Why Lemongrass Tea Deserves a Spot in Your Daily Routine

What Is Lemongrass Tea?

Walk through a Thai, Vietnamese, or Indonesian market and you will find bundles of long, pale green stalks stacked in fragrant towers — their clean, citrusy aroma cutting through the heat and humidity. This is lemongrass, one of the most widely used culinary and medicinal plants in tropical Asia, and an herb that translates into tea with almost effortless grace.

Cymbopogon citratus is a tropical grass — yes, literally a grass. It belongs to the Poaceae family, making it a distant cousin of wheat, rice, and bamboo rather than the leafy herbs of the mint or daisy families. This botanical identity matters because it means lemongrass comes from an entirely different chemical lineage than most herbal teas, yet arrives at many of the same therapeutic destinations through its own distinctive set of compounds.

The plant grows in thick clumps of long, blade-like leaves emerging from swollen, bulbous bases. It is the lower, bulbous portion of the stalk that contains the highest concentration of essential oils and is most commonly used for cooking and tea. The leaves themselves are also excellent for tea, though they produce a lighter, more delicate infusion.

Lemongrass is native to South and Southeast Asia but now grows throughout the tropics and subtropics worldwide. India produces the most lemongrass globally, followed by Thailand, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. In these regions, lemongrass tea is not an exotic wellness trend — it is an everyday beverage, as common as black tea in England or green tea in Japan.

The name tells you what to expect: lemongrass smells and tastes powerfully of lemon, but with a unique herbal depth and a slightly floral sweetness that actual lemons lack. The compound responsible — citral — makes up 65-85% of lemongrass essential oil and gives the plant its signature identity.

With roughly 2,900 monthly searches, lemongrass tea appeals to people looking for a bright, refreshing caffeine-free alternative that also happens to carry meaningful health benefits. Here is what the research reveals.

Lemongrass Tea Benefits

Lemongrass’s bioactive profile centers on citral (a mixture of the isomers geranial and neral — responsible for the lemon flavor and many therapeutic effects), myrcene (a terpene with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties), geraniol (an antimicrobial terpene), flavonoids including luteolin and apigenin, and various phenolic acids with antioxidant activity.

1. Digestive Health

Lemongrass tea is a traditional digestive remedy across Southeast Asia, served after meals in the same way that peppermint tea is offered in Morocco or fennel tea in Italy. The herb has carminative, antispasmodic, and pro-motility properties that address the most common digestive complaints.

For digestive support, lemongrass tea after meals helps relieve bloating, gas, and the general discomfort of overeating. Its mild, refreshing character makes it easy to drink regularly — unlike more assertive digestive herbs that can be an acquired taste. Combining lemongrass with ginger creates a classic Southeast Asian pairing that addresses both nausea and bloating.

2. Anxiety & Stress Reduction

Lemongrass has notable anxiolytic properties, likely mediated through its effects on GABAergic pathways. Citral and myrcene both show sedative and anxiety-reducing activity in preclinical studies, and the aromatherapeutic effect of lemongrass is well-documented for stress reduction.

For anxiety and stress relief, lemongrass tea offers a gentle calming effect that is distinct from heavier sedative herbs like valerian or passionflower. It calms without drowsiness, refreshes without stimulating — making it suitable for daytime stress management. The act of inhaling the citrusy steam before drinking adds an aromatherapeutic dimension that most herbal teas lack.

3. Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory Action

Lemongrass is a significant source of antioxidants, with multiple studies confirming substantial free radical scavenging capacity. Citral, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and the suite of flavonoids all contribute to this activity.

The anti-inflammatory properties complement the antioxidant action. Citral inhibits NF-kB and reduces production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting benefits for chronic low-grade inflammation. Combined with turmeric, lemongrass creates a synergistic anti-inflammatory blend with complementary mechanisms.

4. Antimicrobial Properties

Lemongrass essential oil has well-documented antimicrobial activity against a range of bacteria, fungi, and yeasts. Citral is the primary antimicrobial agent, disrupting microbial cell membranes. While tea delivers lower concentrations than essential oil, regular consumption may support immune defense and oral health.

5. Cholesterol & Metabolic Support

Several studies suggest lemongrass may help modulate cholesterol levels and support metabolic health. This is one of the more intriguing areas of lemongrass research, though the evidence is still developing.

