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14 Amazing Health Benefits Of Lemongrass Tea & How To Prepare

Medically Reviewed by Ariana Fiorita, RDN
August 5, 2022 By Ravi Teja Tadimalla, Professional Certificate In Food, Nutrition & Health

The lemongrass tea benefits may make you want to sip on a cup or two. Lemongrass, also called citronella, is an herb that promotes sleep and immunity. This beverage is rich in bioactive compounds and may promote weight loss, control blood pressure, and help treat common cold symptoms. This article discusses the benefits of lemongrass tea, its nutritional profile, and any potential side effects. Keep reading.

In This Article

What Is Lemongrass Tea Good For?

Several studies have proven how lemongrass tea can help relieve abdominal issues (like stomach cramps and pain), blood pressure, cough, cold, and even exhaustion.

Lemongrass essential oil is particularly used to treat muscle pain upon inhalation. The plant is also used in foods and beverages as a flavoring. There are several other ways this plant is utilized – but in this post, we stick to the health benefits, the most important of all.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Lemongrass Tea?

The tea aids weight loss, and given its ability to lower blood sugar, it can be a good supplemental treatment for diabetes. Studies have shown that lemongrass tea benefits include immunity against hypertension and cancer as well. Lemongrass tea also boosts the health of your skin and hair.

1. Aids Weight Loss

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Lemongrass tea contains very few calories. This makes it one good inclusion to your weight loss diet. The tea also fills you up, preventing you from overeating. Sipping it during the day can also stop you from overeating.

The tea contains polyphenols that are found to increase energy expenditure and fat oxidation, thereby contributing to weight loss. It can also be used for detox, and this kickstarts your metabolism and aids weight loss. And since lemongrass tea is a natural diuretic, drinking enough of it can help you drop some water weight.

2. Might Help In Diabetes Treatment

Some studies show that lemongrass tea can lower blood sugar levels, and this can be beneficial to people with diabetes. But consult your doctor if you are already on diabetes medication. Studies have also shown that taking lemongrass tea can improve fasting blood glucose levels.

Also, since lemongrass tea works as a detox, it can purify your pancreas and improve its functionality.

3. Regulates Blood Pressure

Studies have dubbed lemongrass as a traditional remedy for hypertension (1). Another study conducted in 2012 found that intake of lemongrass tea can cause a moderate drop in blood pressure levels – results that are much better when compared to green tea intake (2).

But we suggest that individuals with heart problems use lemongrass tea with caution – for the very same reason.

4. Helps Fight Cancer

Laboratory studies have shown that lemongrass extract can inhibit the early phases of cancer, especially that of the liver. One compound in lemongrass, called citral, was found to induce cell death in the case of breast cancer.

Studies have also shown how lemongrass extracts can be a nontoxic alternative to cancer treatment (3). Some sources say that lemongrass also helps treat prostate cancer – although concrete research is lacking.

5. Improves Digestive Health

Lemongrass tea improves digestive health

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Lemongrass tea works wonderfully well as an alternative remedy for stomach cramping, upset stomach, and other digestive issues. Studies have shown that lemongrass can be effective in treating gastric ulcers (4).

Lemongrass essential oil can also help protect the stomach lining from aspirin (regular use of aspirin can often cause gastric ulcers). The oil is also used to improve digestion (5).

6. Enhances Kidney Functioning

Lemongrass tea works as a good detox, and it can help cleanse the kidneys as well. This might invariably improve their functioning.

7. Promotes Deep Sleep

Lemongrass tea has a calming effect, which can aid deep sleep. It can also help relieve insomnia and irritability – and this is especially true with lemongrass oil.

8. Treats Yeast Infections

Lemongrass oil contains citral and limonene, two important compounds that prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. The oil possesses antibiotic-like effects, which can help treat yeast infections.

One Brazilian study talks about the antifungal activity of lemongrass and how it can help treat Candida (6).

9. Reduces Anxiety

The same calming effects of lemongrass play a role here too. In fact, one Brazilian study spoke of how the aroma of lemongrass could be used to reduce anxiety (7).

10. Can Treat Headaches

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In tests, lemongrass tea was found to treat headaches in ways similar to that of aspirin. The tea inhibits the clumping of human blood platelets, thereby treating headaches. This property can be attributed to eugenol, a specific extract found in lemongrass. Lemongrass tea can also combat dehydration, and this can help combat headaches too (dehydration can cause headaches). Making lemongrass tea a part of your overall fluid intake can be a good idea.

11. Heals Sore Throat

The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of lemongrass tea can decongest your respiratory system, thereby relieving sore throat. The tea also has the ability to cleanse toxins from the body and stimulate lymph drainage.

12. Treats Cold, Cough, And Allergies

There is mostly only anecdotal evidence for this. The tea might enhance immunity, and this can help fight cold and cough and the related allergies.

