Lemongrass
Cymbopogon citratus
Herbs & Roots. Caribbean, Ayurveda and African.
Also called Fever grass, West Indian lemongrass
Spanish: Hierba de limón
Oil can irritate skinA tall grass whose lemon-scented leaves are brewed as tea for fevers, colds, and upset stomachs.
Did you know? Lemongrass oil is a major source of citral, a lemon-scented chemical used to make some vitamin A and fragrances.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Fever. Used for fevers and colds. Traditional, with lab studies but no good human trials.Traditional proof
- Stress & anxiety. Used as a calming tea and aroma. Small lab work, with few human trials.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Caribbean and African households brew lemongrass tea for fever, colds, and stomach upset. Ayurvedic texts also mention the grass.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Diaphoretic, Carminative. Energy: neutral.
How people take it
Tea is made from fresh or dried leaves. Essential oil is strong and should only be used in small, diluted amounts.
Tea and essential oil.
Where to get it
Lemongrass grows in tropical and subtropical regions, including Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. Buy fresh stalks, dried leaves, tea bags, or essential oil.
Be careful
Tea is safe in normal amounts. Essential oil can irritate skin, so always dilute it, and keep it away from cats, which can be harmed by it. Avoid large medicinal amounts in pregnancy, since there are no safety data.
Avoid if: pregnancy.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Common in fever and cold teas across the Caribbean and Asia.
- Works well together
Both are used in soothing tea blends.
- Works well together
Both strongly scented leaves are used in tropical folk teas.
- Works well together
Hibiscus with lemongrass is a common herbal tea blend.
- Works well together
A classic pair in Thai soups and curry pastes.
The honest take
Lemongrass tea is a common, food-like drink with long use in tropical homes. Claims about fever and calm rest on tradition and lab work. The oil is strong, so use it with care.