Is Lemongrass Tea Right for You? Health Benefits & Hidden Side Effects

With its sweet citrusy flavor and refreshing aroma, lemongrass tea has been gaining in popularity, and for good reason. It's praised as a natural remedy for a range of health issues, from digestive problems to inflammation and anxiety. But how much of this is actually backed by science? In this video, we'll dive into the research behind lemongrass tea health claims and explore any potential side effects you should know about. But first, here are a few fun facts Did you know that lemongrass contains citronella, which is a natural bug repellent? It's commonly used in candles and sprays to keep insects at bay. Lemongrass is a fast grower and can grow up to 6 feet tall in just a few months. The refreshing scent of lemongrass is often used in aromatherapy to relieve stress, boost mood, and promote relaxation. LEMONGRASS TEA HEALTH BENEFITS BACKED BY SCIENCE One of the most promising benefits of lemongrass tea is its ability to soothe digestive issues. Studies have shown that the citral and geranial compounds in lemongrass can help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. A 2021 study found that lemongrass essential oil can boost the activity of digestive enzymes, which could help improve nutrient absorption and overall digestion. Lemongrass may help lower cholesterol levels, thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A 2022 study found that lemongrass extracts had the ability to prevent cholesterol absorption in the gut. If you're someone who struggles with anxiety and stress, lemongrass tea has been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system. A 2015 study with 40 male volunteers reported that lemongrass aroma helped reduce feelings of anxiety during a stressful task compared to a control group. This could also be due to lemongrass' ability to lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, as demonstrated in a 2011 study where 72 patients experienced a significant drop in both blood pressure and heart rate after drinking lemongrass tea. Lemongrass has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties. A 2022 study found that lemongrass was effective against bacteria responsible for certain skin infections. Potential side effects you should know about While many articles claim that lemongrass tea has detoxifying effects, we did some digging and actually found the opposite. A 2015 study found that although lemongrass acts as a diuretic, consuming it in high doses over a long period may actually reduce kidney function and hinder waste elimination. To stay safe, we recommend limiting your intake to one cup per day and balancing it with detoxifying teas like nettle, ginger or green tea, which are known to support and boost kidney health. It is also advised to avoid drinking lemongrass tea during pregnancy, as citrulline and micrene can stimulate uterine contractions, which could increase the risk of miscarriage or premature labor. Overall, it's important to note that lemongrass is still incredibly good for you. Besides all the benefits mentioned earlier, it's also rich in powerful antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body and protect cells from oxidative stress. To brew lemongrass tea, we recommend using about 3-4 grams of tea leaves to 350 ml of boiling water. Steep it for about 3-5 minutes. Additional honey is optional, but we like to embrace the natural citrusy flavor lemongrass tea offers. Thanks for joining me on this journey into the world of lemongrass tea. If you have any experience with lemongrass tea and its health benefits, I'd love to hear all about it in the comments. And if you're new here, make sure to subscribe for more health-focused tea content. Until next time, stay healthy and happy sipping!