6. Detoxification Support

Lemongrass has mild diuretic properties, promoting increased urine output and potentially supporting the kidneys in eliminating waste products. This is the basis for its traditional reputation as a “detox” tea across Southeast Asia. While the body’s detoxification systems (liver, kidneys, lymphatic system) function independently of herbal teas, supporting kidney function and hydration through lemongrass tea is a reasonable complementary practice.

Lemongrass in Traditional Chinese Medicine

The TCM perspective on lemongrass is interesting because it classifies the herb as cool — despite growing in hot tropical climates. This actually makes perfect sense: tropical cultures independently arrived at the insight that cooling, aromatic herbs help the body cope with heat. Lemongrass tea is the beverage you want on a sweltering afternoon, and TCM theory explains why.

In Chinese medicine, the Stomach is prone to accumulating heat — from spicy food, overeating, emotional stress, or hot weather. Stomach heat causes symptoms like bad breath, excessive hunger, gum inflammation, acid reflux, and irritability. Lemongrass’s cool nature and sour flavor clear this heat while its sweet component nourishes the Stomach Qi and prevents excessive cooling.

The sour flavor, in TCM theory, has an astringent and generating function — it promotes the production of body fluids and prevents their loss. This is why lemongrass tea is so refreshing when you are hot and thirsty — it is literally generating fluids, according to TCM understanding.

Through the Yin-Yang lens, lemongrass is mildly Yin-nourishing. It cools, moistens, and settles — the opposite of warming, drying, activating herbs like ginger or thyme. This makes it particularly appropriate for people with warm constitutions or during hot weather, and less ideal for people who tend toward coldness and sluggish digestion.

Best TCM pairing: Lemongrass + chrysanthemum for clearing heat and calming the spirit in summer. Lemongrass + ginger for balanced digestive support that is neither too warming nor too cooling.

How to Brew Lemongrass Tea

Lemongrass can be brewed from either fresh stalks or dried cut leaves. Both produce excellent tea, but the preparation differs slightly.

Brewing Instructions

1. 1

   Step 1: Prepare the lemongrass

   Fresh stalks: Cut 2-3 stalks into 2-inch pieces and bruise them firmly with the back of a knife or a muddler to release the oils. You should immediately smell the bright citrus fragrance. Dried lemongrass: Use 1 tablespoon (3g) of dried cut lemongrass per 8oz cup.

2. 2

   Step 2: Bring water to a full boil — 212°F (100°C)

   Lemongrass stalks are fibrous and require full boiling water for proper extraction. For fresh stalks, you can also simmer them in a saucepan for 5 minutes, which extracts more flavor than steeping alone.

3. 3

   Step 3: Steep for 5-10 minutes (or simmer 5 minutes)

   For dried lemongrass, pour boiling water over and steep 5-10 minutes, covered. For fresh stalks, simmering in a covered saucepan for 5 minutes produces a richer, more intensely flavored tea. Cover in either case to retain the volatile citral.

4. 4

   Step 4: Strain and serve hot or iced

   Lemongrass tea is naturally bright and citrusy with gentle sweetness. It is delicious on its own, with a drizzle of honey, or with a squeeze of fresh lime. It makes exceptional iced tea — one of the best herbal teas for summer.

Brewing Variations

• Thai-style lemongrass ginger tea: Fresh lemongrass + sliced ginger + pandan leaf (if available) + honey. Simmer 10 minutes. Traditional Thai comfort drink.
• Lemongrass iced tea: Brew double-strength, cool, pour over ice with fresh mint and lime slices. Spectacular in summer.
• Calming evening blend: Lemongrass + chamomile + lemon balm. Three complementary calming herbs with a citrus theme.
• Tropical digestive tea: Lemongrass + ginger + peppermint. Addresses nausea, bloating, and gas simultaneously.
• Lemongrass and hibiscus refresher: Tart, bright, ruby-colored iced tea with complementary antioxidant profiles.

For more brewing ideas, explore our complete guide.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

Lemongrass tea has a bright, clean, intensely citrusy flavor with gentle floral sweetness and herbaceous depth. It tastes like lemon but without the acidity — smoother, sweeter, and more complex. The aroma is immediately uplifting, almost impossibly fresh. There is no bitterness or astringency when brewed correctly.

