Introduction
Lemongrass brings a distinctive citrus aroma to food, but a stalk simmered in soup is a different preparation from repeated herbal tea or concentrated essential oil. This guide explains which parts of Cymbopogon citratus belong in the kitchen, their practical value, and what human research can establish about benefits and safety.
On this page
Identity, parts and preparations
Cymbopogon citratus is an aromatic grass, not a lemon fruit or lemon balm. Its tender inner stalk base can be finely chopped; leaves and larger fibrous pieces flavour food and are then removed. Citronella grasses, including Cymbopogon nardus, are different plants associated with insect-repellent products. Buy correctly identified lemongrass intended for food. [1] [2]
Citral contributes substantially to the scent. A lemon-like aroma does not establish a useful vitamin C content. In the small quantities used for seasoning, the practical benefit is variety in soups, vegetables, fish and sauces, rather than a substantial serving of nutrients. A stalk removed from broth does not supply its fibre to the person eating it. Fresh stalks, dried leaves, infusions, extracts and essential oil differ in composition and concentration. [2]
Choosing, preparing and storing it
Choose firm stalks with plump bases; reject mouldy or slimy material. Refrigerate fresh stalks and use them promptly: condition and storage matter more than an unconditional shelf-life promise. Wash, remove tough outer layers and finely mince the tender core. Larger pieces can be bruised, simmered for flavour and removed before serving, much like bay leaves. Do not serve coarse pieces to children. Handle leaf edges carefully because they can cut skin. Let the recipe and taste determine the amount, rather than treating a culinary portion as a medicinal dose. [1] [2]
What human research found
An older study in 50 healthy volunteers found no advantage of leaf tea over placebo for sleep measures. A separate anxiety test involving 18 people also found no effect. These were small, limited experiments, not evidence of a treatment for insomnia or anxiety disorders. [3]
Another study assigned 105 healthy adults aged 18–35 to three strengths of leaf infusion for 30 days. Estimated kidney filtration and creatinine clearance fell relative to baseline. The accessible abstract describes before-and-after comparisons without identifying a group receiving no infusion; causality and generalisation therefore remain limited. This raises caution about repeated medicinal use, while not demonstrating harm from small amounts in food. [4]
Safety depends on the preparation
In separate small safety groups in the older study, some volunteers reported sleepiness, dizziness, dry mouth, diarrhoea or increased urination. These short observations do not establish long-term safety. [3]
With kidney disease, do not use repeated tea consumption to change urination or treat swelling. The cited studies do not establish the safety of combining concentrated preparations with medicines. Have the actual product reviewed by a clinician or pharmacist rather than assuming interactions are fully known. Do not replace prescribed treatment with the herb. [4]
During pregnancy, discuss herbal teas and medicinal herbal products with the care team before use. These studies do not establish extract safety in breastfeeding or children; ordinary seasoning is a different exposure. Essential oils are concentrated, may be toxic if swallowed and can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Do not drink the oil or apply it directly to a child's skin; keep it out of children's reach. Stop if a rash or unusual symptoms occur, and seek urgent help for breathing difficulty after exposure. [5] [6]
Common claims and the evidence
“The tea improves sleep and treats anxiety.” Verdict: unproven. The cited controlled experiment found no advantage over placebo; traditional reputation does not establish treatment effectiveness. [3]
“More urine means cleaner kidneys.” Verdict: misleading. Urination is not proof of improved kidney function, and the human study raised concerns about prolonged use. [4]
“Natural oil is equivalent to the stalk.” Verdict: false. A concentrated extract has risks that experience with a stalk in soup cannot define. [6]
Practical conclusion
Lemongrass has a clear culinary role: a finely minced tender core, or pieces removed after flavouring food. Repeated medicinal use and concentrated oil require a different assessment; promises about sleep or kidney cleansing are not a sound reason to use them.
Important note
Do not swallow essential oil or apply it directly to a child’s skin; keep it out of children’s reach. With kidney disease or medicines, review the product before repeated medicinal use; safe combination with medicines is not established. Review herbal teas and preparations during pregnancy; extract safety in breastfeeding and children is not established. Remove tough pieces before serving; seek urgent help for breathing difficulty after exposure.
This article provides educational information and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Sources and references
- Lemon Grass · Read source — University of Illinois Extension
- Lemongrass · Read source — University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension
- Pharmacology of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus Stapf). III. Assessment of eventual toxic, hypnotic and anxiolytic effects on humans · Read source — Journal of Ethnopharmacology
- Effect of lemongrass tea consumption on estimated glomerular filtration rate and creatinine clearance rate · Read source — Journal of Renal Nutrition
- Nutrition During Pregnancy · Read source — Oregon Health & Science University
- Are Essential Oils Safe for Children? · Read source — Johns Hopkins Medicine