Lemongrass: Uses, Benefits, Dosage & Safety
Last updated: June 2026 · Reviewed by the FactoWiki Editorial Team for clarity and source accuracy
Quick summary
Lemongrass is a citrusy culinary herb used traditionally for digestion and relaxation. As a tea it is pleasant and low-risk; therapeutic claims are mostly preliminary.
What is Lemongrass?
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tropical grass used as a culinary herb and traditional tea for digestion, anxiety and mild fever.
What Lemongrass is commonly used for
In supplements, Lemongrass is most often included for gut & digestive health, nerve health support. It is used as nutritional support, not as a treatment for any medical condition — the distinction matters, because the claims on a sales page are often stronger than the evidence allows.
How Lemongrass works
Its essential oils, including citral, have antioxidant, antimicrobial and mild calming properties in laboratory studies, supporting its traditional digestive and relaxing uses.
What the evidence says
Here's an honest snapshot of what published research suggests about Lemongrass — including where the evidence is limited.
- Human evidence for lemongrass is limited; small studies on anxiety, oral health and cholesterol are preliminary. As a tea it is a pleasant, low-risk beverage.
- Study quality and doses vary, and a result seen in research doesn't guarantee the same for any individual — use the sources below to check the current evidence on Lemongrass rather than relying on marketing claims.
Typical dosage used in studies
Culinary use and teas are common; concentrated essential oil is far stronger and not for internal use without care. This is general information from research, not a personal recommendation or a dosing instruction.
Side effects and safety
Lemongrass tea is generally safe; concentrated essential oil can be toxic if swallowed, and large amounts are avoided in pregnancy. As with any supplement, it's sensible to introduce Lemongrass on its own, use a trusted brand, and stop if you notice any reaction.
Medication interactions and who should avoid Lemongrass
Medication & safety check
Herbs interact with prescription medicines more often than people expect — affecting drug levels, bleeding, blood pressure, blood sugar or sedation — and Lemongrass is no exception. If you take any regular medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or manage a health condition, confirm Lemongrass is appropriate for you before starting.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. If you take any medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition, confirm it's safe to use Lemongrass with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Sources & further reading
For authoritative background and the current research base on Lemongrass, consult:
- PubMed — search the research on Lemongrass
- NCCIH — Herbs at a Glance
- MedlinePlus — herbs & supplements
- MedlinePlus — drugs, herbs & supplements
Frequently asked questions
Does Lemongrass actually work?
Human evidence for lemongrass is limited; small studies on anxiety, oral health and cholesterol are preliminary. As a tea it is a pleasant, low-risk beverage. As with most supplements, results vary between people and the marketing is often stronger than the evidence — so it's worth checking the research before relying on it.
Is Lemongrass safe to take?
For most healthy adults at normal doses it's generally well tolerated, but there are real cautions. Lemongrass tea is generally safe; concentrated essential oil can be toxic if swallowed, and large amounts are avoided in pregnancy. If you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition, check with a doctor or pharmacist first.
What is Lemongrass used for?
In supplements, Lemongrass is mainly included for gut & digestive health, nerve health support — as nutritional support, not as a treatment for any medical condition.
Where you'll find Lemongrass
On FactoWiki, Lemongrass is the kind of ingredient you'll see discussed in these supplement categories. Each category guide breaks down what the evidence does and doesn't support.
Related ingredients to explore
Ingredients often studied or formulated alongside Lemongrass — useful for understanding the full picture of a formula.