Lemongrass tea is made from the aromatic leaves of the lemongrass plant (Cymbopogon citratus). The lemongrass plant is a tropical plant that grows in many parts of Asia, Africa, and South America. The leaves of the plant have a lemony flavor and aroma and are widely used in cooking, beverages, and traditional medicines.
Lemongrass tea is a popular herbal tea consumed for its many health benefits. The tea is rich in antioxidants and other essential nutrients that help to boost immunity, aid in digestion, and promote overall health and well-being.
Whether you’re a seasoned herbal tea lover or someone looking to improve your health naturally, lemongrass tea deserves a spot in your daily routine. In this article, we’ll dive into 18 incredible health benefits of lemongrass tea. In addition, we will also discuss how to make your Lemongrass tea at home.
Nutritional Information of Lemongrass Tea
Lemongrass tea is a low-calorie, low-sugar beverage rich in essential nutrients. One cup of lemongrass tea (240 ml) contains:
- Calories: 1
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
Lemongrass tea is also a rich source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
18 Health Benefits of Lemongrass Tea
1. A Natural Digestive Aid
One of the most popular uses for lemongrass tea is its ability to support digestion. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that soothe the digestive tract and can help with issues like bloating, constipation, and indigestion.
If you frequently experience discomfort after meals, sipping on a warm cup of lemongrass tea might help relieve your symptoms naturally.
Lemongrass tea helps by stimulating the secretion of digestive enzymes, which makes it easier for your body to break down food and absorb nutrients efficiently. For those dealing with occasional indigestion, this tea can offer gentle relief without the need for medications. (Source)
Pro tip: Enjoy a cup after meals to promote better digestion and avoid post-meal bloating.
2. Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants are vital for protecting your body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals—unstable molecules that can damage your cells and contribute to aging and disease.
Lemongrass tea is rich in antioxidants like chlorogenic acid, isoorientin, and swertiajaponin, which help neutralize free radicals.
By drinking lemongrass tea regularly, you can enhance your body’s ability to combat oxidative stress, supporting healthier skin, and a stronger immune system. This can also reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative conditions.(Source)
3. Aids in Detoxification
Your body has natural detoxification processes, but every bit of help counts. Lemongrass tea is known for its diuretic properties, meaning it encourages frequent urination, which helps your body expel toxins, excess salts, and waste products. This natural detoxifying process can have a profound impact on your overall health.
By flushing out toxins, lemongrass tea supports kidney function, prevents fluid retention, and even helps maintain a healthy balance of electrolytes. The detox process can also improve your skin’s clarity, leaving it looking brighter and more refreshed.
Plus, Regular detoxification can enhance your metabolism, boost energy levels, and improve digestion.
4. Boosts Immune Function
Lemongrass tea’s immune-boosting properties come from its natural antimicrobial and antifungal compounds. These properties help the body fight off infections, making lemongrass tea an excellent remedy during cold and flu season. It’s also high in vitamin C, which strengthens your immune system and reduces the likelihood of getting sick.
By supporting your immune system, lemongrass tea helps your body fend off common colds, flu, and even fungal infections. It’s a natural way to stay healthier throughout the year, especially during the winter months when your immune system needs extra support.
5. Supports Weight Loss
Looking for a natural weight-loss booster? Lemongrass tea can help in several ways. It’s naturally low in calories, making it a perfect substitute for sugary drinks. Plus, its diuretic properties help reduce water retention, which can make you feel less bloated. Additionally, lemongrass contains polyphenols, which are believed to help boost metabolism and fat burning.
Regular consumption of lemongrass tea, combined with a balanced diet and exercise, can help you reach your weight loss goals. By replacing calorie-heavy beverages with lemongrass tea, you can enjoy a delicious drink while supporting your body’s natural weight-loss processes.
6. Regulates Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a common health issue that can lead to heart disease if not managed properly. Lemongrass tea, thanks to its high potassium content, helps regulate blood pressure by promoting better circulation and flushing out excess sodium from the body.
