Lemongrass Tea: Uses, Preparation and Possible Benefits
Lemongrass tea is a fragrant, caffeine-free infusion. Here is how to brew it, what research does and does not show, and when to take care.
Key Takeaways
- Lemongrass tea made from the herb alone is naturally caffeine-free and easy to brew at home.
- Human studies are limited, and trials found the tea did not reduce anxiety.
- Lemongrass essential oil is highly concentrated and must never be drunk like tea.
- Avoid it in pregnancy and check with a doctor if you take regular medicines.
Lemongrass is a fragrant tropical grass used widely in South and Southeast Asian cooking. Its pale lower stalk flavours curries, soups and marinades, while fresh or dried leaves are infused as tea. Lemongrass tea benefits are often linked with digestion, relaxation and antioxidants, but a pleasant herbal drink should not be confused with a proven treatment. This guide covers how to prepare it, what the evidence does and does not show, and who should take care.
Stalk, leaves and essential oil are different
The pale stalk is fibrous and is normally bruised, sliced or simmered for flavour rather than eaten in large pieces. The leaves are sharper in taste and are useful for infusions. Lemongrass essential oil is highly concentrated and is a completely different product: it should never be treated like tea, swallowed or added to drinks. High doses of the oil have been linked with damage to the liver and stomach lining.
Possible benefits
Most of what lemongrass tea offers is practical rather than medicinal.
- When made from the herb alone, without black or green tea, it is naturally caffeine-free, which suits an evening drink.
- Its citrus-like aroma can make unsweetened drinks more enjoyable and may help some people drink more water.
- It contains plant compounds such as citral that are being studied for antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.
- Many people find a warm cup soothing after meals, although clinical evidence for digestive benefits is limited.
What the research shows
Human studies of lemongrass are limited, and most supporting evidence comes from laboratory and animal work. Clinical studies found that lemongrass tea did not reduce anxiety or produce calming effects. Animal studies suggest a sedative effect, but this has not been shown in people. Laboratory studies show activity against various microorganisms, and a few small human studies have explored lemongrass as an antifungal or for gum disease, but more research is needed before any treatment claim can be made.
How to prepare a balanced cup
- Wash one fresh stalk, trim the ends and bruise it with the back of a knife, or use the labelled amount of dried leaves.
- Cut the stalk into short pieces and add to a cup of freshly boiled water.
- Cover and steep for about five minutes, or until the flavour suits you.
- Strain well and drink warm, or cool and refrigerate for an iced version.
A longer steep can taste bitter, and a stronger cup does not mean stronger effects.
Taste pairings without too much sugar
Ginger, mint, tulsi or a squeeze of lime round out the flavour. Honey and jaggery still add free sugar, so use them sparingly for taste rather than for health. Chilled tea should be refrigerated promptly and drunk within a day or so.
Cooking with fresh lemongrass
Use bruised stalks in dal, broth, curry, rice or a marinade, then remove the tough pieces before serving. The tender inner stalk can be finely chopped and cooked into pastes. Lemongrass works especially well with ginger, chilli, coconut and lime.
Buying and storing
Choose firm stalks with a fresh lemony smell and no soft or rotting patches. Wrap and refrigerate them, or freeze trimmed pieces for cooking. Store dried leaves airtight, away from moisture and heat. Bagged teas are convenient but may include green tea, black tea, liquorice, flavourings or sweeteners, so read the ingredients if caffeine, blood pressure or allergies matter.
Who should take care
- Pregnancy: Compounds in lemongrass caused birth defects in animal studies, so it is best avoided during pregnancy. Ask a doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
- Regular medicines: Amounts above normal culinary use may affect how some medicines are processed. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take regular medication.
- Side effects: Dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth and increased urination have been reported, and excessive tea intake may affect kidney function.
- Allergy: Stop if you develop a rash or other allergy symptoms, and seek advice for persistent digestive discomfort.
Editorial sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Articles
Herbal Tea Recipes: 5 Simple Blends for Daily Routine
These five herbal tea blends use common Indian kitchen ingredients like fennel, cinnamon, tulsi, ginger, and cardamom — light, warm drinks, not medicine..
Chamomile Tea: Possible Benefits, Timing and Safety
Chamomile is a caffeine-free herbal infusion made from dried flowers, often used as part of a bedtime routine. Learn timing and safety.
Green Tea Benefits: Evidence, Timing and Safety
Learn what green tea can realistically do, how to brew it, caffeine timing, weight-loss evidence and supplement safety notes.
