Lemongrass

Lemongrass (E):

Lemongrass is an aromatic diaphoretic that relaxes the peripheral circulatory system and is useful in fevers. It also benefits the digestion, lungs and menstruation. Bhu- -tr•n• a literally means 'earth grass'.

Digestion The combination of pungent and bitter flavours in lemongrass stimulates agni without aggravating pitta. It regulates s´amana and apana vayu in the intestines to relieve gas, cramps and colic. Lungs Its pungency dries aggravated avalambaka kapha and helps to expectorate excess phlegm. The bitterness helps to clear hot lung infections with yellow mucus. Its broncho-relaxing effect helps to reduce asthma. Fevers Its mild diaphoretic effect clears the displaced heat that has moved from the digestive tract to rasa dhatu. It treats the source of fevers by clearing ama from the digestive tract. Gynaecology Its affinity for rasa and raktadhatu helps with painful menses due to inflammation or spasm in the uterus from high pitta and vata. Its nourishing effect on rasadhatvagni encourages milk production. External The essential oil is a wonderful circulatory stimulant that can help to remove arthritic inflammation and pain in the joints (Tisserand & Balacs 2000).