Potassium is crucial for heart health as it helps the body maintain a proper balance of fluids, lowers blood pressure, and improves overall cardiovascular function. Drinking lemongrass tea regularly can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels, reducing your risk of hypertension and related complications.(Source)
Plus, Lemongrass tea can improve your skin’s appearance from the inside out. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties help cleanse the skin, reducing acne and breakouts. Additionally, its rich content of vitamin A and vitamin C supports collagen production, which keeps your skin firm, youthful, and glowing.
Pro tip: For a natural skin toner, let the tea cool and use it as a face rinse or spray to refresh your skin and tighten your pores.
8. Relieves Anxiety and Stress
We all experience stress and anxiety at times, but finding natural ways to manage it can make a big difference in your overall well-being.
Lemongrass tea has sedative and calming properties that can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. The compound eugenol found in lemongrass helps regulate mood by increasing serotonin levels, which can alleviate anxiety and stress.
A warm cup of lemongrass tea can act as a natural stress reliever, helping you unwind after a busy day or manage feelings of anxiety. The soothing aroma and mild flavor make it an ideal drink to enjoy when you need a moment of calm.
9. Improves Sleep Quality
If you’re someone who struggles with falling or staying asleep, lemongrass tea might be the perfect natural remedy to improve your sleep quality. Its calming effects help relax the body and mind, preparing you for a restful night’s sleep. And since it’s caffeine-free, it’s a great evening beverage that won’t keep you awake.
Lemongrass tea is often used in traditional medicine as a natural sleep aid due to its mild sedative properties. Drinking a cup before bed can help calm racing thoughts and ease you into a peaceful slumber.
Tip: Incorporate lemongrass tea into your nightly routine to create a relaxing ritual that signals your body it’s time to wind down.
10. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Chronic inflammation is at the root of many health issues, from joint pain to cardiovascular disease. Lemongrass tea contains citral, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body and relieve associated pain or discomfort.
For those who suffer from conditions like arthritis or muscle pain, drinking lemongrass tea regularly may help reduce inflammation and improve mobility. The tea’s anti-inflammatory effects can also benefit overall heart health by reducing the risk of inflammation-related heart issues.
11. Fights Infections
Lemongrass is naturally rich in antimicrobial and antifungal properties, making lemongrass tea a potent ally in fighting infections. Whether you’re dealing with a bacterial infection or a fungal issue like athlete’s foot, lemongrass tea can support your body’s natural healing process.
Sipping lemongrass tea can help fend off infections, while also boosting your immune system to prevent future occurrences. You can also use it topically to cleanse and disinfect minor wounds or skin infections.
12. Promotes Heart Health
Maintaining heart health is crucial, and lemongrass tea is a great addition to a heart-friendly diet. Its ability to regulate cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and improve circulation makes it an excellent drink for those looking to protect their cardiovascular system.
Lemongrass tea contains compounds that help reduce levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) while increasing levels of good cholesterol (HDL), which can lower your risk of heart disease. Drinking lemongrass tea regularly, in combination with a balanced diet and exercise, can significantly support your heart health.
13. Eases Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cramps can be incredibly uncomfortable, but lemongrass tea may provide relief. Its antispasmodic properties help relax the muscles in the uterus, reducing cramping and discomfort during menstruation.
Sipping on warm lemongrass tea during your period can ease muscle contractions and provide soothing relief from pain. Its mild sedative effects also help you relax, making it easier to cope with discomfort during this time of the month.
14. Supports Respiratory Health
Lemongrass tea can help relieve symptoms of respiratory issues such as colds, congestion, and sore throats. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce swelling in the respiratory system. This makes it easier to breathe, while its antimicrobial effects can help fight infections.
If you’re feeling congested or struggling with a persistent cough, a hot cup of lemongrass tea can act as a natural decongestant. It can help clear mucus and ease discomfort.
