Side Effects of Lemongrass Tea: A Guide to Safe Use

Reading time:12 min

Published:March 25, 2025

Author:

Cymbiotika

Sipping a warm cup of herbal tea is a ritual many of us use to ground ourselves during a busy day. Lemongrass tea, with its bright, citrusy aroma and crisp flavor, is a popular choice for those seeking a refreshing, caffeine-free alternative to traditional teas. It has been used for centuries in various cultures, valued for its soothing properties and unique botanical profile.

Introduction

At Cymbiotika, we believe that every element of your wellness routine should be backed by transparency and an understanding of how it interacts with your body. While herbal infusions are often viewed as entirely benign, every plant contains active compounds that can affect individuals differently. This article covers the potential side effects of lemongrass tea, who should approach it with caution, and how to ensure you are getting the most out of your botanical rituals through quality and bioavailability.

Understanding the safety profile of what you consume is the first step toward a more intentional health journey. While many people enjoy this tea without issue, being informed helps you listen to your body’s unique signals and make adjustments that support your long-term vitality.

What is Lemongrass?

Lemongrass, scientifically known as Cymbopogon, is a tall, perennial grass native to tropical climates. It is most famous for its heavy concentration of citral and geraniol, the organic compounds responsible for its distinct lemon scent and flavor. These compounds are secondary metabolites, which the plant uses for protection, but they also interact with human biology when consumed.

When you steep lemongrass in hot water, you are creating an aqueous extract. This process draws out water-soluble vitamins, minerals, and a small amount of the plant's essential oils. Because it is a botanical product, the concentration of these active ingredients can vary significantly based on where the plant was grown, when it was harvested, and how it was processed.

Key Takeaway: Lemongrass tea is a complex botanical infusion containing active aromatic compounds like citral, which provide its flavor but also interact with your body’s metabolic pathways.

Common Side Effects of Lemongrass Tea

For most healthy adults, a cup or two of lemongrass tea is well-tolerated. However, because the plant contains potent essential oils, some people may experience mild physiological responses. These are often a sign that the body is processing the plant compounds or that the concentration was higher than the individual's current tolerance level.

Digestive Sensitivities

Some individuals may experience mild digestive changes after drinking lemongrass tea. This can include a slight increase in appetite or, conversely, a feeling of mild indigestion if the tea is consumed on an empty stomach. The citrus-like compounds can occasionally trigger a response in those with sensitive stomach linings.

Dizziness and Dry Mouth

A frequently reported side effect of lemongrass tea is a dry sensation in the mouth or throat. In some cases, people have reported feeling slightly lightheaded or dizzy after consuming large quantities. This is often linked to the herb's mild diuretic effect, which encourages the body to release excess fluid.

Increased Urination

Lemongrass is known in many herbal traditions as a "flushing" herb. This means it may increase the frequency of urination. While this can be helpful for those looking to manage fluid balance, it can be an inconvenience if consumed late in the evening or before a long commute. It is important to stay hydrated with plain water to balance this effect.

Allergic Reactions

Though rare, skin rashes or respiratory irritation can occur in individuals with a specific sensitivity to the Poaceae (grass) family. If you notice itching, hives, or difficulty breathing after drinking the tea, it is essential to stop use immediately and consult a healthcare professional.

Why Bioavailability and Quality Matter

When discussing any supplement or herbal tea, the conversation often centers on the dose. However, the more important question is often: how much is your body actually absorbing? This concept is known as bioavailability—the proportion of a substance that enters the circulation when introduced into the body and is so able to have an active effect. For a broader explanation, explore Cymbiotika’s guide to bioavailability and liposomal delivery.

Standard herbal teas often have low bioavailability because the active compounds must survive the harsh environment of the digestive tract. Furthermore, the quality of the raw material changes everything. At Cymbiotika, we focus on bioavailability because we know that a high-quality, well-delivered nutrient is far more effective than a high-dose, poorly absorbed one.

Liposomal delivery is a technology we often use to solve this problem. It involves wrapping nutrients in a phospholipid bilayer—a tiny bubble made of the same material as your cell membranes. This protects the nutrient from stomach acid and helps it move directly into the bloodstream. While tea is a traditional delivery method, those looking for consistent results often turn to more advanced delivery systems to ensure their body can truly utilize the ingredients.

