Lemongrass tea has a mild calming effect and may help with digestion, but it is not a treatment for disease
Lemongrass tea is made by steeping dried or fresh lemongrass leaves in hot water. The drink tastes citrusy and slightly sweet, with a grassy undertone. People drink it for relaxation and digestive comfort, though the evidence for most claims is thin. What research does exist suggests lemongrass may reduce anxiety slightly and help settle an upset stomach, but neither effect is dramatic or may provide.
The active compounds in lemongrass—mainly citral, geraniol, and myrcene—are what give it flavor and fragrance. These same compounds show some activity in lab studies, but lab results do not always translate to what happens when you drink a cup of tea. The amount of active compound in a single serving varies depending on how long you steep it, how much leaf you use, and whether the plant was dried recently or months ago.
If you are taking prescription medications or have a medical condition, check with your doctor before making lemongrass a regular habit. Lemongrass can interact with certain drugs and may not be safe during pregnancy. For most people, occasional lemongrass tea is harmless, but it should not replace medical care for any condition.
Key Takeaways
- Lemongrass tea may reduce mild anxiety and support digestion, but these effects are modest and not proven in large human studies.
- The flavor and strength of lemongrass tea depend on how much leaf you use, how long you steep it, and how fresh the dried leaves are.
- Lemongrass can interact with blood thinners, diabetes medications, and other drugs, so inform your doctor if you drink it regularly.
- Pregnant people should avoid lemongrass tea, as it may stimulate uterine contractions.
How lemongrass may affect anxiety and sleep
Several small studies have found that lemongrass extract reduced self-reported anxiety in people who took it for a few weeks. One study of about 100 people found that those who drank lemongrass tea twice daily reported feeling calmer than those who drank a placebo. However, the effect was modest—people still felt anxious, just slightly less so—and the study was small.
The mechanism is not fully understood. Citral and other compounds in lemongrass may bind to receptors in the brain that regulate stress response, similar to how some anti-anxiety medications work, but at a much weaker level. This does not mean lemongrass is an alternative to medication for anxiety disorders. It may be useful as a small part of a routine—a calming ritual before bed, for instance—but it should not replace professional treatment.
Sleep improvement is often reported by people who drink lemongrass tea, but this is usually because the ritual itself is calming and the tea is caffeine-free. The herb itself has not been shown to induce sleep the way valerian or passionflower might. If you are drinking it for relaxation, the warm cup and quiet moment matter as much as the tea itself.
Digestive benefits and how to use lemongrass for stomach comfort
Lemongrass has a long history in traditional medicine for settling digestion. Modern research supports this use more than it supports the anxiety claims. Studies in animals and test tubes show that lemongrass extract can reduce inflammation in the gut and may help relax the smooth muscle of the digestive tract, which could ease cramping and bloating.
In practice, this means lemongrass tea may help with mild indigestion, gas, or bloating after a meal. It works best when you drink it warm, shortly after eating. Steep a handful of fresh lemongrass or about one teaspoon of dried leaves in eight ounces of hot water for five to ten minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger the flavor and the higher the concentration of active compounds. Start with five minutes and adjust to taste.
Lemongrass is not a cure for irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, or other serious digestive conditions. If you have chronic digestive problems, work with a doctor or gastroenterologist. Lemongrass tea can be a comfort drink alongside treatment, but it cannot replace it.
Antioxidants in lemongrass and what they actually do
Lemongrass contains antioxidants, compounds that neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, and oxidative stress—an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants—is linked to aging and chronic disease. This is why antioxidants sound protective, and why they are often marketed heavily.
The catch is that drinking a cup of tea does not meaningfully reduce oxidative stress in your body. Antioxidants from food and drink are broken down during digestion and only a small fraction reaches your bloodstream intact. The antioxidant content of lemongrass tea is real but modest compared to, say, green tea or berries. If you enjoy lemongrass tea, the antioxidants are a small bonus, not the main reason to drink it.
