Lemongrass

Lemongrass takes its name from its fresh, lemon-like aroma, which comes mainly from a compound called citral. Botanically it is Cymbopogon citratus, a tall perennial grass of the Poaceae family. It is native to tropical Asia, including India, where it has a long history in cooking and in traditional home remedies. In Ayurvedic texts it is known as Bhustrina, also spelt Bhutrina (Shah et al., 2011).

In Ayurvedic terms, lemongrass is described as having a bitter and astringent taste (Rasa: Tikta, Kashaya), light and dry qualities (Guna: Laghu, Ruksha), a heating potency (Virya: Ushna) and a pungent post-digestive effect (Vipaka: Katu). It is considered to help balance Kapha and Vata, while excessive use may increase Pitta. Traditional actions attributed to it include Agnideepana (supporting digestive fire) and Vatanulomana (supporting the normal downward movement of Vata).

Lemongrass is known by different names in English, Sanskrit and Indian regional languages. Some of the most common names are listed below.

• Botanical Name: Cymbopogon citratus (Poaceae)
• English: Lemongrass, Fever Grass, Cochin Grass
• Sanskrit: Bhustrina, Bhutrina
• Hindi: Gandhatrina, Nimbu Ghaas
• Bengali: Gandhabena
• Tamil: Vasanappullu, Karpoorappullu
• Telugu: Nimmagaddi
• Malayalam: Inchippullu
• Marathi: Gavati Chaha
• Kannada: Majjige Hullu

The aroma and many of the studied biological activities of lemongrass are mainly attributed to its essential oil and other plant compounds, including (Shah et al., 2011):

• Citral (a mix of geranial and neral), the main aroma compound
• Geraniol
• Limonene
• Myrcene (beta-myrcene)
• Citronellal
• Nerol and geranyl acetate
• Flavonoids such as luteolin and its glycosides
• Phenolic acids

Lemongrass is eaten as a food and taken as a tea, so a short nutrition note is reasonable here (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2019). 

Laboratory and animal studies suggest that lemongrass may have several biological properties. However, evidence in humans remains limited, and lemongrass should not be used as a treatment for any medical condition (Boukhatem et al., 2014):

• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antimicrobial and antifungal
• Carminative (may help relieve trapped wind)
• Antispasmodic (may help relax the muscles of the digestive tract)
• Digestive stimulant (Agnideepana in Ayurvedic terms)
• Mild diuretic
• Analgesic (pain-relieving activity has been observed in preclinical studies)

Lemongrass has long been used in traditional practice. The points below explain its common uses and the current level of scientific evidence.

Supports Everyday Digestion

Taken as a warm tea after meals, lemongrass has carminative and mild antispasmodic properties that are thought to support digestion and help relieve trapped wind. This is the basis for its long traditional use to help ease the bloated, heavy feeling some people notice after eating (Shah et al., 2011).

Provides Antioxidant Support

Lemongrass contains plant compounds such as citral and flavonoids that have shown antioxidant activity in laboratory studies. Antioxidants help neutralise unstable molecules called free radicals. Although this activity is well demonstrated in laboratory studies, its long-term clinical significance in humans remains uncertain (Boukhatem et al., 2014).

May Help Freshen the Mouth

Lemongrass is used in some mouth rinses and oral care products. Early research suggests it may help reduce certain bacteria in the mouth, which may contribute to fresher breath and good oral hygiene. It should be used alongside, not instead of, regular brushing, flossing and routine dental care (Kusuma et al., 2024).

Calming Aroma for Relaxation

In aromatherapy, the lemony scent of lemongrass oil is widely used to create a relaxing atmosphere. However, clinical evidence that lemongrass reduces anxiety or stress is limited, so any calming effect is best described as traditional and sensory (Memorial Sloan Kettering, 2023).

Antimicrobial Support for Skin Care

Diluted lemongrass essential oil is used in skin care preparations because of the antibacterial and antifungal activity observed in laboratory studies. Blended into a carrier oil, it is traditionally used as part of a skincare routine, although it can irritate sensitive skin and should always be patch-tested before use (Boukhatem et al., 2014).