Myth: All herbal teas are the same regardless of where you buy them.
Fact: The soil quality, drying process, and storage conditions significantly impact the potency and safety of lemongrass tea. Low-quality teas may contain mold, heavy metals, or pesticides that increase the risk of side effects.

Who Should Exercise Caution?

While lemongrass is generally recognized as safe for culinary use, the concentrated amounts found in medicinal-strength teas require a more cautious approach for certain groups.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Expectant mothers are generally advised to avoid lemongrass tea in medicinal amounts. Some studies suggest that high concentrations of lemongrass compounds could potentially affect fetal development or stimulate uterine contractions. While a small amount used as a culinary spice is usually fine, the concentrated nature of tea is a different matter. Always speak with your healthcare provider before introducing new herbs during pregnancy.

Individuals with Underlying Health Concerns

Those managing specific health issues involving the kidneys or liver should be mindful of lemongrass consumption. Because the liver processes the plant's essential oils and the kidneys handle the increased fluid output, these organs work harder when you consume potent herbal infusions.

Blood Sugar Management

There is some evidence that lemongrass may influence how the body manages glucose. If you are already taking steps to support healthy blood sugar levels, adding large amounts of lemongrass tea could lead to unexpected fluctuations. Monitoring your response is key if you choose to include it in your routine.

Potential Drug Interactions

Lemongrass tea can interact with certain medications by either enhancing their effect or slowing down their clearance from the body. This usually happens because the compounds in the herb can influence the enzymes in the liver responsible for metabolizing drugs.

Common areas of interaction include:

Diuretics: Since lemongrass already has a mild diuretic effect, combining it with prescription water pills could lead to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances.
Chemotherapy: Some compounds in lemongrass may interfere with the action of certain chemotherapeutic agents.
Thyroid Medication: There is limited evidence suggesting that lemongrass might interfere with the function of thyroid hormones or the medications used to manage them.

Bottom line: If you are taking any daily prescription medications, it is best to enjoy lemongrass tea in moderation and keep your doctor informed of your herbal intake.

Sourcing and Preparation for Safety

To minimize the risk of side effects, how you source and prepare your tea is just as important as how much you drink. Many of the negative experiences associated with herbal teas stem from poor-quality ingredients rather than the plant itself.

Choosing the Right Source

Look for lemongrass that is organic and non-GMO. Conventional lemongrass may be treated with synthetic pesticides that can concentrate in the leaves and end up in your cup. High-quality sourcing ensures that the plant was grown in clean soil, reducing the risk of heavy metal contamination.

Proper Preparation Techniques

If you are new to lemongrass tea, start with a "low and slow" approach. This allows your body to acclimate to the active compounds without being overwhelmed.

Step 1: Use about one teaspoon of dried lemongrass or one small stalk of fresh lemongrass per cup of water.
Step 2: Steep in hot (but not boiling) water for 5 to 7 minutes. Over-steeping can make the tea bitter and overly concentrated.
Step 3: Drink no more than one cup per day for the first week to monitor how your digestion and energy levels respond.

Storage for Potency

The volatile oils in lemongrass, like citral, are sensitive to light, heat, and air. Store your dried lemongrass in a cool, dark place in an airtight container. If your tea has lost its characteristic lemony aroma, the active compounds have likely degraded, and the tea will be less effective and potentially less pleasant to drink.

Integrating Herbs into a Wellness Routine

Lemongrass tea can be a wonderful addition to a balanced lifestyle, but it is just one piece of the puzzle. We believe that true wellness is built through consistency and a variety of supportive habits. Rather than relying on a single herb, consider how different elements of your routine work together.

For example, if you enjoy lemongrass for its calming aroma, you might also find value in other forms of nervous system support, such as our Magnesium Complex. Magnesium supports muscle relaxation and a sense of calm, which can complement the soothing ritual of a warm cup of tea. You can also explore Cymbiotika’s magnesium bisglycinate ingredient guide to learn more about this form of magnesium.

Alternatively, if you are drawn to lemongrass for its refreshing properties, you might be interested in our Super Greens. While lemongrass provides a specific botanical experience, a greens blend offers a broad spectrum of whole-food nutrition that supports daily energy and metabolic health.

