Spiced Lemongrass Tea: Benefits, Recipe & Safety

Lemongrass (*Cymbopogon citratus*), also known as fevergrass, is a fragrant perennial grass widely cultivated in tropical regions. For centuries, it has been a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine and traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda. Its distinct lemony aroma comes from its primary chemical component, citral. While traditionally used for a wide range of ailments, modern research is beginning to investigate its potential health benefits, particularly for digestive support and its antioxidant properties.

This article provides an evidence-based overview of lemongrass tea, a functional recipe, and critical safety information, adhering to phytotherapeutic standards.

Potential Health Benefits of Lemongrass

While many claims exist, scientific evidence primarily supports a few key areas. It is important to note that most research involves concentrated extracts, and effects from drinking tea may be more subtle.

1. Digestive System Support

Traditionally, herbalists have used lemongrass to soothe digestive discomfort. Indeed, its compounds may help with issues like bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. Research published in the *Journal of Ethnopharmacology* suggests that essential oils from lemongrass can help protect the stomach lining. Furthermore, its carminative properties may help expel gas from the digestive tract, providing relief from flatulence.

2. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activity

Lemongrass is rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds, such as luteolin and quercetin, which act as powerful antioxidants. Consequently, these compounds help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, potentially reducing oxidative stress. A 2022 study highlighted that citral, a major component, exhibits significant anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting certain inflammatory pathways. This may contribute to its traditional use in alleviating minor aches and pains.

3. Calming and Anxiolytic Effects

In many cultures, lemongrass tea is consumed in the evening to promote relaxation and sleep. Clinical observations and preliminary studies suggest it may have a mild sedative effect on the central nervous system. For instance, research indicates that inhaling lemongrass essential oil can reduce anxiety and tension, suggesting that the aromatic compounds released in the tea may contribute to a calming experience.

How to Prepare Spiced Lemongrass Tea

This recipe combines lemongrass with other botanicals known for their complementary properties, creating a flavorful and functional beverage.

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons of dried, cut lemongrass (or 1 fresh stalk, bruised and chopped)
• 2 cups (500 ml) of filtered water
• 1-inch (2.5 cm) piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 2-3 whole cloves
• 2 whole green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
• Juice of ½ a lemon (optional, add at the end)
• 1 teaspoon of raw honey (optional, add when cooled slightly)

Preparation Steps:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, add the water, lemongrass, sliced ginger, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods.
2. Boil and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes. This process allows the active compounds to be properly extracted.
3. Steep: Turn off the heat, cover the saucepan, and let the tea steep for an additional 5 minutes to deepen the flavor.
4. Strain and Serve: Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a mug. If using, stir in the fresh lemon juice and honey.

This tea can be enjoyed warm, particularly in the evening. For a refreshing alternative, allow it to cool and serve over ice.

Administration Protocol and Safety Limits

For therapeutic use, it is crucial to follow a structured protocol to maximize benefits and minimize risks.

Overdose Risk: Exceeding the recommended dose may lead to dizziness, dry mouth, or excessive urination. In rare cases, high concentrations could potentially affect liver function.

Specific Biological Limitation

Hypoglycemic and Hypotensive Potential: Lemongrass contains compounds that may lower blood sugar and blood pressure levels. While this can be beneficial for some, it becomes a significant risk for individuals already managing diabetes or hypertension with medication. Therefore, combining lemongrass tea with antidiabetic or antihypertensive drugs could lead to dangerously low levels (hypoglycemia or hypotension), causing symptoms like dizziness, fainting, or confusion.

Contraindications and Precautions

It is essential to exercise caution when using any herbal remedy. Lemongrass is generally safe for most people when consumed in moderation, but certain situations require avoidance.

Absolute Contraindications (Do Not Use):

• Pregnancy: Lemongrass may stimulate uterine contractions, posing a risk of miscarriage. It is strictly contraindicated throughout all trimesters.
• Known Allergy: Individuals with a known allergy to lemongrass or other grasses in the Poaceae family should avoid it.