May Soothe a Flaky Scalp

The antifungal activity of lemongrass oil is why it appears in some anti-dandruff products. Early clinical and laboratory evidence suggests it may help reduce the yeast associated with a flaky, itchy scalp. However, evidence in humans remains limited. It should always be diluted before use and discontinued if irritation develops (Kusuma et al., 2024).

Lemongrass is used in a few everyday ways, mostly in the kitchen and as a simple home remedy:

In Cooking

Fresh stalks are added to soups, curries, stir-fries and marinades across South and Southeast Asian cuisine, where the tender inner stalk provides a light, citrus flavour.

As a Daily Tea

Fresh stalks or dried leaves are steeped to make a caffeine-free tea, often taken after meals to support digestion or simply enjoyed for its refreshing aroma.

In Aromatherapy

The essential oil is diffused for its fresh scent and is a common note in room sprays, candles and natural insect repellents.

In Skin and Hair Care

Properly diluted lemongrass essential oil is added to soaps, lotions and shampoos for its fragrance and the antimicrobial properties observed in laboratory studies.

Lemongrass is generally considered safe when used as a food or consumed as a mild herbal tea, but a few precautions apply, especially when it is used in medicinal amounts or as concentrated preparations.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Avoid medicinal doses or concentrated lemongrass preparations during pregnancy. It is traditionally believed to stimulate the uterus, and animal studies have linked high doses of citral and myrcene to adverse effects on fetal development. Evidence in humans is limited, so speak to your doctor before using lemongrass medicinally if you are pregnant or breastfeeding (Memorial Sloan Kettering, 2023).

Allergy to Grasses

Some people may develop a rash, itching, redness or, rarely, swelling or difficulty breathing after exposure to lemongrass. If you are sensitive to grasses or essential oils, perform a patch test before topical use and stop using it immediately if a reaction develops.

High or Prolonged Intake

Large amounts, particularly concentrated essential oil or strong herbal preparations, may cause stomach upset, dizziness or increased urination. High doses have caused stomach and liver toxicity in preclinical studies, so keep to normal culinary amounts or traditional tea preparations unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional.

Existing Medicines and Health Conditions

If you take medicines for blood pressure, blood sugar or blood thinning, or have a heart, liver or kidney condition, consult your doctor before using lemongrass in medicinal amounts, as it may affect the action of these medicines.

Note: This information is for general awareness only and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified doctor or registered Ayurvedic practitioner.

Lemongrass can be used in several forms. Choose the one that best suits your needs and begin with the lowest recommended amount.

 Tea

• Use 1 to 2 fresh stalks or 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried lemongrass.
• Boil in one cup of water for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Strain and drink warm. Honey or lemon may be added to taste.
• It is generally consumed once or twice daily.

Powder

• Mix 1 to 3 g of lemongrass powder into a glass of warm water, juice or a smoothie.
• Take once daily, or as advised by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.

Capsules

• Take with water after a meal, following the manufacturer's instructions or your healthcare professional's advice.
• Do not exceed the recommended dose.

Essential Oil

• For aromatherapy, add a few drops to a diffuser.
• For topical use, always dilute a few drops with a carrier oil, such as coconut or almond oil. Carry out a patch test before first use. Do not swallow lemongrass essential oil.

Fresh Stalks in Cooking

• Trim the root and outer leaves and use the tender inner stalk.
• Add it to your dish for flavour and remove the woody stalk before serving.

Herbs Traditionally Used With Lemongrass

In traditional home remedies and Ayurvedic-style teas, lemongrass is often combined with other gentle herbs for taste and digestive comfort:

There is no standard medicinal dose for lemongrass. Most recommendations are based on traditional use. As a food or herbal tea, it is generally suitable for most adults. However, medicinal amounts and concentrated preparations should be used with caution and may need to be adjusted according to age, health status and other medicines.

Children

Lemongrass as an occasional food flavouring is generally acceptable. Avoid lemongrass supplements, capsules and essential oil for oral use in children unless recommended by a paediatrician or a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.

