Photo: Marc-Lautenbacher / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Neebu नींबू
Citrus limon
Also known as: Nimbu Ras
Part used: Fruit, Fruit Juice
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Citrus limon
- Part used: Fruit, Fruit Juice
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Fresh juice 5–10 ml diluted in water, once or twice a day.
Neebu in other languages
Introduction
Neebu (Citrus limon) is the common lemon, used in Ayurveda as much for its sourness as for any single constituent. Sour taste is Deepana, Rochana and Anulomana — it kindles digestion, restores appetite and moves wind downward.
It also serves a pharmaceutical purpose: lemon juice is a Bhavana liquid, used to levigate mineral preparations, and appears in that role in several Rasa formulations.
Classification
Family Rutaceae. The fruit and its juice are officinal. Rasa: Amla. Guna: Laghu, Tikshna. Virya: Ushna. Vipaka: Amla. Doshaghnata: pacifies Vata and Kapha; increases Pitta.
Uses & benefits
Given for poor appetite, nausea, indigestion and abdominal distension, usually as juice with warm water and a little rock salt. Classical texts also use it in Chardi (vomiting) and thirst. As a Bhavana dravya, lemon juice is used to triturate mineral preparations — its role in Maha Vatvidhwansan Ras in this catalogue.
Neebu for appetite and digestion
Sour, light and penetrating, it is the household Deepana taken before food where appetite has failed, and after food for heaviness.
Neebu as a Bhavana liquid
Lemon juice is used to levigate mineral and metallic preparations during manufacture, a processing step rather than a therapeutic ingredient.
Dosage — how much to take
Fresh juice 5–10 ml diluted in water, once or twice a day. In manufacture, quantity sufficient for Bhavana.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Neebu?
The citations held for Neebu in this catalogue are: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Amradi Phala Varga — Nimbuka).
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Neebu?
Amla rasa, ushna virya; deepana, rochana and chardighna. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Amradi Phala Varga — Nimbuka.
What is Neebu traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Given for poor appetite, nausea, indigestion and abdominal distension, usually as juice with warm water and a little rock salt. Classical texts also use it in Chardi (vomiting) and thirst. As a Bhavana dravya, lemon juice is used to triturate mineral preparations — its role in Maha Vatvidhwansan Ras in this catalogue.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Neebu?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Neebu classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Neebu carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Neebu is used medicinally?
The part used is Fruit, Fruit Juice.
How much Neebu is taken, and how?
Fresh juice 5–10 ml diluted in water, once or twice a day. In manufacture, quantity sufficient for Bhavana. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Neebu be avoided?
Increases Pitta. Avoid in hyperacidity, gastric ulcer and burning conditions. The acid erodes tooth enamel — dilute it and rinse the mouth afterwards. Not suitable in large quantities for those with mouth ulcers or a sore throat.
Where does Neebu grow?
Cultivated throughout India, particularly in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat, and grown in gardens across the subcontinent.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Amradi Phala Varga — Nimbuka
Amla rasa, ushna virya; deepana, rochana and chardighna. - Rasa Shastra texts — Bhavana dravya
Lemon juice used as a levigation liquid in the preparation of mineral formulations.
Safety & precautions
Increases Pitta. Avoid in hyperacidity, gastric ulcer and burning conditions. The acid erodes tooth enamel — dilute it and rinse the mouth afterwards. Not suitable in large quantities for those with mouth ulcers or a sore throat.
Where it grows
Cultivated throughout India, particularly in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat, and grown in gardens across the subcontinent.
Frequently asked questions
Why is lemon listed as an ingredient of a mineral medicine?
Because it is used as a Bhavana liquid during manufacture — the mineral is ground with the juice as part of processing. It is a manufacturing input as much as a therapeutic ingredient.
Is lemon suitable for acidity?
Generally no. Its sour taste increases Pitta and it is avoided in hyperacidity and ulcer, despite the popular belief that it is alkalising.