Vulnerable Populations:

• Breastfeeding: Insufficient data exists on its safety. Therefore, it is best to avoid it to prevent unknown compounds from passing to the infant.
• Children: Not recommended for children under 6 years of age. For older children, use a significantly diluted preparation and consult a pediatrician.
• Liver or Kidney Disease: People with pre-existing liver or kidney conditions should consult their healthcare provider, as high doses could potentially exacerbate these issues.

Major Drug Interactions:

• Antidiabetic Medications (e.g., Metformin, Insulin): May enhance the blood sugar-lowering effect, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.
• Antihypertensive Medications (e.g., Lisinopril, Amlodipine): Can amplify the blood pressure-lowering effect, leading to hypotension.
• Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide): Lemongrass has a mild diuretic effect, which could lead to dehydration or electrolyte imbalance if combined with diuretic drugs.

Documented Adverse Effects:

Common side effects are rare and mild but can include dry mouth, dizziness, and increased appetite. Allergic reactions, such as skin rash or itching, are possible. Discontinue use immediately if you experience any adverse symptoms.

Therapeutic Alternatives

If lemongrass is not suitable for you, other botanicals offer similar benefits for digestion and relaxation.

1. Fennel Seed Tea (*Foeniculum vulgare*): An excellent carminative alternative specifically for bloating and intestinal gas. It works by relaxing smooth muscles in the digestive tract.
2. Lemon Balm Tea (*Melissa officinalis*): A superior choice for stress-related digestive issues. It has well-documented calming properties and is traditionally used for “nervous stomach.”
3. Holy Basil (Tulsi) Tea (*Ocimum tenuiflorum*): A powerful adaptogen with anti-inflammatory properties. It is a great alternative for managing stress and supporting overall systemic balance without the specific contraindications of lemongrass.

Recent Medical Research (2020-2026)

Recent studies continue to explore the therapeutic potential of *Cymbopogon citratus*.

• A 2022 review published in *Molecules* confirmed the potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of lemongrass extracts, attributing them to its rich phytochemical profile, including citral and chlorogenic acid.
• Research in the *Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research* (2021) investigated its antimicrobial properties, showing that lemongrass essential oil demonstrated significant activity against various bacteria and fungi in laboratory settings. However, this does not confirm its effectiveness as a treatment for internal infections when consumed as a tea.

Current Limitations: Most human studies are small-scale, and much of the evidence comes from animal or *in vitro* (test-tube) research. Consequently, more robust clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits and establish standardized, effective dosages for humans.

Specialist’s Summary

Lemongrass tea is a useful traditional remedy for supporting digestion and promoting relaxation, with mild antioxidant effects that appear with regular use. However, it is contraindicated during pregnancy and requires caution for individuals on blood sugar or blood pressure medications. Validated alternatives with more targeted actions include Fennel for bloating and Lemon Balm for nervous stomach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to drink lemongrass tea every day?
It is generally considered safe for most healthy adults to drink one cup daily. For therapeutic purposes, it is best to follow a cycle of 3 weeks on and 1 week off to prevent any potential long-term issues and maintain the body’s responsiveness.

What is the best time of day to drink lemongrass tea?
This depends on your goal. For digestive aid, drink a cup shortly after a meal. For its calming and sleep-promoting effects, consume it about an hour before bedtime.

Can lemongrass tea really “detox” the body?
The term “detox” is not scientifically supported. Lemongrass has diuretic properties, meaning it can help increase urine output, which aids the kidneys in flushing out waste. However, it does not “cleanse” organs. Proper hydration with water is the most effective way to support your body’s natural detoxification systems.

Sources and References

1. Shah, G., Shri, R., Panchal, V., Sharma, N., Singh, B., & Mann, A. S. (2011). Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Cymbopogon citratus, stapf (Lemon grass). *Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research*, 2(1), 3–8.
2. Figueirinha, A., Paranhos, A., Pérez-Alonso, J. J., Santos-Buelga, C., & Batista, M. T. (2020). Cymbopogon citratus plants: From traditional applications to scientific data. *Journal of Ethnopharmacology*, 257, 112838.
3. Adeneye, A. A., & Agbaje, E. O. (2007). Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of fresh leaf aqueous extract of Cymbopogon citratus Stapf. in rats. *Journal of Ethnopharmacology*, 112(3), 440-444.