The real protection against oxidative stress comes from consistent habits: regular exercise, a diet rich in whole foods, adequate sleep, and stress management. Lemongrass tea can be part of that picture, but it is not a substitute for these fundamentals.
How to choose, store, and brew lemongrass tea
You can buy lemongrass as loose dried leaves, in tea bags, or fresh from the produce section. Dried lemongrass is cheaper and lasts longer, but fresh lemongrass has a brighter flavor and higher concentrations of volatile oils. If you buy fresh, use it within a week or freeze it in a sealed bag for up to three months.
For dried lemongrass, store it in an airtight container away from heat and light. Dried leaves lose potency over time, so buy from a source with good turnover and use within six months if possible. Check the color—bright green or pale yellow is fresher than brown or gray.
To brew, use about one teaspoon of dried leaves or a small handful of fresh lemongrass per eight ounces of water. Heat water to just below boiling (around 200°F) and pour it over the leaves. Steep for five to ten minutes, then strain. You can resteep the same leaves once or twice. Add honey or a squeeze of lemon if you like, though lemongrass is pleasant on its own.
Drug interactions and who should avoid lemongrass tea
Lemongrass can interact with blood thinners like warfarin and may increase bleeding risk if you take them. It can also affect how your body processes certain diabetes medications, potentially lowering blood sugar too much. If you take any prescription medication, mention lemongrass to your doctor or pharmacist before drinking it regularly.
Pregnant people should avoid lemongrass tea. The herb contains compounds that may stimulate uterine contractions and could increase miscarriage risk, especially in the first trimester. Breastfeeding people should also skip it, as it is not well studied in that context. People with grass allergies may react to lemongrass, though this is uncommon.
If you have liver disease, kidney disease, or a bleeding disorder, talk to your doctor before using lemongrass. For most other people, occasional lemongrass tea is safe. If you experience dizziness, stomach pain, or any unusual symptoms after drinking it, stop and contact your doctor.
Lemongrass tea versus other herbal options for relaxation and digestion
If you are looking for a calming tea, you have options. Chamomile has more research backing its anxiety-reducing effects than lemongrass does, though the difference is not huge. Passionflower and valerian root are stronger sedatives and may help more with sleep, but they can cause drowsiness the next day. Peppermint tea is better studied for digestive relief and works faster for bloating and gas.
Lemongrass stands out for its flavor. If you dislike the taste of chamomile or find peppermint too strong, lemongrass is a gentler alternative that still offers modest digestive and calming benefits. You can also blend lemongrass with other herbs—lemongrass and ginger for digestion, lemongrass and chamomile for relaxation—to layer effects and keep the flavor interesting.
The best tea is the one you will actually drink. If lemongrass appeals to you, it is a reasonable choice. If you prefer something else, that is fine too. No single herb is essential for health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink lemongrass tea every day?
Yes, for most people daily lemongrass tea is safe. However, if you take blood thinners or diabetes medications, daily use increases the risk of interaction. Check with your doctor first. Pregnant people should not drink it at all, even occasionally.
Does lemongrass tea have caffeine?
No. Lemongrass is caffeine-free, which is why it is suitable for evening drinking. This also means it will not give you an energy boost the way black tea or coffee does.
How much lemongrass tea should I drink to see benefits?
Studies that found calming or digestive effects typically used one to two cups daily for several weeks. A single cup may help with digestion after a meal, but anxiety reduction usually requires consistent use over time. Start with one cup and see how you feel.
Is fresh lemongrass better than dried for tea?
Fresh lemongrass has a brighter flavor and slightly higher oil content, but dried lemongrass is more convenient and still effective. If you enjoy the taste of fresh, use it. If dried is what you have on hand, that works too.
Can lemongrass tea help with nausea?
Possibly. Ginger is better studied for nausea, but lemongrass may help settle mild nausea due to its digestive properties. Try sipping it warm and slowly. If nausea is severe or persistent, see a doctor rather than relying on tea.