May 16, 2026

Lemongrass Leaves: Health Benefits, Uses, and Brewing Essentials

Common names: Lemongrass, Citronella grass

Cymbopogon illustration (Wikipedia Commons)

TL;DR

Lemongrass leaves, from the Cymbopogon genus, are widely used in teas and natural remedies. They offer a citrusy aroma and mild flavor, often enjoyed hot or cold. Many people use lemongrass leaves for their potential soothing properties, but it's important to distinguish between dried leaves for infusion and concentrated essential oils, which are not recommended for ingestion.

At-a-glance Facts

What it is: A tall perennial grass with lemon-scented leaves.
Flavor: Citrusy, fresh, slightly grassy.
Best moments: Afternoon tea, post-meal infusion, warm or iced drinks.
Brew/Use basics: Use 2–3 g (≈1 tsp) dried leaves per 250 ml (1 cup) water, steep 5–7 minutes at just-off-boil temperature.
Pairs with: Ginger, mint, green tea, honey.
Safety flags: Avoid essential oil ingestion; consult healthcare if pregnant or sensitive.
Storage: Keep dried leaves in airtight, cool, dark place to preserve aroma.

Who it's for / Who should skip

Who it's for	Who should skip
Those seeking a natural, mild citrus herbal infusion	People allergic to grasses or with sensitive digestion
Fans of caffeine-free warm or cold beverages	Individuals advised to avoid herbal supplements without medical advice

Decision criteria

Choose dried lemongrass leaves for infusion over essential oils for safety.
Prefer organic, sustainably harvested leaves with minimal processing.
Check for freshness by aroma and color; avoid overly dry or brittle leaves.

Brew Basics

Use water just off boiling (~956C / 2036F). Add 2–3 g (≈1 tsp) dried lemongrass leaves per 250 ml (1 cup). Steep for 5–7 minutes; longer steeping intensifies flavor but may increase bitterness. Re-steeping once is possible with slightly longer time. Serve hot or chilled with optional additions like honey or ginger.

Brew log

4 minutes: light citrus aroma, mild grassy notes, gentle flavor.
6 minutes: fuller lemon scent, balanced taste, slight astringency.
8 minutes: stronger bitterness, more pronounced herbal depth.

Taste/Use Tuning

If too bitter, reduce steeping time or add a natural sweetener. For a milder taste, blend with mint or green tea. To enhance aroma, add fresh ginger slices during brewing.

Rituals

Afternoon refreshment: Brew lemongrass tea to uplift mood and hydrate.
Post-meal sip: Enjoy warm lemongrass infusion to complement digestion.
Evening calm: Chill brewed tea and serve over ice for a soothing cool drink.

Sourcing & Quality

Look for organically grown lemongrass leaves harvested sustainably. Packaging should be low-impact, such as recyclable paper or compostable bags. Prefer whole leaves over powders for better aroma retention and lower moisture content to avoid mold.

Storage

Store dried lemongrass leaves in airtight containers away from light, heat, and humidity. Ideal storage extends freshness and preserves essential oils responsible for aroma and flavor.

Comparison Table

Herb	Flavor	Best Use
Lemongrass Leaves	Citrusy, fresh	Herbal teas, infusions
Ginger Root	Spicy, warm	Teas, cooking
Mint Leaves	Cool, refreshing	Teas, garnishes

Safety

Lemongrass leaves used as dried herbal tea are generally safe for most people. However, avoid ingesting lemongrass essential oil directly, as it is highly concentrated and may cause adverse effects. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult healthcare providers before use. Allergies to grasses may cause reactions in sensitive individuals.

FAQ

Can I use fresh lemongrass leaves for tea?: Yes, fresh leaves can be used but require longer simmering to extract flavor.
Is lemongrass tea caffeine-free?: Yes, lemongrass tea naturally contains no caffeine.
Can I drink lemongrass tea daily?: Many people enjoy it daily, but moderation and individual tolerance should guide use.
What is the difference between lemongrass leaves and essential oil?: Leaves are used for infusions; essential oils are concentrated extracts not recommended for ingestion.
How do I store lemongrass leaves?: Keep in airtight, cool, dark containers to maintain freshness.

Sources

WAW Stock - wawstock.com
Herbal Medicine Organization - herbalmedicine.org
Natural Wellness Institute - naturalwellness.org

Related collection

Explore Related Collections

Browse culinary and botanical collections related to this topic.

Browse Ingredient Collections

Products and collections are presented for general ingredient, culinary, botanical, craft, or gardening use. Content on this site is educational only and is not medical advice.