15. Balances Cholesterol Levels
High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, but lemongrass tea can help. Studies suggest that drinking lemongrass tea regularly can help reduce levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) while increasing good cholesterol (HDL). This balance can significantly lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Incorporating lemongrass tea into your diet, alongside heart-healthy foods, can promote better cholesterol levels and reduce the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease.
16. May Help Prevent Cancer
While more research is needed, some studies suggest that lemongrass contains anti-cancer properties due to its high levels of citral. This compound has been shown to trigger apoptosis (programmed cell death) in certain cancer cells, particularly in liver and breast cancer cells.
While lemongrass tea shouldn’t replace any medical treatments, it can be a valuable part of a healthy lifestyle and may help reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Plus, Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties also contribute to overall cellular health. This is crucial in cancer prevention.
17. Help heal colds and Flu
Lemongrass contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, making it an effective natural remedy for colds and flu. Drinking lemongrass tea can help boost your immune system and reduce inflammation in the body, which can help alleviate symptoms of colds and flu.
Lemongrass tea is also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your body from free radicals and oxidative stress that can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to infections.
However, it’s important to note that lemongrass tea should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment for colds and flu. If you have a severe or persistent cold or flu, it’s important to seek medical advice from your healthcare provider.
18. Lemongrass Tea Helps Reduce Body Oder
Lemongrass tea has natural deodorizing properties that can help reduce body odor. Body odor is caused by bacteria that live on the skin and break down sweat, leading to an unpleasant smell. The antibacterial properties of lemongrass tea can help kill these bacteria and reduce the odor they produce.
Drinking lemongrass tea can also help detoxify the body, which can further reduce body odor. When you drink lemongrass tea, it helps to flush out toxins from the body, which can help improve overall body odor.
In addition to drinking lemongrass tea, using lemongrass essential oil as a natural deodorant can also help reduce body odor. Simply dilute a few drops of lemongrass essential oil in a carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil, and apply it to your underarms.
How to Make Lemongrass Tea at Home?
Making lemongrass tea is easy and can be done at home using fresh or dried leaves. Here’s how to make lemongrass tea:
Ingredients
- 1 stalk of fresh lemongrass or 2 teaspoons of dried lemongrass leaves
- 2 cups of water
- Honey or lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the fresh lemongrass stalk into small pieces or use dried lemongrass leaves.
- Add the lemongrass to a pot of boiling water and let it steep for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain the tea and serve hot.
- Add honey or lemon juice for taste, if desired.
Precautions and Side Effects
While lemongrass tea is generally safe for consumption, there are some precautions and side effects to remember. Here are some important things to consider:
- Lemongrass tea should be avoided by pregnant women as it can stimulate menstruation and cause complications.
- People with liver or kidney disease should avoid drinking lemongrass tea as it can worsen their condition.
- Lemongrass tea can cause allergic reactions in some people, so it’s important to test for allergies before consuming it regularly.
Common Questions
1. Is lemongrass tea safe for pregnant women?
No, lemongrass tea should be avoided by pregnant women as it can stimulate menstruation and cause complications.
2. Can lemongrass tea interact with medications?
Yes, lemongrass tea can interact with some medications, such as blood thinning, so it’s important to consult a doctor before consuming it regularly.
3. How often should I drink lemongrass tea?
You can drink lemongrass tea once or twice a day to reap its health benefits.
4. What are the best ways to consume lemongrass tea?
Lemongrass tea can be consumed hot or cold and sweetened with honey or lemon juice for taste.
5. How long can I store lemongrass tea?
Lemongrass tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to consume the tea as fresh as possible to reap the most benefits.
Conclusion
Lemongrass tea is more than just a refreshing beverage—it’s packed with health benefits that support your body in numerous ways.
Whether you’re sipping it to calm your nerves after a stressful day or using it to improve your skin, lemongrass tea offers a natural, delicious way to enhance your health.
So why not brew a cup today and experience these benefits for yourself?
