Easy Lemongrass Tea Recipe (and Benefits)
This lemongrass tea recipe is incredibly easy to make with fresh lemongrass. The resulting tea has a strong citrusy flavor that you will absolutely love. Plus, the tea is really good for you!
To brew the tea, simply boil the leaves and stalks in hot water for 10 minutes, steep for 10 minutes, before straining, sweetening and serving.
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Ingredients for lemongrass tea
For this recipe, I used:
- fresh lemongrass: I used fresh lemongrass from my garden to make this tea. If you don’t have your own plant, check out Asian and West Indian supermarkets for lemongrass. Or find these options on Amazon. You can use the stalks only or the stalks and leaves. Personally, I find the leaves hold a lot of flavor and try to use both whenever I can. Dried or powdered lemongrass will also work for this recipe.
- water
- sweetener: of your choice. This, of course, is optional and is based on what you prefer like sugar or honey. I drink the tea without any additional sweetener – it doesn’t really need it to be honest.
What does lemongrass tea taste like
Lemongrass tea has a strong citrusy taste and smell with a slightly bitter, herbaceous aftertaste. Boiling fresh lemongrass will release its oils which will further intensify this citrus smell. If not mixed well, these oils can coat your lips and the insides of your mouth while drinking, which may feel uncomfortable.
How to make lemongrass tea
Step 1: Place a small pot on the stove on medium heat. Add water and bring to a boil.
Step 2: Wash the fresh lemongrass leaves and stalks thoroughly to remove any dirt. Sometimes, I peel off the outermost layer of the stalk, but that is optional. If you are using dried lemongrass leaves or stalks, you can also give them a wash at this point.
Step 3: Add the washed lemongrass to the water.
Step 4: Boil for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Remove from the heat and leave to steep for 5 – 10 minutes. The longer the time, the stronger the tea will become.
Step 6: Strain the tea. If you want to sweeten the tea, you can do so at this point. Serve hot or cold. Cold lemongrass tea is incredibly refreshing but nothing beats a soothing cup of warm lemongrass tea.
Where to buy lemongrass tea
Of course, you can skip these steps and purchase lemongrass tea bags on Amazon.
Lemongrass tea benefits
One study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food in 2015 found lemongrass tea had positive effects on many blood parameters. Hemoglobin concentrations, red blood cell count, packed cell volume, neutrophils and lymphocytes (types of white blood cells) all increased whereas total white blood cell count significantly decreased. The researchers believed lemongrass may help treat and prevent anemia.
Lemongrass and, especially, its essential oil have powerful antimicrobial benefits. This 2017 Indian study noted the oil is antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antiseptic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving and fever-reducing. The researchers also cited a study showing the antibacterial and antifungal properties were just as effective as penicillin.
Drink lemongrass tea in moderation!
A 2014 study out of Nigeria found that long-term, daily use of lemongrass had a negative effect on the kidneys. Blood parameters like glomerular filtration rate (which indicates how well the kidneys function) decreased after long-term use of lemongrass. Meanwhile, urea and creatinine levels increased in the blood and urine. So, it is best to enjoy small doses of lemongrass tea in moderation.
Lemongrass tea recipe
Easy Lemongrass Tea
Ingredients
- 15 g fresh lemongrass
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- Place a small pot on medium heat.
- Add water to the pot. Bring to a boil.
- Wash lemongrass thoroughly.
- Add lemongrass to the water.
- Brew for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Leave to steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain.
- Sweeten (optional) and serve hot (or cold).
