Lemongrass

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a fragrant tropical grass prized for its bright, citrusy aroma and long history in both cooking and traditional medicine. Widely used across Asia, Africa, and South America, it has been enjoyed for centuries as a soothing herbal tea and a natural remedy for digestive and everyday wellness concerns. The leaves and stalks are rich in essential oils, particularly citral, along with antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds. Today, lemongrass is a popular ingredient in herbal tea blends, valued for its refreshing flavour and its gentle, calming, and digestion-supporting qualities.

Benefits of Lemongrass

Supports Healthy Digestion

Rich in Antioxidants

Helps Reduce Inflammation

Calms and Soothes the Mind

Supports Immune Health

Naturally Refreshing and Cleansing

Key Nutrients in Lemongrass

Vitamin A:Supports vision, skin, and immune health

Vitamin C:Boosts immune function and antioxidant defense

Folate:Supports cell function and healthy development

Calcium:Important for bone health

Magnesium:Supports muscle and nerve function

Potassium:Helps regulate fluid balance and muscle contractions

Iron:Essential for healthy blood and energy levels

Bioactive Components

Citral:The primary essential oil compound behind lemongrass’s citrus aroma, digestive support, and antimicrobial properties

Geraniol:Contributes to the calming aroma and offers antioxidant activity

Beta-myrcene:Supports the herb’s soothing and muscle-relaxing qualities

Phenolic compounds (chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid):Provide strong antioxidant activity

Flavonoids (isoorientin, orientin, quercetin):Contribute to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits

Why Drink Lemongrass in Your Tea Blends?

Lemongrass is a wonderful addition to wellness tea blends thanks to its refreshing flavour and its soothing, antioxidant-rich properties. Here’s why you should consider incorporating lemongrass into your tea:

Supports Digestive Health:Lemongrass tea helps soothe the stomach, ease bloating, and support comfortable digestion, making it a great choice after meals.

Rich in Antioxidants:The phenolic compounds and flavonoids in lemongrass help neutralise free radicals and protect cells from oxidative stress.

Anti-Inflammatory:The natural plant compounds in lemongrass help reduce inflammation in the body.

Calms and Relaxes:Lemongrass has a gentle, soothing quality that helps calm the mind and supports relaxation.

Supports Immune Health:With its vitamin C, antioxidants, and antimicrobial properties, lemongrass helps support the body’s natural defenses.

Scientific Evidence

Antioxidant Activity

Lemongrass leaves contain phenolic compounds and flavonoids, such as isoorientin and orientin, that act as effective free radical scavengers and antioxidants.

Free radical scavengers and antioxidants from Lemongrass (J Agric Food Chem)

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Research found that the polyphenols in lemongrass leaf infusion contributed to significant anti-inflammatory activity.

Anti-inflammatory activity of Cymbopogon citratus leaf infusion (J Med Food)

Protects Against Oxidative Damage

Lemongrass polyphenols were shown to protect blood vessel cells from oxidative damage caused by high glucose and other oxidative stressors.

Lemon grass polyphenols protect human endothelial cells from oxidative damage (J Funct Foods)

Antimicrobial Properties

Lemongrass leaf extract demonstrated antimicrobial activity against several common bacteria and a fungus, alongside measurable antioxidant effects.

Evaluation of Cymbopogon citratus leaf extract: antimicrobial and antioxidant properties (PubMed)

Calming Compounds

The essential oil compounds in lemongrass, particularly citral, are associated with calming and soothing effects in traditional and laboratory research.

10 Potential Health Benefits of Lemongrass Tea (Healthline)