Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Lemongrass known as Kattrna in Ayurveda refers to the aromatic plant Cymbopogon citratus. It is recognized for its Pungent and Bitter tastes combined with Light Sharp and Hot qualities which allow it to effectively pacify Kapha and Vata doshas. It acts as a powerful Agnidipana stimulating digestive fire to treat conditions like anorexia indigestion and metabolic disorders. Uniquely it is valued as a Mukhasodhana for cleansing the mouth and eliminating bad breath known as Mukha Daurgandhya. Clinically it is used in formulations like Sarasvatarishta to treat heart disease obesity and respiratory ailments. Additionally it is classified as a galactogogue supporting lactation in nursing mothers. The recommended dosage is typically 3 to 6 grams of powder or used as a distillate,.
Lemongrass, known in Ayurveda as Kattrna, refers to the aromatic plant Cymbopogon citratus. It is a tall, perennial grass valued for its distinct lemon-like scent and therapeutic properties. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is classified among the aromatic grasses and is frequently used in formulations to treat digestive disorders, oral hygiene issues, and metabolic conditions. It is notably distinct from Rohisa (Cymbopogon martinii), though both are often used in similar contexts for their volatile oils.
Lemongrass is a coarse, tufted plant with linear leaves that grows in thick clumps. It is highly aromatic, yielding a volatile oil with a citrus scent. In Ayurveda, it is recognized for its ability to clear channels (Srotas) and stimulate appetite. It is included in the Stanyajanana (galactogogue) group of herbs, indicating its traditional importance in promoting lactation in nursing mothers.
While specific individual monographs for Kattrna are not detailed in the provided snippets, its properties are inferred from its inclusion in specific formulations like Karp£r¡dyarka and Kushavaleha:
Lemongrass is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
As part of compound formulations or decoctions:
Lemongrass is generally safe when consumed in culinary amounts or prescribed medicinal doses. It is a standard ingredient in safe, widely used formulations for digestion and oral health.
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – Cymbopogon citratus
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241515436
PubMed – Cymbopogon citratus Research Articles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Cymbopogon+citratus
ScienceDirect – Lemongrass Phytochemistry & Essential Oil Studies
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/cymbopogon-citratus
Wiley Online Library – Lemongrass Pharmacology Research
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Kew Science – Plants of the World Online (Cymbopogon citratus)
https://powo.science.kew.org
Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, in small amounts as tea or spice, it supports digestion and oral hygiene. Medicinal doses should be taken as prescribed.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is beneficial when taken before meals to stimulate appetite or after meals to aid digestion and cleanse the mouth.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes, it can be boiled with water to make a decoction (Arka) or taken with warm water. In galactogogue preparations, it may be associated with milk.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Lemongrass known as Kattrna in Ayurveda refers to the aromatic plant Cymbopogon citratus. It is recognized for its Pungent and Bitter tastes combined with Light Sharp and Hot qualities which allow it to effectively pacify Kapha and Vata doshas. It acts as a powerful Agnidipana stimulating digestive fire to treat conditions like anorexia indigestion and metabolic disorders. Uniquely it is valued as a Mukhasodhana for cleansing the mouth and eliminating bad breath known as Mukha Daurgandhya. Clinically it is used in formulations like Sarasvatarishta to treat heart disease obesity and respiratory ailments. Additionally it is classified as a galactogogue supporting lactation in nursing mothers. The recommended dosage is typically 3 to 6 grams of powder or used as a distillate,.
Lemongrass, known in Ayurveda as Kattrna, refers to the aromatic plant Cymbopogon citratus. It is a tall, perennial grass valued for its distinct lemon-like scent and therapeutic properties. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is classified among the aromatic grasses and is frequently used in formulations to treat digestive disorders, oral hygiene issues, and metabolic conditions. It is notably distinct from Rohisa (Cymbopogon martinii), though both are often used in similar contexts for their volatile oils.
Lemongrass is a coarse, tufted plant with linear leaves that grows in thick clumps. It is highly aromatic, yielding a volatile oil with a citrus scent. In Ayurveda, it is recognized for its ability to clear channels (Srotas) and stimulate appetite. It is included in the Stanyajanana (galactogogue) group of herbs, indicating its traditional importance in promoting lactation in nursing mothers.
While specific individual monographs for Kattrna are not detailed in the provided snippets, its properties are inferred from its inclusion in specific formulations like Karp£r¡dyarka and Kushavaleha:
Lemongrass is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
As part of compound formulations or decoctions:
Lemongrass is generally safe when consumed in culinary amounts or prescribed medicinal doses. It is a standard ingredient in safe, widely used formulations for digestion and oral health.
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – Cymbopogon citratus
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241515436
PubMed – Cymbopogon citratus Research Articles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Cymbopogon+citratus
ScienceDirect – Lemongrass Phytochemistry & Essential Oil Studies
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/cymbopogon-citratus
Wiley Online Library – Lemongrass Pharmacology Research
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Kew Science – Plants of the World Online (Cymbopogon citratus)
https://powo.science.kew.org
Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, in small amounts as tea or spice, it supports digestion and oral hygiene. Medicinal doses should be taken as prescribed.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is beneficial when taken before meals to stimulate appetite or after meals to aid digestion and cleanse the mouth.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes, it can be boiled with water to make a decoction (Arka) or taken with warm water. In galactogogue preparations, it may be associated with milk.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem