due to its emmenagogue potential, though culinary amounts in cooking are considered safe. Those allergic to other grasses (Poaceae family) may experience cross-reactivity with lemongrass. The essential oil should never be taken internally without professional guidance and must always be diluted for topical use.
Buying & Storage
Select fresh lemongrass stalks that are firm, heavy, and pale green to yellow at the base with tight layers and a strong citrus fragrance when scratched. Avoid stalks that are dry, brown, or hollow, which indicate age and diminished essential oil content. Store fresh lemongrass in the refrigerator wrapped loosely in a damp paper towel for up to two weeks, or freeze whole stalks for several months. Dried lemongrass retains some therapeutic value for teas but is significantly less potent than fresh — store dried leaves in an airtight container and use within six months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lemongrass good for my dosha type?
Lemongrass has a Pacifies Kapha and Vata effectively with its aromatic, warming, and drying qualities. May mildly increase Pitta in excess, though its lemony quality provides a lighter heating action than most pungent herbs. effect. Its Pungent, bitter, astringent taste, Heating (mildly) energy, and Pungent post-digestive effect determine how it affects each constitution. Used as a febrifuge (jvarahara) in Ayurveda, lemongrass tea promotes sweating that naturally reduces fever while supporting the body's immune response. Applied as a digestive aid for bloating, flatule
What is Lemongrass used for in Ayurveda?
In Ayurveda, Lemongrass is classified as a spice with Light, dry, sharp, aromatic qualities. Used as a febrifuge (jvarahara) in Ayurveda, lemongrass tea promotes sweating that naturally reduces fever while supporting the body's immune response. Applied as a digestive aid for bloating, flatulence, and abdominal cramping, where its carminative
How is Lemongrass used in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
In TCM, Lemongrass has a Warm nature and enters the Lung, Stomach, Bladder meridians. In Chinese medicine, lemongrass is used to dispel wind-damp and warm the channels, treating joint and muscle pain that worsens in cold, damp weather. It harmonizes the middle jiao by warming the Stomach and Spleen, alleviating nausea, poor appetite,
What is the best way to prepare Lemongrass?
Lemongrass tea is made by bruising 2-3 stalks (smashing with the flat of a knife) and simmering in water for 10-15 minutes, yielding an aromatic, therapeutic decoction that can be sweetened with honey. For culinary use, the tender inner portion of the lower stalk is sliced thin or pounded into paste
Are there any contraindications for Lemongrass?
Those with Pitta excess or acid reflux should use moderately, as its mild heating quality may aggravate these conditions in concentrated preparations. Not recommended in large therapeutic doses during pregnancy due to its emmenagogue potential, though culinary amounts in cooking are considered safe.