Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does lemongrass work as a medicinal herb?

Lemongrass contains active compounds including citral, geraniol, myrcene, citronellol, and limonene. Citral, the primary constituent, demonstrates antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties by disrupting microbial cell membranes and modulating inflammatory pathways. These volatile compounds also provide insect-repellent effects. Traditional use as a digestive aid is attributed to carminative properties that help reduce gas and bloating. Evidence level: C, based on laboratory studies and traditional use.

Does lemongrass interact with any medications?

Limited clinical research exists on lemongrass drug interactions. Theoretically, lemongrass may interact with medications metabolized by liver enzymes. Caution is advised when taking lemongrass alongside antidiabetic medications, as it may lower blood sugar levels. Patients on chemotherapy should avoid lemongrass supplements due to potential antioxidant interference with treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining herbal remedies with prescription medications. Evidence level: C.

What is the recommended dosage for lemongrass tea?

The standard adult dosage for lemongrass tea is 2-4 grams of dried leaves or one fresh stalk steeped in hot water for 10-15 minutes. This preparation can be consumed up to three times daily for digestive complaints or fever reduction. Essential oil preparations should be used externally only and properly diluted to avoid skin irritation. Evidence level: C, based on traditional use and limited clinical data.

Is lemongrass safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Lemongrass is considered unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Traditional use and preliminary research suggest potential uterine stimulation and emmenagogue effects, which could increase miscarriage risk. The essential oil should be strictly avoided during pregnancy. Breastfeeding women should also avoid lemongrass due to insufficient safety data. Women who are pregnant or nursing should consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal preparations. Evidence level: C.

What are the health benefits of drinking lemongrass tea?

Lemongrass tea is traditionally used to treat digestive complaints, reduce fever, and relieve cold and flu symptoms. The tea may help with bloating, gas, and stomach discomfort due to its carminative properties. Preliminary research suggests antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, supporting its traditional use for minor infections. Cooled lemongrass tea can also be applied topically as an insect repellent. Evidence level: C, based primarily on traditional use and laboratory studies.

What are the side effects of lemongrass?

Common side effects of lemongrass include allergic reactions, particularly in individuals sensitive to citral. Topical application of undiluted essential oil may cause skin irritation, especially on sensitive skin. Some users report dizziness and increased appetite after consumption. Oral intake is generally well-tolerated in culinary amounts. Discontinue use if rash, itching, or breathing difficulties occur. Those with known allergies to grasses should exercise caution. Evidence level: C.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a perennial herb recognized for its diverse pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities [PMID:37641691, PMID:39072200].

Background

Cymbopogon citratus, known as lemongrass, is a perennial herb in the gramineous family (Poaceae) used worldwide in pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic applications [PMID:37641691, PMID:39072200, PMID:25986281].

Traditional uses

In Brazilian folk medicine, it is used to treat nervous and gastrointestinal disturbances, as well as feverish conditions, typically administered as an infusion called 'abafado' [PMID:3762195]. It has also been used traditionally for calming, respiratory, and stress-related conditions [PMID:42283179].

Active compounds

The primary phytochemical component of lemongrass essential oil is citral [PMID:32251453, PMID:36290288]. Other reported compounds include terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and alkaloids [PMID:39072200, PMID:41532033].

Mechanism of action

Lemongrass and citral exhibit vasorelaxant activity by promoting endothelial nitric oxide/prostanoids secretion and blocking calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle [PMID:36290288]. Citral may also modulate nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) [PMID:42283179].

Clinical evidence

Evidence BNicotine Dependence

A 3% lemongrass essential oil inhaler was evaluated for its efficacy in reducing nicotine dependence via modulation of nAChRs [PMID:42283179]

Evidence CHypertension

Acute administration of lemongrass results in a decrease in blood pressure in both healthy and hypertensive animals [PMID:36290288]

Evidence DProstate Cancer (In Vitro)

Aqueous extract presented an antitumor effect and improved the chemotherapy activity of docetaxel in DU-145 cells [PMID:33438563]

Evidence DCervical Cancer (In Vitro)

Lemongrass demonstrated antioxidant and anticancer activity against SiHa cell lines [PMID:34282694]

Evidence DPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (Rat Model)

Hydroethanolic and aqueous extracts corrected ovarian damage, decreased serum testosterone, and reduced cystic follicles [PMID:41532033]

Evidence DSarcoptes scabiei (In Vitro)

Safety & adverse effects

A clinical trial in healthy volunteers found that lemongrass tea (abafado) produced no significant changes in serum glucose, urea, creatinine, or lipids, and showed no abnormalities in EEG or EKG, indicating it is not toxic for humans [PMID:2429120]. In mice, a 21-day oral intake of essential oil showed no significant changes in gross pathology, organ weights, or clinical biochemistry [PMID:21693164].

Evidence summary

The evidence consists primarily of in vitro studies (D) and animal models (D), with limited clinical trials (B) and reviews (C). While promising for antimicrobial and antitumor activities, most human-centric data is limited to safety assessments.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 37641691 (2023) — Formulation of lemongrass oil (Cymbopogon citratus)-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles: an in vitro assessment study. · 3 Biotech
2.PMID: 41532033 (2026) — Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) Extracts Ameliorate Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Rats by Inhibiting Follicular Atresia and Modulating Ghrelin and Leptin. · Biochemistry research international
3.PMID: 38357460 (2024) — A comprehensive lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) leaf dataset for agricultural research and disease prevention. · Data in brief
4.PMID: 32251453 (2020) — Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) oil: A promising miticidal and ovicidal agent against Sarcoptes scabiei. · PLoS neglected tropical diseases
5.PMID: 36270554 (2022) — Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)-incorporated chitosan bioactive films for potential skincare applications.

Lemongrass

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Lemongrass

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Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Lemongrass

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Lemongrass

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Bergamot Orange Peel

Marjoram

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Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources