Agiya Ghas (Rohisha)
Macroscopic: A tall, perennial, aromatic grass reaching a height of 1.5 to 2.5 meters. The culms (stems) are smooth, straw-colored, and leafy. Leaves ...
Botanical name: Cymbopogon martini. Also known as: Rusa Grass, Palmarosa, Agya Ghas, Gandh-bel.
Properties
Antimicrobial (Antifungal, Antibacterial, Antiviral), Anti-inflammatory (Inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α), Antioxidant (Free radical scavenging), Insecticidal and Insect Repellent, Cytotoxic/Anti-cancer (HMG-CoA reductase inhibition and induction of apoptosis)
Dosage
Powder: 1-3g; Infusion (Phanta): 20-40ml; Essential Oil: 1-3 drops
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent)
- Virya: Ushna (Hot)
- Vipaka: Katu (Pungent)
Benefits
- Agiya Ghas (Cymbopogon citratus), commonly known as Lemongrass, demonstrates significant clinical efficacy in oral health and dermatology
- Randomized trials confirm its role as a potent anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis agent, comparable to chlorhexidine (PMID: 35965722, PMID: 35890676)
- However, human evidence for metabolic benefits (glucose/lipid control) remains limited or non-significant at standard tea dosages (PMID: 3788741)
- Deepana (Appetizer)
- Pachana (Digestive)
Traditional uses
- Jwara (Fever)
- Aruchi (Anorexia)
- Agnimandya (Indigestion)
- Kasa (Cough)
- Shwasa (Asthma/Bronchitis)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: aggravating
Preparation methods
- Bhutrina Taila: Standard preparation as per API.
- Rohisha Phanta: Standard preparation as per API.
- Paniya Kalpana (Medicated water): Standard preparation as per API.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy (potential emmenagogue/uterine stimulant effects)
- Hypersensitivity to Cymbopogon species
- Active peptic ulcers (due to pungent/bitter properties)
Side effects
- Avoid undiluted topical application of the essential oil as it may cause severe skin irritation. Internal use should be restricted to food-grade preparations or under professional supervision.
Interactions
- May theoretically enhance the effects of sedative medications
- Potential synergistic effect with antifungal agents (geraniol content)
Clinical evidence
Agiya Ghas (Cymbopogon citratus), commonly known as Lemongrass, demonstrates significant clinical efficacy in oral health and dermatology. Randomized trials confirm its role as a potent anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis agent, comparable to chlorhexidine (PMID: 35965722, PMID: 35890676). In dermatology, a 10% oil tonic effectively treats dandruff (PMID: 26566122), while infusions manage oral thrush in immunocompromised populations (PMID: 19109001). Aromatherapy applications show promise in reducing dental anxiety and stabilizing hemodynamic factors like blood pressure (PMID: 40069670, PMID: 26366471). However, human evidence for metabolic benefits (glucose/lipid control) remains limited or non-significant at standard tea dosages (PMID: 3788741).
Ayurvedic karmas
- Deepana (Appetizer)
- Pachana (Digestive)
- Vatanulomana (Carminative)
- Swedana (Diaphoretic)
- Jwaraghna (Antipyretic)
- Krimighna (Anthelmintic)
- Shwasahara (Anti-asthmatic)
Classical clinical indications
- Jwara (Fever)
- Aruchi (Anorexia)
- Agnimandya (Indigestion)
- Kasa (Cough)
- Shwasa (Asthma/Bronchitis)
- Shoola (Colic/Abdominal pain)
- Twak Roga (Skin diseases/Fungal infections)