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
1. It has antioxidant properties
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
2. It has antimicrobial properties
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 2012 in vitro study
found that lemongrass essential oil showed antimicrobial abilities against Streptococcus mutans bacteria, the bacteria most responsible for tooth decay
Further research found lemongrass oil and silver ions may work together against several types of bacteria and fungus in vitro
3. It has anti-inflammatory properties
Inflammation is thought to play a role in many conditions, including heart disease and stroke
Research from 2024
suggests that lemongrass has anti-inflammatory benefits. Its compounds may help stop the release of certain inflammation-causing markers in your body
A 2022 study
also notes that the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of lemongrass are widely known and used in folk medicine
4. It may reduce your cancer risk
The citral in lemongrass is also thought to have potent anticancer abilities
against some cancer cell lines
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
5. It may help promote healthy digestion
A cup of lemongrass tea is a go-to alternative remedy for upset stomach, stomach cramping, and other digestive problems. A 2012 study
on rodents showed that lemongrass may also be effective against gastric ulcers
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
6. It may act as a diuretic
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:
- heart failure
- liver failure
- edema
A 2015 study including 55 men and 50 women found that drinking lemongrass tea increased urine output more than other beverages
7. It may help reduce high systolic blood pressure
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
8. It may help regulate your cholesterol
High cholesterol can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke
A 2022 in vitro study
found that lemongrass extracts had the ability to prevent cholesterol absorption in the gut. However, researchers cautioned that additional studies are needed to confirm these results
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
9. It may help you lose weight
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
10. It may help with menstrual cramps
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
How to use
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
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
Possible side effects and risks
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
The takeaway
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