Key Takeaway: Herbal teas are most effective when they are part of a diverse, high-quality routine that prioritizes clean ingredients and optimal absorption.

Building a Routine You Can Trust

Navigating the world of herbal supplements and teas can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. The key is to prioritize transparency and education. When you understand the "why" behind an ingredient and the "how" of its delivery, you are empowered to make better choices for your body.

When evaluating a new addition to your routine, ask yourself:

Is this source clean and free of unnecessary fillers?
Has this been tested for purity and potency?
Is the delivery method designed for maximum bioavailability?

By asking these questions, you move away from the "trial and error" phase of wellness and toward a structured, science-forward approach. Cymbiotika’s Supplement Guide can help organize products around wellness areas such as energy, gut health, sleep, and stress.

Conclusion

Lemongrass tea is a vibrant, flavorful botanical that offers a range of sensory and wellness benefits. While most people can enjoy it safely, being aware of potential side effects—such as dry mouth, increased urination, or interactions with pregnancy—allows you to use it more effectively. By focusing on high-quality sourcing and understanding how your body absorbs these compounds, you can turn a simple cup of tea into a meaningful part of your health journey.

At Cymbiotika, we are dedicated to helping you find the right balance through clean formulations and advanced delivery systems. Our mission is to empower you with the knowledge and products needed to thrive. If you’re ready to take the next step in personalizing your wellness routine, we invite you to explore our curated offerings.

Start with small servings to assess your tolerance.
Prioritize organic, high-quality sourcing to avoid contaminants.
Consult a healthcare provider if you are pregnant or on medication.
Focus on consistency and bioavailability for long-term results.

Key Takeaway: Wellness is not a one-size-fits-all journey. By understanding the nuances of herbs like lemongrass, you can build a routine that supports your body’s unique needs with confidence and clarity.

To discover a supplement routine tailored specifically to your goals and lifestyle, take the Health Quiz on our website for personalized recommendations.

FAQ

Is it safe to drink lemongrass tea every day?

For most healthy individuals, drinking one to two cups of lemongrass tea daily is considered safe. However, because of its mild diuretic properties, it is important to balance your intake with plenty of plain water to stay hydrated. If you notice persistent dry mouth or dizziness, it may be a sign to reduce your daily consumption.

Can lemongrass tea affect your kidneys?

Lemongrass has a natural diuretic effect, which means it encourages the kidneys to flush out excess water and sodium. While this is generally safe for people with healthy kidney function, those with pre-existing kidney conditions should consult their doctor before consuming it regularly, as it could put additional strain on the renal system.

Does lemongrass tea interact with any medications?

Yes, lemongrass may interact with certain medications, particularly diuretics, blood sugar treatments, and some chemotherapy drugs. It can also influence liver enzymes that process various prescriptions. If you are on a daily medication regimen, it is best to check with your healthcare provider to ensure there are no contraindications.

Why do I feel dizzy after drinking lemongrass tea?

Dizziness is a less common side effect but can occur if the tea causes a minor drop in blood pressure or if its diuretic effect leads to slight dehydration. It may also happen if the tea is consumed in very high concentrations. If you feel lightheaded, try reducing the steeping time and drinking the tea alongside a meal.

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Table of Contents

Introduction

What is Lemongrass?

Common Side Effects of Lemongrass Tea

Why Bioavailability and Quality Matter

Who Should Exercise Caution?

Potential Drug Interactions

Sourcing and Preparation for Safety

Integrating Herbs into a Wellness Routine

Building a Routine You Can Trust

Conclusion

FAQ

Dive deeper

Frequently searched

Recommended

Liposomal Advanced Creatine

Liquid Colostrum

Liposomal Elderberry

Frequently searched

Recommended

Liposomal Advanced Creatine

Liquid Colostrum

Liposomal Elderberry

What is Lemongrass?

Common Side Effects of Lemongrass Tea

Why Bioavailability and Quality Matter

Who Should Exercise Caution?

Potential Drug Interactions

Sourcing and Preparation for Safety

Integrating Herbs into a Wellness Routine

Building a Routine You Can Trust

Conclusion

FAQ

Frequently searched

Recommended

Liposomal Advanced Creatine

Liquid Colostrum

Liposomal Elderberry