Lemongrass
Bhustrina (भूस्तृण)
Lemongrass (Bhustrina (भूस्तृण)) is a medicinal herbs treasured in Ayurvedic nutrition. Key benefits include pacifies vata dosha, promoting groundedness and calm in the nervous system and cools and soothes pitta dosha, reducing excess heat and inflammation. Best enjoyed during summer.
Ayurvedic Profile
Lemongrass (Bhustrina (भूस्तृण)) is a medicinal herbs treasured in Ayurvedic nutrition. Referenced in Kaiyadeva Nighantu, it is characterized by pungent and bitter and sour rasa (taste), heating virya (potency), and pungent vipaka (post-digestive effect). Bhustrina is a rare Tridoshahara herb praised in Ayurvedic pharmacology for its ability to pacify all three doshas simultaneously. Raja Nighantu classifies it as Jvaragna (fever-reducing) and Mutra-Virechaniya (diuretic), making it valuable for managing Jwara (fever) and supporting kidney function. Its light and dry and sharp gunas make it particularly suited for specific constitutional types. It pacifies Vata, pacifies Pitta, and pacifies Kapha. From a nutritional standpoint, lemongrass provides approximately 99 calories per 100g, with 1.8g protein, 25.3g carbohydrates, and is a valuable source of Folate, Manganese, Iron. Best enjoyed during summer, lemongrass supports healthy Agni (digestive fire) when prepared according to Ayurvedic principles, helping prevent Ama (toxin) accumulation and nourish the dhatus (body tissues).
Ayurvedic Properties
Rasa (Taste)
pungent, bitter, sour
Virya (Potency)
hot
Vipaka (Post-digestive)
pungent
Guna (Qualities)
light, dry, sharp
Nutrition Facts (per 100g)
99kcal
Calories
1.8g
Protein
25.3g
Carbs
0.5g
Fat
0g
Fiber
Ayurvedic Benefits
- Pacifies Vata dosha, promoting groundedness and calm in the nervous system
- Cools and soothes Pitta dosha, reducing excess heat and inflammation
- Balances Kapha dosha, supporting healthy metabolism and reducing heaviness
- Kindles digestive fire (Agni) and helps clear excess Kapha through its pungent taste
- Detoxifies the body and purifies blood (Rakta dhatu) through its bitter rasa
- Promotes easy digestion and prevents heaviness in the stomach
How to Use
- Prepare lemongrass as a herbal decoction (Kashaya) by simmering in water for 15-20 minutes
- Consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for proper dosage of lemongrass as a therapeutic herb
- Take lemongrass with warm water or honey as an Anupana (vehicle) to enhance absorption
- Use fresh lemongrass when available, as it retains more Prana (life force) than dried forms
- Combine lemongrass with ghee or warm milk for enhanced bioavailability of active compounds
Contraindications
- Avoid consuming lemongrass in large amounts during summer (Grishma Ritu) when Pitta is naturally elevated
- Always consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before using lemongrass therapeutically if you are pregnant, nursing, or on medication
Frequently Asked Questions
Lemongrass is particularly beneficial for Vata dosha due to its pungent and bitter and sour rasa and heating virya. However, Ayurveda teaches that any food can be made suitable through proper preparation, combination with complementary spices, and appropriate portion sizes.
According to Ayurvedic Ritucharya (seasonal regimen), lemongrass is best enjoyed during summer. For optimal digestion, consume it during lunch when Agni (digestive fire) is at its peak. Eating seasonally ensures you receive maximum Prana and nutritional benefit from your food.
Ayurveda recommends preparing lemongrass with complementary spices that balance its inherent qualities. Given its heating virya and pungent and bitter and sour taste, pair it with cooling ingredients. Cooking with ghee enhances bioavailability and helps carry its therapeutic properties deeper into the tissues.