Lemongrass
Herbal infusion
About this tea
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a bright, caffeine-free herbal tisane made from the long, fibrous leaves and stalks of a tall tropical grass native to Asia. Its hallmark is a clean, lemony aroma driven by the compound citral, balanced by gentle grassy sweetness and a fresh, uplifting finish. Long woven into the cuisines and home remedies of Southeast Asia, India, Africa, and Latin America, lemongrass is traditionally enjoyed as a soothing after-meal infusion. Naturally free of caffeine, it makes a refreshing cup at any hour without disturbing sleep. Pregnant or breastfeeding people should keep to ordinary culinary amounts and avoid concentrated medicinal doses.
How to brew: 100°C, 6 min, 2 g per cup.
Caffeine
None
How to brew
Flavor notes
citrusy, fresh, lightly sweet, aromatic
Often associated with
Fresh feeling, Digestive comfort
Best time to enjoy
Mid-morning, Mid-afternoon, After a meal
Tags
Origin & Production
Lemongrass is native to the warm, humid lowlands of tropical Asia and has spread across the tropics and subtropics through centuries of trade and cultivation. Today it is grown abundantly in Thailand, Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, much of Africa, and across Latin America from Mexico to Brazil. The plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, forming dense clumps of arching, blade-like leaves that can reach over a meter tall. Because it grows quickly and regenerates after cutting, lemongrass is harvested several times a year and is often cultivated alongside food crops in smallholder gardens. Both the tender lower stalks and the leaves are used, though tea is most often made from the dried, chopped leaves.
Production process
Harvesting
Mature leaves and stalks are cut by hand near the base of the clump, typically when the plant is several months old. Frequent cutting encourages fresh, aromatic regrowth.
Trimming & chopping
Leaves are trimmed of tough, dried tips and chopped into short pieces. This increases surface area so the citral-rich oils release more readily during drying and brewing.
Drying
The chopped grass is spread in shade or gentle warmth and air-dried until brittle. Careful drying preserves the volatile citral that gives lemongrass its signature lemon aroma.
Sorting & grading
Dried leaf is sieved to remove dust and fine debris, then graded by color and aroma. Bright, fragrant cuts with a strong lemon scent are valued most.
Packaging
Graded lemongrass is sealed in moisture- and light-protected packaging as loose leaf or tea bags. Airtight storage slows the loss of citral and keeps the aroma vivid.
History & Tradition
Lemongrass has been used as both food and home remedy across tropical Asia for many centuries, prized for its clean lemon fragrance long before it became a global culinary and herbal-tea staple.
Asian roots
In the warm regions of South and Southeast Asia, lemongrass was traditionally brewed as a fragrant infusion and used in cooking, valued in folk practice as a calming, refreshing after-meal drink.
Spread along trade routes
As maritime and overland trade flourished, lemongrass traveled with spices and other aromatic plants, taking root in gardens across the tropics of Asia and Africa.
Citral identified
European naturalists and traders documented lemongrass and its distinctive lemon scent. Over time the aroma was traced to citral, the compound that defines the plant's character.
Global cultivation
Lemongrass became widely planted across Latin America, Africa, and the Caribbean, both for the kitchen and for its essential oil, while herbal infusions grew popular far beyond Asia.
Modern herbal favorite
Lemongrass became a mainstay of caffeine-free tea blends worldwide, often paired with ginger, mint, or green tea, and celebrated for its bright, uplifting character.
Health Benefits
Caffeine-free freshness
Lemongrass contains no caffeine, so it can be enjoyed from morning to night. Its bright citral aroma offers a refreshing lift without stimulants, supporting a sense of calm wakefulness.
Gentle digestive comfort
Traditionally enjoyed after meals across many cultures, a warm cup of lemongrass is associated with a settled, comfortable feeling. Its aromatic oils make it a popular choice to round off a heavy meal.
Antioxidant plant compounds
Lemongrass leaves contain naturally occurring flavonoids and phenolic compounds that contribute antioxidant activity, part of the everyday wellness appeal of plant-based infusions.
Bright, uplifting aroma
The clean lemon scent of citral is widely described as refreshing and mood-lifting. Many people reach for lemongrass when they want a clear, focused moment of calm during a busy day.
Hydrating and light
As a light, naturally caffeine-free infusion, lemongrass is an easy way to stay hydrated. Served hot or iced, it offers flavorful refreshment with no added sugar needed.
Grades & Varieties
Whole dried leaf
Long, intact dried lemongrass leaves and stalk pieces with a vivid lemon aroma. The most traditional loose-leaf form, producing a clean, fragrant infusion with a fresh citrus lift.
Best for
- ✓Daily caffeine-free cup
- ✓After-meal infusion
- ✓Blending with ginger or mint
Cut leaf (tea bags)
Lemongrass chopped into small, uniform pieces for convenient, consistent brewing in tea bags. Slightly milder in aroma than whole leaf but easy and reliable for everyday use.
Best for
- ✓Quick everyday brewing
- ✓Travel and office
- ✓Iced tea base
Lemongrass-ginger blend
A popular caffeine-free pairing of lemongrass with warming ginger. The citrus brightness and spicy warmth complement each other, making a comforting cup especially enjoyed after meals.
Best for
- ✓Cozy evening ritual
- ✓Post-meal comfort
- ✓Cold-weather warmer
Did you know?
The bright lemon scent of lemongrass comes from citral, the very same aromatic compound that gives lemon peel its zesty fragrance.
Foods with this tea
What to Eat with Lemongrass Tea
Lemongrass tea's bright, citrusy freshness pairs beautifully with Southeast Asian dishes, light seafood, fragrant rice, and tropical fruit.
Lemongrass Tea Poached Chicken with Herb Rice
Tender chicken gently poached in a fragrant lemongrass tea broth with ginger and garlic, served over fresh herb rice for a light, aromatic meal.
Lemongrass and Coconut Panna Cotta
A silky coconut panna cotta infused with fragrant lemongrass tea—creamy and tropical with a bright, citrusy lift that keeps it refreshingly light.
Drinks with this tea
Lemongrass Ginger Wellness Infusion
A warming, caffeine-free infusion of bright lemongrass and spicy ginger with a touch of honey—a gentle, comforting cup for any time of day.
Iced Lemongrass Limeade
Cold-brewed lemongrass tea blended with fresh lime and mint over ice—a crisp, caffeine-free cooler that tastes like a tropical afternoon.
Lemongrass Gin Cooler (with Mocktail Variant)
A crisp, aromatic cooler where lemongrass-infused gin meets fresh lime and soda—plus an easy alcohol-free mocktail version for everyone at the table.