Easy Lemongrass Tea Recipe (Plus Its Benefits)
Lemongrass tea has a delightful, lemon flavor with mild bitter notes and can be served hot or as iced tea. Usually, I make the tea by boiling fresh or dried leaves for 15 minutes, steeping for 10 minutes before serving.
The tea has some interesting health benefits, which I’ll explore after the recipe. If you’re interested in these unique teas, check out my holy basil, hibiscus and soursop leaf tea recipes.
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How to make lemongrass tea
Ingredients
This tea recipe only requires two ingredients: lemongrass leaves and water.
I use one stalk of lemongrass from the thick layered stem to the top of the leaf. The leaves hold a lot of flavor so I include the entire thing. You may find the plant for sale at the local garden shop, otherwise check for fresh lemongrass on Amazon. Local Asian stores may also have them. Buy a bunch, give them a good wash and freeze them. Frozen stalks and dried leaves also work for this recipe.
Lemongrass tea recipe
Lemongrass tea
Ingredients
- 1 stalk lemongrass (1 tbsp dried lemongrass)
- 3 cups water
- piece of ginger (optional)
- sweetener of choice (optional)
Instructions
- Remove the outermost skin of the stalk. Wash the lemongrass. Fold the grass onto itself.
- Place a small pot on medium heat. Add water and bring to a boil.
- Add folded lemongrass stalk. Boil for 15 minutes.
- Turn off heat. Steep for 10 minutes.
- Add your favorite sweetener (optional) and serve hot or chilled.
Video
You can also just skip these steps and get lemongrass tea bags from Amazon.
Lemongrass tea benefits
There are a few studies on the benefits of lemongrass tea.
Lemongrass tea and hypertension
One 2022 Portuguese study explored the anti-hypertensive potential of lemongrass. It cited studies that found drinking lemongrass tea caused a decrease in systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure along with an increase in heart rate.
The study suggested these anti-hypertensive effects of lemongrass may be linked to its ability to relax the blood vessels (vasodilation) and relax the nervous system (causing a reduction in anxiety). Mild diuretic effects (removal of water and salts in the body) were also observed with lemongrass.
Lemongrass and anemia
This 2015 Nigerian study tested the drinking the tea for 30 days on participants’ blood parameters including hemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) count, mean cell Hb (MCH), mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell Hb concentration (MCHC), total white blood cell and differentials, and platelets.
The lemongrass group saw significant increases in hemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) count; no change in mean cell Hb (MCH), mean cell volume (MCV) and mean cell Hb concentration (MCHC); and significant decreases in total white blood cell (WBC total) count with neutrophils and lymphocytes (types of white blood cells) increased significantly.
Bottomline? The study suggested lemongrass tea had a erythropoiesis boosting effect, meaning it boosted red blood cell production and so could help with treating and preventing anemia.
Lemongrass and microbes
Although not a clinical trial, this 2015 Pakistani study found lemongrass had antibacterial and antifungal properties against several microbes including E. coli, Staphylococcus aurus and Candida albicans.
Traditionally, lemongrass tea is used to boost immunity and fight off infections.
Too much tea isn’t good for the kidneys
Another 2015 Nigerian study found drinking too much lemongrass tea or drinking low doses for an extended period of time affects the creatinine levels in the blood and how well the kidneys filter out waste from the blood (glomerular filtration rate).
The 2022 Portuguese study mentioned above also hinted to a drop in blood pH when consuming too much of the tea. So, enjoying this tea in moderation is key.
Disclaimer: none of the above is medical advice. Please consult your doctor about the benefits and effects of using this tea.
This looks like the perfect tea to make after supper as we settle in to relax for the evening! Love that it uses just a few simple ingredients!
Wow this is awesome reading!
Made some lemongrass tea this morning. Was delicious, sat on the patio, drank it warm and watched the rain come down.
Sounds like a lovely morning 🙂
I’m from the Caribbean we call lemongrass “fever grass” , it’s really delicious with some sugar or honey or even if you add some milk to it .
Am so glad I read on the lemon grass health benefits, this is awesome
taste very delicious
We also do not add any sugar to tea; as less as possible is the best for both of us ! Besides, it overpower the beauty of flavors, right ?
It’s really delicious in uganda we enjoy it too
I have some in my backyard garden and I drink it just about any day and any time! Gosh, that “lemony” aroma that fills the entire house from the kitchen to the parlour and rooms is so, so sensational every time I brew a flask of the drink. I usually take mine without sweeteners, or with an occasional dash of ginger and honey.
I heard I should not boil the fresh leaves but soak, stew in a certain boiling temperature. Is this true to reap benefits? And at what temp for how long?
I’ve never heard that before. I’ve always known to boil the fresh leaves for 10 to 15 minutes on low heat.
just started on this tea. am looking forward to the benefits. thanks for sharing