Lemongrass - also known as Cymbopogon citratus, oil grass, citronella, citronella grass, fever grass, barbed wire grass - is a plant that belongs to the Poaceae grass family. It is well known and utilized for its distinct lemon flavor and citrusy aroma. Lemongrass has several culinary uses and has been recommended by traditional medicine practitioners for its medicinal properties as well.* When consumed orally, lemongrass can help relieve a variety of ailments.*

These include, but are not limited to:*

• Anemia. Lemongrass can help various anemia types thanks to its high iron content. Iron is an essential component for hemoglobin synthesis (a red blood cell protein responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body). 
• Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Due to these properties, lemongrass tea can help treat arthritis, gout, and urinary tract inflammation. Lemongrass’ antiseptic properties can also help to eliminate unhealthy microorganisms, and purify and detoxify the blood. As such, bacterial, fungal, or yeast infections can possibly be controlled. 
• Balsamic action (cold & flu relief). The volatile oil content in lemongrass has a balsamic action on the respiratory tract which can be useful for alleviating cold, flu, and hay fever symptoms. 
• Detoxifying & purifying action. Drink a cup or glass of lemongrass tea for its antioxidant, antiseptic and diuretic effects which purify and cleanse the liver, bladder, kidneys, colon, and pancreas.  
• Diabetes. As lemongrass tea helps cleanse the pancreas and improve its functions, blood sugar levels in diabetics might be lowered. 
• Digestive health. Lemongrass' antimicrobial properties can help regulate intestinal function and motility. As a result, consumption of lemongrass can relieve digestive-related issues such as vomiting, constipation, indigestion, diarrhea, flatulence, stomach spasms, intestinal bloating, and cramps. 
• Gastritis or heartburn. A mug of warm lemongrass tea can be very soothing when experiencing acid indigestion/heartburn or gastritis. 
• High blood pressure. The diuretic effects of lemongrass are secondary to its high potassium content. This can help regulate and lower blood pressure.
• High cholesterol. Lemongrass has an anti-cholesterol and anti-atherosclerosis action. It helps reduce both the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine, as well as the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol in the blood, thus preventing one of the first steps in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. 
• Skin health. Improved blood circulation can result in better skin health. Therefore, regular consumption of lemongrass tea can help reduce acne, psoriasis, and eczema. 
• Weight loss. The diuretic effect of lemongrass tea can help effectively and quickly carry out body waste in high volume, which can result in weight loss. Its digestive system and metabolism boosting effects can also support weight loss efforts.

Our brewing recommendations are below, but feel free to prepare your brew to suit your preference! Your main considerations should be water quality and temperature, tea quantity, and steeping time.

We recommend using 1-2 tsp of tea per 8 oz of water at a full rolling boil (212°F) and steeping anywhere from 3 to 5 minutes. Teas prepared from light, delicate blossoms or leaves require shorter steeping times than more hearty herbs. If you prefer a stronger brew, we suggest using more tea.

These steps provide a sweeter, better tasting brew while repeated infusions allow you to extract all the nutritional and medicinal benefits from the herb. Herbal teas can be brewed in porcelain, ceramic, glass, or stainless steel vessels, but never in aluminum or other harmful materials. Be sure to cover the cup or teapot while steeping to prevent the loss of fragrant essential oils and other therapeutic and nutritional elements.  

Commonly used in southeast Asian cuisine, you can also pair lemongrass with other spices and ingredients to add exotic flavor to dishes, or use alone to season soups and curries. Lemongrass is also useful for making various skin care products, soaps, candles, tinctures, or infusions. Experiment away if interested in using in other crafting applications!