Wellness · 6 min read

Lemongrass Tea: Benefits, How to Brew & Who Should Avoid It

Published 22 February 2026

Glass teapot and cup of pale golden lemongrass tea with fresh lemongrass stalks and ginger on rustic wood

What lemongrass tea is

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tall, fragrant grass native to South and Southeast Asia. Brewed as tea, the dried stalks and leaves release citral — the same aromatic compound that gives lemon peel its zing — without any actual citrus or caffeine.

Evidence-based benefits

Supports digestion

Traditionally sipped after meals across South Asia to ease bloating and aid digestion. Small clinical studies show lemongrass infusions may help relax stomach muscles.

Calms a busy mind

The citral aroma is mildly calming. A warm cup in the evening is a low-effort wind-down ritual without the caffeine of green or black tea.

Antioxidant support

Lemongrass contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds (luteolin, isoorientin) that help neutralise free radicals.

Hydration with flavour

Naturally caffeine-free and almost zero calories — a useful swap if you're trying to cut back on sugary drinks.

How to brew lemongrass tea properly

Use 1 teaspoon of dried lemongrass per 250 ml cup. Pour water just off the boil (≈95 °C) and steep for 5–7 minutes covered, so the aromatic oils don't evaporate. Strain and sip plain or with a slice of fresh ginger.

Who should be careful

Pregnant women, people on diuretics or blood pressure medication, and anyone with a citrus allergy should check with a doctor before drinking lemongrass tea daily. As with any herbal infusion, 1–2 cups a day is a sensible upper limit.

Pair it with other caffeine-free favourites

Lemongrass blends beautifully with ginger (warming, digestive), hibiscus (tart, ruby) or moringa (earthy, mineral). If you love lemongrass, you'll likely love our Moringa Ginger and Hibiscus blends too.

Step-by-step

How to brew the perfect cup of lemongrass tea

  1. 1

    Boil and rest

    Bring filtered water to a boil and let it sit for 30 seconds (≈95 °C).

  2. 2

    Add lemongrass

    Place 1 teaspoon of dried lemongrass into your teapot or infuser.

  3. 3

    Steep covered

    Pour over the water, cover, and steep for 5–7 minutes.

  4. 4

    Strain and serve

    Strain into a cup. Add fresh ginger or a touch of honey if you like.

Frequently asked questions

Is lemongrass tea good for you every day?+

Yes, for most healthy adults 1–2 cups a day is generally safe. Pregnant women and people on blood pressure or diuretic medication should consult a doctor first.

Does lemongrass tea have caffeine?+

No. Lemongrass is a herbal infusion, not true tea from Camellia sinensis, so it's naturally caffeine-free.

Is lemongrass tea good for weight loss?+

It's a low-calorie, hydrating swap for sugary drinks and may support digestion, but it's not a weight-loss treatment on its own.

Can I drink lemongrass tea at night?+

Yes. It's caffeine-free and mildly calming, which makes it a popular evening tea.

What does lemongrass tea taste like?+

Bright, citrus-fresh and grassy — like lemon zest without the sourness. It's clean enough to drink without sweetener.

Free download

Slow wellness, in your inbox

Get The 7-Day Botanical Reset — free wellness guide — plus monthly rituals, recipes and quiet product notes. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Read next

Related from the Journal

All articles →