Lemongrass tea is a folk remedy that has been used to promote sleep, relieve pain, and boost immunity. While its properties show promise, more human research is needed to confirm its potential benefits.
Lemongrass, also called citronella, is a tall, stalky plant with a fresh, lemony aroma and citrus flavor. It’s a common ingredient in Thai cooking.
It’s also commonly used as a bug repellent.
One of the most popular ways to consume lemongrass is in tea. This article examines the potential health benefits and side effects of lemongrass tea.
According to a 2021 review of studies, lemongrass contains several antioxidants, which can help scavenge free radicals in your body that may cause disease.
Antioxidants of note are:
- chlorogenic acid
- isoorientin
- swertiajaponin
These antioxidants may help prevent the dysfunction of cells inside your coronary arteries.
The research from 2021 mentioned above found that citral, one of the main components of lemongrass, exhibited antimicrobial properties.
A 2021 study found that lemongrass essential oil had both antibacterial and antifungal characteristics.
In addition, a
Further research found lemongrass oil and silver ions may work together against several types of bacteria and fungus in vitro.
Inflammation is thought to play a role in many conditions, including heart disease and stroke.
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The citral in lemongrass is also thought to have
Several components of lemongrass may help fight cancer. This occurs either by directly causing cell death or by boosting the immune system so that the body is better able to fight off cancer on its own.
Lemongrass tea is sometimes used as an adjuvant therapy during chemotherapy and radiation. It should only be used under the guidance of an oncologist.
A cup of lemongrass tea is a go-to alternative remedy for upset stomach, stomach cramping, and other digestive problems. A
The study found that the essential oil of lemongrass leaves can help protect the stomach lining against damage from aspirin and alcohol. Regular aspirin use is a common cause of gastric ulcers.
In the world of natural health, lemongrass is a known diuretic. A diuretic makes you urinate more often, ridding your body of excess fluid and sodium. Diuretics are often prescribed if you have:
A 2015 study including 55 men and 50 women found that drinking lemongrass tea increased urine output more than other beverages.
In a 2011 study, 72 male volunteers were given either lemongrass tea or green tea to drink. Those who drank the lemongrass tea experienced a moderate drop in systolic blood pressure and a mild increase in diastolic blood pressure. They also had a significantly lower heart rate.
A 2021 review of studies found that lemongrass extracts and essential oils have all shown anti-hypertensive effects in both animal and human models.
Although these findings are exciting if you have high systolic blood pressure, researchers caution that men with heart problems should use lemongrass in moderation to avoid dangerous drops in heart rate or increased diastolic pressure.
High cholesterol can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.
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In addition, a 2018 animal study found that lemongrass water extract significantly decreased total cholesterol in rats.
More research, however, is needed to confirm whether lemongrass has the ability to lower cholesterol in humans.
Lemongrass tea is used as a detox tea to kick-start your metabolism and help you lose weight. Even so, most research on lemongrass and weight loss is anecdotal, not scientific. Since lemongrass has been found to have diuretic properties, if you drink enough of it, you’re likely to drop some pounds.
In general, replacing soft drinks and other sugar-sweetened drinks in your diet with herbal teas like lemongrass may help you reach your weight loss goals. However, avoid drinking lemongrass tea exclusively. This can increase your risk of side effects.
Try alternating cups of lemongrass tea with water or other unsweetened drinks.
Lemongrass tea is used as a natural remedy for menstrual cramps, bloating, and hot flashes.
A 2019 study found that lemongrass has galactagogue properties, which promote the formation of milk in breasts. Researchers also found that lemongrass is effective in stimulating menstrual flow, and it helps soothe menstrual cramps and discomfort.
There isn’t enough research on lemongrass tea to recommend a standard dosage for any condition. For dosing recommendations, consult a doctor or a qualified natural health practitioner.
To limit your risk of side effects, start with one cup daily. If you tolerate this well, you can drink more. Stop drinking the tea or cut back if you experience side effects.
If you don’t like drinking lemongrass, try cooking with it. Add a stalk or two to your favorite soup — it pairs well with chicken noodle. You can also add it to poultry or fish before baking. You can eat lemongrass raw, but mince it well since it tends to be stringy.
How to make lemongrass tea
To make lemongrass tea:
- Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 to 3 teaspoons fresh or dried lemongrass.
- Steep for at least 5 minutes.
- Strain the tea.
- Enjoy hot or add ice cubes for iced lemongrass tea.
You can find loose lemongrass tea or lemongrass tea bags on Amazon or other online retailers and at most natural food stores. You can also purchase fresh lemongrass at nurseries that you can grow yourself and harvest.
A word of caution
Herbs and herbal teas aren’t well regulated, although some pre-packaged herbal teas must follow the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) labeling laws. To make sure you get a high quality, pure product, only buy herbal tea from a reputable manufacturer.
Lemongrass is generally considered safe to use in food amounts, including the amount typically used to make tea.
Potential side effects include:
- dizziness
- increased hunger
- dry mouth
- increased urination
- tiredness
Some people may be allergic to lemongrass. Get emergency help if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as:
- rash
- itching
- difficulty breathing
- rapid heart rate
Who should NOT drink lemongrass tea?
Do not drink lemongrass tea if you:
- are pregnant
- take prescription diuretics
- have a low heart rate
- have a low potassium levels
Always consult with a doctor before taking any herbal supplements.
Lemongrass tea is generally a safe and healthy herbal drink. Lemongrass is easy to grow or find at most natural food stores.
Animal and laboratory research has shown that lemongrass has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. Lemongrass may also help protect your stomach lining and improve your lipid profile.
Many studies on lemongrass were done using lemongrass essential oil, not lemongrass tea. More human studies are needed using lemongrass tea to confirm its purported health benefits.
Don’t self-treat any condition with lemongrass tea or use it in place of your prescribed medications without first consulting a doctor.
