Lemon Grass {Cymbopogon citratus }
Lemongrass is called Bhuslrina in Ayurveda and is good for Pitta and Kapha.
Ayurveda Characteristic and Uses
- Effect on doshas – Balances all Pitta and Kapha
- Taste –pungent
- Energetics – Cooling
- Main Action: diuretic, nervine, diaphoretic, febrifuge, sedative/calmative and tonic.
- Other Uses: Lemongrass is used to stimulate agni without aggravating pitta. Relieves gas and cramps by regulating samana and apana vayu. The grass is used for digestive disorder, fevers, menstrual disorders, rheumatic disorders and joint pain,
Modern Research
Laboratory studies have shown cytoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties as well as anti-fungal properties Citronellol, which is thought to possess antihypertensive properties, is an essential oil constituent from Cymbopogon citratus, and has been shown lower blood pressure in animals by a direct effect on the vascular smooth muscle leading to vasodilation. In a small randomised controlled trial, an infusion made from Cymbopogon citratus was used as an inexpensive remedy for the treatment of oral thrush in HIV/AIDS patients.