14 Lemongrass Tea Benefits and Healthy Recipes

Learn all the lemongrass tea benefits here. Brew a warm cup of this refreshing beverage and enjoy.

1. What Is Lemongrass?

This tropical grass belongs to the genus Cymbopogon 1with almost 55 species. The Malaysian-originated one called West Indian lemongrass is cultivated mainly for cooking.

Other varieties, like East Indian Lemongrass, are native to India, Burma, and Thailand. With more breeding programs, they have spread to North America.

Lemon grass is a perennial herb 2grown as an annual plant in the tropics, subtropics, and cooler climates. It thrives under warm and humid conditions, with regular water. It is a popular medicinal herb and part of perfumes in Asia. As a staple ingredient in soups, curry, sauces, and seafood stews, it gives out a refreshing lemon flavor.

Other means of utilizing it are either lemongrass essential oil in aromatherapy or drinking lemongrass tea. Let us look at the health benefits provided by this plant.

2. Lemongrass Tea Benefits

Initially known as a folk remedy to relieve pain, provide better sleep, and act as an immunity booster, Lemongrass has been proven to be much more beneficial due to its medicinal composition –

2.1. Full of Antioxidants

Lemongrass tea or plant has several antioxidant properties that can prevent free radicals from causing diseases, as proven in a study.

Those of note are – chlorogenic acid, swertiajaponin, and isoorientin. These improve cells inside the coronary arteries, providing most of the lemongrass tea benefits. 

2.2. Full of Antimicrobial Properties

Lemongrass tea3 benefits include treating cavities and oral infections due to its antimicrobial properties.

An in vitro study published in 2012 showed lemongrass essential oil can fight against tooth decay-causing bacteria due to its antimicrobial abilities.

More research also indicated silver ions and lemongrass oil could fight several types of fungi and bacteria.

In comparative studies of 12 herbs, it was also found that lemongrass herbal formula can help with bacterial growth that causes mouth cavities.

In many places native to this plant, people consume lemongrass stalks and chew on them. This helps improve oral health and keep the mouth clean.

2.3. Full of Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Two main compounds in lemongrass tea, Citral and Geranial4, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect heart health.

To know more, click here.

2.4. Lemongrass Tea Can Prevent the Risk of Cancer

The Citral present in this herbal tea can fight against cancer cells. This, along with other components of lemongrass tea, helps cause cancer cell death or boosts the immune system to fight off cancer. Know more about it and how it is one of the lemongrass tea benefits here.

It is advisable to drink lemongrass tea as an adjuvant therapy during radiation and chemotherapy, only under professional guidance.

2.5. Lemongrass Tea Benefits Include Better Digestion

Lemongrass tea can be consumed to help an upset stomach, cramping, or other digestive issues.

An Animal study conducted in 2012 showed that lemongrass oil helps fight gastric ulcers5. This indicated that lemongrass leaves protect the stomach lining against the damage caused by ethanol and aspirin.

2.6. Lemongrass Tea Acts as a Natural Diuretic

Lemongrass is a famous diuretic that helps urinate frequently. This helps get rid of all the sodium and excess fluid. Specifically, these are prescribed for liver or heart failure patients.

Animal studies looking at the health benefits of lemongrass tea in 2001 indicated it has a similar diuretic activity to green tea. This proves not only one of the valuable lemongrass tea benefits but also that it causes no organ damage or other side effects. 

2.7. Lemongrass Tea Benefits Include Reducing High Blood Pressure

study conducted in 2012 indicates that lemongrass tea or green tea lowers blood pressure and heart rate while increasing diastolic blood pressure.

It has a rich potassium content that increases urine production in the body, which helps blood circulation and reduces blood pressure6 levels.

Thus, lemongrass tea is advised to be taken in moderate amounts depending on one’s health condition.

2.8. Lemongrass Lowers Cholesterol Levels

A heart attack or stroke is a sure outcome of having high cholesterol levels. An Animal study indicated that lemongrass extracts help lower these levels, depending on the dosage. Further research also showed that a 100 mg dosage of lemongrass leaves or oil is safe to use daily.

