A CRITICAL AYURVEDIC LITERARY REVIEW OF MEDICINAL PLANT ROHISHA (CYMBOPOGON MARTINII(ROXB.)WATS.)

Rohisha (Cymbopogon martinii (Roxb.)Wats.) is a species of grass in the genus Cymbopogon(lemon grasses) belongs to poaceae family. It is a perennial herb, sweet scented grass, occurs wild in dry localities and cultivated in many parts of India. Cymbopogon martinii (Lemon grass) native to India and Indo-China but widely cultivated in many places for its aromatic oil. It is best known by the common names Palmarosa, Indian geranium, Ginger grass, Rosha and Rusha grass. The references of Rohisha can be seen in various Samhitas & Nighantus where the plant is indicated in cough, rhinitis, hypogalactia, reheumatoid arthritis, skin diseases, hairfall, loss of appetite, indigestion, pain, infections, fever, gouty arthritis, bleeding disorders, throat infections, urine retention etc all are treated with this plant. The present literature review helps to bridge traditional knowledge with modern science by systematically documenting the traditional uses, properties and efficacy which can lead to new treatments and researches.