Teenagers

Culinary use and an occasional cup of weak lemongrass tea are generally acceptable. Medicinal preparations, supplements and essential oil should only be used under professional guidance.

Adults

A common traditional amount is 1 to 2 cups of lemongrass tea daily (prepared using about 1 to 2 g of dried lemongrass per cup), or 1 to 3 g of lemongrass powder daily. Capsules should be taken according to the manufacturer's instructions or a healthcare professional's advice, commonly providing 300 to 500 mg per dose.

Older Adults

Begin at the lower end of the recommended range and take medicinal preparations with food. Consult your doctor before using lemongrass medicinally if you take medicines for blood pressure, diabetes or heart conditions, or if you have liver or kidney disease.

Note: The amounts above are general guidance, not a prescription. Ask your doctor or Ayurvedic practitioner to set the right dose for you.

At normal culinary amounts or when consumed as a mild herbal tea, side effects are uncommon. They are more likely with medicinal amounts, concentrated preparations or essential oil (Memorial Sloan Kettering, 2023):

Dizziness and Drowsiness

Some people may feel light-headed or drowsy, particularly after consuming larger amounts.

Dry Mouth and Increased Urination

Lemongrass has traditionally been used as a mild diuretic, so some people may experience dry mouth or increased urination.

Allergic Skin Reactions

Lemongrass may cause skin irritation, rash, itching or redness in sensitive individuals. Rarely, more serious allergic reactions can occur. Stop use and seek medical advice if this happens.

Stomach Upset

Medicinal amounts or concentrated preparations may cause stomach discomfort, nausea or abdominal pain.

Effects at Very High Doses

Using more than the recommended amount does not provide additional benefits. Very high doses of lemongrass or its essential oil have been associated with stomach, liver and kidney toxicity in preclinical studies. Human evidence is limited, but excessive use should be avoided.

High or regular medicinal use of lemongrass may affect how some medicines work. Most potential interactions are based on laboratory or animal studies, and evidence in humans is limited. Tell your doctor if you use lemongrass regularly and take any of the following:

Blood Pressure Medicines

Lemongrass may have mild blood pressure-lowering and diuretic effects. If you take medicines for high blood pressure or water tablets (diuretics), consult your doctor before using lemongrass medicinally, as it may enhance their effects.

Blood Sugar Medicines

Animal studies suggest lemongrass may lower blood sugar. If you take insulin or other diabetes medicines, consult your doctor before using lemongrass medicinally, as it may increase their blood glucose-lowering effects.

Medicines Processed by the Liver

Laboratory studies suggest that some compounds in lemongrass, including β-myrcene, may influence CYP450 enzymes involved in the metabolism of certain medicines. The clinical relevance of this interaction in humans remains uncertain, but it is advisable to inform your doctor or pharmacist if you use lemongrass regularly (Memorial Sloan Kettering, 2023).

Water Tablets (Diuretics)

Because lemongrass has traditionally been used as a mild diuretic, using it alongside prescription diuretics may increase fluid and electrolyte loss. Consult your doctor before combining them and maintain adequate fluid intake.

Storage of Lemongrass

Store fresh lemongrass in the refrigerator, wrapped or placed in a sealed container, for up to two weeks, or freeze it for longer storage. Keep dried lemongrass and lemongrass powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place. Store lemongrass essential oil in a tightly closed, dark glass bottle, away from heat and direct sunlight. Keep all lemongrass products out of the sight and reach of children.

• Lemongrass is a fragrant culinary herb that is also used in traditional medicine, mainly to support digestion and for its refreshing aroma.
• Most evidence for its potential health effects comes from laboratory and animal studies, while evidence in humans remains limited.
• It is generally best consumed in culinary amounts or as a mild herbal tea. Medicinal preparations, supplements and essential oil require greater caution.
• Avoid medicinal doses or concentrated lemongrass preparations during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and consult your doctor before using lemongrass medicinally if you take medicines for blood pressure, blood sugar or heart conditions.
• Lemongrass may support general wellbeing as part of a healthy lifestyle, but it is not a treatment or cure for any medical condition.