Lemongrass also contains a flavonoid called quercetin that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits to protect cardiovascular health. One can boost heart health with this naturally caffeine-free option.

2.9. Lemongrass Helps with Weight Loss

Lemongrass tea can be used as a detox tea to lose weight based on anecdotal measures. It is advised to drink lemongrass tea regularly based on the fact that it is a natural diuretic.

Lemongrass increases energy expenditure and fat oxidation due to the presence of polyphenols. Fewer calories and fuller sensations can stop one from gaining weight.

For general health, replacing sugar or soft drinks with herbal teas is advised to reach weight loss goals.

However, it is better to be consumed in controlled measures. You could try shifting between lemongrass tea, unsweetened drinks, or water.

2.10. Lemongrass Helps Prevent Infections

Drinking this herbal tea can also help with infections it reduces a fungal infection called thrush that weakens the immune system, especially those related to HIV symptoms.

Know more about this as one of the lemongrass tea benefits here.

2.11. Lemongrass Relieves Anxiety

Sipping this hot tea can not only help relax but according to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, inhaling lemongrass helps people with anxiety. Know more about it here.

However, more evidence is needed to explore this as one of the scientifically proven lemongrass tea benefits

2.12. Lemongrass Tea Benefits Include Relieving PMS Symptoms

If you are dealing with painful menstrual cramps, hot flashes, and bloating, hot lemongrass tea is a natural remedy due to its anti-inflammatory properties and stomach-soothing abilities.

study indicated that the lemongrass plant could also be useful to cool down the body and prevent sensing pain.

2.13. Lemongrass Tea Boosts Blood Circulation

study conducted in 2015 indicated that drinking fresh lemongrass tea for 30 days could increase cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, and red blood cell count in the body.

This could be considered one of the potential lemongrass tea benefits due to its antioxidant properties.

2.14. Lemongrass Protects the Skin and Promotes Hair Growth

lemongrass tea benefits
Photo by Valerie Elash on Unsplash Copyrights 2017

Lemongrass tea benefits include protecting the skin and being an effective hair growth treatment.

It has high vitamins C, and A, and other nutrients that preserve skin health, treat the oily scalp, and help eliminate pimples, acne, and eczema.

A 2015 study indicated that lemongrass significantly reduces dandruff, similar to other essential oils.

3. Other Lemongrass Tea Benefits

Many components present also provide other benefits, like treating headaches through the presence of eugenol and preventing clumping of blood platelets. This can also help combat dehydration.

Drinking lemongrass tea also helps relieve the respiratory system, especially in healing a sore throat. It cleanses toxins and clears out lymph. It naturally fights colds, coughs, and other allergies by boosting immunity.

So, lemongrass tea has short- and long-term benefits that one can tap into for a healthier lifestyle. Let’s see how to make it a holistic beverage.

4. What Are the Risks Involved with Lemongrass?

Though lemongrass is safe to consume, if one experiences dizziness, hunger, dry mouth, and tiredness, stop the consumption immediately.

People who are allergic to this plant may experience rashes, itching, breathing difficulties, and a high heart rate. Do not let this escalate to an emergency.

Pregnant women are advised to avoid this as it can lead to miscarriage in some cases. Those prescribed diuretics and low potassium levels are to avoid drinking this tea.

5. Lemongrass Basic Recipes

lemongrass tea benefits
Photo by ersler/ Unlimphotos

Although having 1 cup of lemongrass tea daily is not harmful, consult a natural health practitioner or doctor before including this in your daily diet.

You can either buy lemongrass tea leaves or bags in natural food stores or get them delivered to your doorstep.

There are two basic recipes to make lemongrass tea:

5.1. One Basic Recipe for Lemongrass Tea

  1. Over fresh or dried lemongrass tea leaves (1-3 tsp),
  2. Add boiling water (1 cup). Let this steep for around 5 minutes.
  3. Then strain the tea.
  4. You can enjoy hot lemongrass tea or add ice cubes as per your taste buds.

