Lemongrass contains compounds that act on digestion and inflammation, but most human evidence is still limited

Lemongrass tea contains citral, a volatile oil that makes up roughly 70 to 80 percent of the plant's essential oil. Citral and other compounds in lemongrass appear to relax smooth muscle in the digestive tract and may reduce inflammation in the gut lining. Animal studies show these effects clearly — rats given lemongrass extract had reduced stomach acid secretion and faster gastric emptying. Whether the same happens reliably in humans at the doses people actually drink remains an open question.

The research gap matters because a cup of tea delivers far less citral than a concentrated extract given to a lab animal. Human trials on lemongrass are sparse. A small study of 32 people found that lemongrass tea reduced bloating and stomach discomfort over two weeks, but the study had no control group, so placebo effect cannot be ruled out. A 2015 trial in 60 people with irritable bowel syndrome showed modest improvement in abdominal pain when participants drank lemongrass tea daily, but the effect size was small and the study lasted only four weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Lemongrass contains citral, a compound that relaxes digestive muscle and reduces inflammation in animal studies, but human trials are small and short-term.
  • The strongest evidence supports lemongrass for mild bloating and stomach discomfort, though the effect is modest and may partly reflect placebo response.
  • Lemongrass tea is generally safe for most people, but it can interact with medications that the liver metabolizes and may trigger allergic reactions in people sensitive to plants in the Poaceae family.
  • Lemongrass does not cure digestive disorders — it may ease symptoms alongside other treatments, but persistent pain or changes in bowel habits warrant a doctor's evaluation.

How lemongrass may affect digestion and stomach comfort

The digestive effects attributed to lemongrass come from its ability to relax the smooth muscle that lines the stomach and intestines. In animal models, citral binds to receptors on these muscle cells and reduces their contraction, which can slow the buildup of gas and ease cramping. This mechanism is plausible — it is similar to how some prescription antispasmodics work — but human confirmation requires larger trials.

The anti-inflammatory angle is separate. Lemongrass contains compounds called polyphenols that reduce the production of inflammatory markers in cell cultures and animal tissue. A chronically inflamed gut lining can contribute to bloating, pain, and irregular bowel movements. Whether drinking lemongrass tea reduces gut inflammation enough to matter clinically is not yet established in humans. Most of the evidence comes from test-tube studies or animal models where researchers can control dose and measure tissue directly.

What the research shows about anxiety and sleep

Lemongrass is often marketed for relaxation and sleep, but the human evidence is thinner than for digestion. A 2015 study of 34 people found that inhaling lemongrass essential oil reduced anxiety scores before a medical procedure, compared to a control group. However, the study measured anxiety in a single acute situation — a stressful medical event — not chronic anxiety or sleep quality over weeks.

One small trial gave 30 people lemongrass tea and measured sleep quality using a questionnaire. Participants reported better sleep, but again, no control group was used, so the improvement could reflect expectation or seasonal change rather than the tea itself. Animal studies show that lemongrass extract can increase sleep duration in mice, but rodent sleep and human sleep are not equivalent. Until larger, controlled human trials are completed, claims about lemongrass for anxiety or insomnia remain preliminary.

Potential antimicrobial and antioxidant activity

Laboratory studies consistently show that lemongrass extracts inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi in test tubes. Citral and other compounds in lemongrass damage bacterial cell membranes and reduce fungal spore germination. These findings are real, but they do not automatically translate to benefits when you drink the tea. The concentration of active compounds in a cup of lemongrass tea is much lower than in a laboratory extract, and the stomach acid and digestive enzymes break down many of these compounds before they can reach the bloodstream.

Lemongrass also contains antioxidants — compounds that neutralize free radicals in cells. Observational studies suggest that diets high in antioxidant-rich plants are associated with lower rates of chronic disease, but lemongrass tea alone is not a substitute for a varied diet. The antioxidant content of a single cup is modest compared to other beverages like green tea or coffee.

Safety, interactions, and who should avoid lemongrass

Lemongrass tea is safe for most people in typical drinking amounts — one to three cups per day. Mild side effects are uncommon but can include dizziness, dry mouth, or increased urination. Allergic reactions are rare but possible, especially in people with sensitivity to grasses or plants in the Poaceae family.

Lemongrass can interact with medications metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP3A4, which includes many statins, blood pressure drugs, and immunosuppressants. If you take any regular medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist before making lemongrass tea a daily habit. Pregnant and nursing people should avoid lemongrass in concentrated form (essential oil or supplements), though occasional tea is considered low-risk. People with kidney disease should limit intake because lemongrass may increase urine output.

How lemongrass compares to other herbal teas for digestion

Ginger, peppermint, and fennel are the most studied herbal remedies for bloating and stomach discomfort. Peppermint has the strongest evidence — multiple controlled trials show it reduces abdominal pain and bloating in irritable bowel syndrome. Ginger has solid evidence for nausea and some evidence for indigestion. Fennel shows modest benefit for bloating in infants and children, though adult data are limited.

Lemongrass sits in the middle tier: plausible mechanism, some supportive animal data, and a few small human trials with positive results, but not yet the volume or quality of evidence behind peppermint or ginger. If you are choosing between them for digestive comfort, peppermint or ginger are the safer bets based on current research. Lemongrass can be part of a rotation or blend, but it should not be your only herbal approach if you are managing a digestive condition.

What remains unknown about lemongrass

The biggest gap is the lack of large, long-term human trials. Most studies on lemongrass last four weeks or fewer and involve fewer than 100 people. We do not know whether regular lemongrass tea provides sustained benefit for chronic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, or whether the effect plateaus after a few weeks. We also do not know the optimal dose — studies have used varying amounts of dried leaf and different brewing times, making it hard to compare results.

The antimicrobial findings in test tubes have not been validated in human infection studies. No clinical trial has tested whether lemongrass tea prevents or treats bacterial or fungal infections in people. The anxiety and sleep claims rest on even thinner evidence and would benefit from larger, controlled trials before being promoted as a primary treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can lemongrass tea replace medication for IBS or acid reflux?

No. Lemongrass may ease mild symptoms like bloating, but it is not a substitute for medical treatment. If you have been diagnosed with IBS, acid reflux, or another digestive disorder, continue your prescribed medications and discuss any herbal additions with your doctor first. Stopping medication to rely on tea alone can allow symptoms to worsen.

How much lemongrass tea should I drink per day?

One to three cups of brewed lemongrass tea daily is considered safe for most adults. Steep dried lemongrass in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. If you are new to lemongrass, start with one cup to see how your body responds. More is not better — concentrated supplements or essential oils carry higher risk of side effects and interactions.

Is lemongrass safe during pregnancy?

Occasional lemongrass tea is considered low-risk during pregnancy, but concentrated forms like essential oils or supplements should be avoided. If you are pregnant and want to use lemongrass regularly, discuss it with your obstetrician first, especially if you have a history of miscarriage or are at risk for preterm labor.

Does lemongrass help with weight loss?

No reliable evidence supports lemongrass for weight loss. Some marketing claims suggest it boosts metabolism or reduces appetite, but these have not been tested in controlled human trials. Weight loss requires sustained changes to diet and activity — herbal tea alone will not produce results.

Can I use fresh lemongrass instead of dried for tea?

Yes. Fresh lemongrass can be sliced and steeped the same way as dried. Fresh may have a slightly stronger flavor and potentially higher citral content, though no studies directly compare the effects of fresh versus dried tea. Use about one stalk (the white and light green parts) per cup, sliced into 1-inch pieces.