Body: Light to medium. The liquor is pale golden-green, clear and bright.

Best times to drink: After meals (digestion), afternoon (refreshing pick-me-up without caffeine), during hot weather (cooling), or anytime you want a bright, uplifting cup.

Food pairings: Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, seafood, coconut-based dishes, fresh fruit, light salads, grilled chicken. Lemongrass is a natural bridge between the kitchen and the teacup.

Similar herbs: If you enjoy lemongrass, try lemon balm (more subtle, more calming), lemon verbena (intensely lemony), and hibiscus (tart, fruity, complementary flavor for blending).

Buying Guide: What to Look For

Quality markers:

• Fresh stalks: Look for firm, pale green-to-white stalks with no brown or dried-out areas. The bulbous base should be plump. Smell should be immediately bright and citrusy.
• Dried lemongrass: Green-to-pale-green color with visible leaf structure. Should smell strongly of lemon when crushed. Uniform cut size indicates quality processing.
• Organic sourcing — recommended, as lemongrass is often grown in regions with varying pesticide regulations.
• Southeast Asian or Indian origin — Thai, Vietnamese, and Indian lemongrass tend to have higher citral content.

Red flags: brown or yellowish dried leaves (old), weak aroma, excessive dust or powdery residue, musty smell.

Check our best herbal teas for top recommendations.

Safety & Contraindications

Frequently Asked Questions

Does lemongrass tea help with weight loss?

Lemongrass tea is sometimes marketed as a “detox” or weight loss tea, but the evidence for direct weight loss effects is limited. What it does offer is mild diuretic action (which may reduce water retention), metabolic support through citral’s effects on lipid metabolism, and zero calories as a satisfying beverage replacement. Drinking lemongrass tea instead of sugary drinks contributes to calorie reduction. For weight management, it is a useful supporting habit rather than a weight loss solution on its own.

Can I use fresh lemongrass from the grocery store for tea?

Absolutely — and fresh lemongrass makes the best tea. Look for firm, pale stalks in the produce section (often near the fresh herbs or in the Asian produce area). Cut into 2-inch pieces, bruise with the back of a knife, and simmer in water for 5-10 minutes. Fresh lemongrass produces a brighter, more complex tea than dried. You can freeze extra stalks for later use — they retain their flavor well frozen.

Is lemongrass tea the same as lemon tea?

No. Lemongrass tea comes from the tropical grass Cymbopogon citratus, while “lemon tea” typically refers to black tea with lemon juice added. They taste similar in that both are citrusy, but lemongrass tea has a rounder, sweeter, more herbaceous character without the sharpness of actual lemon. Lemongrass is also caffeine-free, while lemon tea (if made with black tea) contains caffeine. Lemon balm tea is yet another distinct herb with a milder lemon flavor.

Can I drink lemongrass tea before bed?

Yes. Lemongrass tea has mild calming and anxiolytic properties that can support evening relaxation. It is caffeine-free, so it will not interfere with sleep. The citrusy aroma has aromatherapeutic calming effects. However, if you are sensitive to its mild diuretic effect, you may want to drink it 1-2 hours before bed rather than immediately before to avoid nighttime bathroom trips. For stronger sleep support, combine with chamomile or lavender.

How do I grow lemongrass at home?

Lemongrass is surprisingly easy to grow, even in non-tropical climates. Buy fresh stalks from the grocery store, trim the tops, place the base in a jar of water on a sunny windowsill, and roots will sprout within 2-3 weeks. Transplant to a pot with well-draining soil and full sun. In warm climates (zones 9-11), it grows as a perennial. In cooler zones, grow in pots and bring indoors before frost. One healthy clump provides enough fresh lemongrass for daily tea.

Does lemongrass tea interact with medications?

Lemongrass tea has relatively few documented drug interactions, but potential concerns include enhanced effects of diuretic medications (due to lemongrass’s own mild diuretic action), possible interaction with cholesterol-lowering statins (through overlapping mechanisms), and theoretical concerns with blood pressure medications (lemongrass may mildly lower blood pressure). If you take prescription medications, consult your pharmacist or doctor before making lemongrass tea a daily habit.