13. Improves Skin Health

The antiseptic and astringent properties of lemongrass tea can boost skin health. The essential oil tones your skin and makes it radiant. You can drink the tea or add the essential oil to your shampoos and soaps. The tea can also sterilize your pores and strengthen your tissues. The citral in lemongrass can also help prevent skin cancer.

Lemongrass can also treat infections like folliculitis and cellulitis, which are caused by bacteria. And being antifungal, the tea can also help treat fungal infections on the skin.

14. Boosts Hair Health

Drinking lemongrass tea might strengthen your hair follicles, thereby preventing hair fall. Talking about dandruff, the essential oil can work wonders. Studies have shown how applying the oil to hair can reduce dandruff in a matter of 7 days (8).

The oil is most effective when used daily. Add a few drops of the oil to your shampoo and conditioner.

These are the benefits of lemongrass tea. But what contribute to these benefits are the nutrients present in lemongrass – which are what we will see now.

What Is The Nutritional Profile Of Lemongrass*?

Vitamins
Nutrition Facts Serving Size 67g
Amounts Per Selected Serving
Calories 66		Calories from Fat 3
		% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g		1%
Saturated Fat 0g		0%
Trans Fat
Cholesterol 0mg		0%
Sodium 4mg		0%
Total Carbohydrate 17g		6%
Dietary Fiber		0%
Sugars
Protein 1g
Vitamin A		0%
Vitamin C		3%
Calcium		4%
Iron		30%
Amounts Per Selected Serving		%DV
Vitamin A	4.0IU	0%
Vitamin C	1.7mg	3%
Vitamin D	–	–
Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol)	–	–
Vitamin K	–	–
Thiamin	0.0mg	3%
Riboflavin	0.1mg	5%
Niacin	0.7mg	4%
Vitamin B6	0.1mg	3%
Folate	50.2mcg	13%
Vitamin B12	0.0mcg	0%
Pantothenic Acid	0.0mg	0%
Choline	–
Betaine	–
Calorie
Amounts Per Selected Serving		%DV
Calories	66.3(278 kJ)	3%
From Carbohydrate	60.6(254 kJ)
From Fat	2.7(11.3 kJ)
From Protein	3.0(12.6 kJ)
From Alcohol	0.0(0.0 kJ)
Minerals
Amounts Per Selected Serving		%DV
Calcium	43.6mg	4%
Iron	5.5mg	30%
Magnesium	40.2mg	10%
Phosphorus	67.7mg	7%
Potassium	484mg	14%
Sodium	4.0mg	0%
Zinc	1.5mg	10%
Copper	0.2mg	9%
Manganese	3.5mg	175%
Selenium	0.5mcg	1%
Fluoride	–

*Values are of the raw lemongrass plant, sourced from the USDA database. You can eat raw lemongrass. Just make sure you remove the stalk as it can be difficult to chew.

Okay. So you know the benefits of lemongrass tea. What do you do next? Prepare it.

How To Make Lemongrass Tea

The process is quite simple.

What You Need

4 cups of water
2 cups of chopped lemongrass stalks
¼ cup of sugar

Directions

In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil over high heat.
Add the lemongrass stalks and boil for 5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 5 more minutes.
Strain the liquid to separate the stalks.
Stir in the sugar.
Serve warm or chilled.

All good. But can you drink as much of lemongrass tea as you want? Well, maybe not.

How Much Lemongrass Tea Can You Drink In A Day?

One or two cups of lemongrass tea a day is safe. If you are suffering from any medical condition, consult your doctor regarding the dosage.

Though the tea is quite healthy, drinking it in excess does harm.

What Are The Side Effects Of Lemongrass Tea?

Lung Problems

Some individuals have reported having lung problems after inhaling lemongrass. Though this has to only do with inhaling lemongrass essential oil, we recommend you check with your doctor before taking the tea as well.

Issues During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding

Lemongrass might stimulate menstrual flow and can lead to miscarriage. Avoid lemongrass tea during pregnancy. And we don’t have enough information on taking lemongrass tea during breastfeeding – hence, stay safe and avoid use.

Infographic: Lemongrass Tea: Preparation, Dosage, And Benefits

Lemongrass is an aromatic herb with medicinal properties. It has an array of benefits and a refreshing taste. The infographic below gives a clear overview of its preparation, dosage, and benefits. Check it out!

The benefits of lemongrass tea are numerous. This tea is loaded with many beneficial nutrients that can promote overall health. The tea may aid in weight loss, help manage diabetes, and effectively regulate blood pressure. It also reduces cancer risk and promotes digestive, kidney, skin, and hair health. In addition, lemongrass tea helps heal a sore throat and helps combat anxiety, headaches, cough, allergies, and the common cold. However, overconsumption may cause lung problems and could be unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Hence, caution is advised. However, moderate intake can be safe and beneficial.