5.2. Another Basic Recipe for Lemongrass Tea

  1. Rinse fresh lemongrass.
  2. Then, cut them into little pieces and grind them well.
  3. In a boiling saucepan with water, add the pieces and boil for 10 minutes.
  4. When you notice lemongrass leaves fade, remove them, strain them, and serve hot.
  5. You can add honey to sweeten the tea. 

6. Lemongrass with Other Beverages

Lemongrass can also be cooked into soups, added to fish, or eaten raw. Here are some top dishes you can try –

6.1. Lemongrass and Mint Tea Recipe

This recipe not only has the health benefits of lemongrass tea but, added with the detoxifying and cleansing properties of mint leaves, it’s a healthy beverage choice.

It is incredibly aromatic; you can add organic sugar and jaggery for a sweeter note.

6.2. Fresh Lemongrass Tea Recipe

This is like lemongrass water or tea made with stalks, lime wheels, and honey or sugar. One cup would contain 6 mg sodium and 11 gm carbs.

lemongrass tea benefits
Photo by kerdkanno on unlimphotos

6.3. Thai Iced Lemongrass Tea

This tasty and healthy herbal drink made with mint, lemon basil, and lemongrass is Thai-styled. You can also add ginger, sugar, and lemon juice.

6.4. Iced Lemongrass Tea

This is a delicious mix of green tea, sugar syrup, lemongrass, and kalamansi juice which is easy to make and has a more balanced flavor.

6.5. Fresh Lemongrass and Ginger Tea

This is a warm tea option for winter with the healing properties of ginger and the benefits of lemongrass combined.

6.6. Lemongrass Black Tea

Try this simple recipe with tea powder, water, lemongrass stalk, sugar, and lemon. You can also keep the flavor subtle by reducing the amount of lemon or adding a pinch of sea salt.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

7.1. Can I drink lemongrass tea every day?

Having 1 cup of lemongrass tea daily is not harmful. However, consult a health practitioner or doctor before including this in your daily routine.

7.2. What is the best time to drink lemongrass tea?

People generally prefer to drink lemongrass tea in the early morning on an empty stomach as it helps detoxify the body and gets you to start for the day.

7.3. Has lemongrass tea warming or cooling effect?

Lemongrass tea has a cooling effect on the stomach. All summer beverages can be made with lemongrass.

7.4. Is lemongrass tea safe to consume?

Yes, lemongrass tea is generally safe to consume. However, side effects may occur in people who are allergic to lemongrass or in women who are pregnant. Therefore, it is advisable for them to not consume lemongrass or seek a doctor’s help before consuming it.

To read how to make more effective teas, click here.

  1. Kaur, Harneet, Urvashi Bhardwaj, and Ramandeep Kaur. “Cymbopogon nardus essential oil: A comprehensive review on its chemistry and bioactivity.” Journal of Essential Oil Research 33.3 (2021): 205-220. ↩︎
  2. Song, Zhuqiu, et al. “Flowering phenology of a widespread perennial herb shows contrasting responses to global warming between humid and non‐humid regions.” Functional Ecology 34.9 (2020): 1870-1881. ↩︎
  3. Garba, Husaina Anchau, et al. “Effect of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus Stapf) tea in a type 2 diabetes rat model.” Clinical Phytoscience 6 (2020): 1-10. ↩︎
  4. e Silva, Gabriel dos Santos, et al. “Review of anticancer activity of monoterpenoids: Geraniol, nerol, geranial and neral.” Chemico-Biological Interactions 362 (2022): 109994. ↩︎
  5. Tarnawski, Andrzej S., and Amrita Ahluwalia. “The critical role of growth factors in gastric ulcer healing: the cellular and molecular mechanisms and potential clinical implications.” Cells 10.8 (2021): 1964. ↩︎
  6. Fuchs, Flávio D., and Paul K. Whelton. “High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.” Hypertension 75.2 (2020): 285-292. ↩︎

Last Updated on by Suchi

Author

Alice

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *