How (and Why!) to Make Lemongrass Tea

I like to share information that makes life more joyful and meaningful. My main interests are health and general wellness in body and mind.

Why Drink Lemongrass Tea?

First, why do we want to drink lemongrass tea? It has great medicinal values, that’s why. You can’t eat lemongrass. So the next best thing is to make tea with it. It contains anti-bacterial and anti-cancer properties.

There is a substance in it called "citral" that gives it the lemon-like aroma. This citral allegedly causes cancer cells to self-destruct, a process referred to as “apoptosis.” Apart from this very important substance, lemongrass is also able to heal many illnesses and relieve problems like joint and muscle pains. Drinking lemongrass tea has the following benefits:

• Detoxify the body
• Improve blood circulation
• Reduce blood pressure
• Cure flu and cold
• Reduce fever
• Relieve indigestion and flatulence
• Relieve arthritic pain
• Normalize bowel movement and bladder control

The scientific name for lemongrass is Cymbopogon. One variety is called citronella, and it is effective for repelling insects, especially mosquitoes. In Asian cooking, lemongrass is an indispensable ingredient, especially in Thai cuisine. Here in Malaysia, and also in Indonesia, it is called serai. In our local Hokkien dialect, lemongrass is called chang mao. It is also an important herb in Ayurvedic treatment for cough and nasal congestion.

How to Make Lemongrass Tea

1. Wash 8 stalks of lemongrass.
2. Crush the stalks with the flat side or blunt side of a knife or with a pestle.
3. Put stalks in a pot with 1 liter of water and bring to boil.
4. Simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Discard the stalks.
6. Add 2 tablespoons (or to taste) of brown sugar.
7. Drink it hot, cold, or at room temperature, whichever suits your taste.

Harvesting Lemongrass

The information provided in this article is sourced from the internet, from friends and contacts, and from personal experience. As I cautioned in my article, not every remedy will work on everyone. It very much depends on the person's constitution and the conditions peculiar to that person.

Whatever the reasons, this article does not claim the information provided will "cure" anyone. The purpose of this article is merely to inform visitors that there are alternative remedies for many ailments.

You are therefore advised to consult your registered medical physicians as a matter of due diligence.

Sources

• De Silva, B., et al. (2017). Antimicrobial property of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) oil against pathogenic bacteria isolated from pet turtles. Laboratory animal research, 33(2), 84–91. doi:10.5625/lar.2017.33.2.84
• Philion, C., et al. (2017). Cymbopogon citratus and Camellia sinensis extracts selectively induce apoptosis in cancer cells and reduce growth of lymphoma xenografts in vivo. Oncotarget, 8(67), 110756–110773. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.22502
• Xia, H., et al. (2012). The in vitro study of apoptosis in NB4 cell induced by citral. PubMed. doi: 10.1007/s10616-012-9453-2

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

© 2012 Justin Choo

Comments

Pam Steele on October 09, 2019:

We are drinking the tea now, delicious. My whole house smells so good. How often do we drink the tea to get the benefits from it.

Judy W Chancey on September 01, 2019:

Thank you, just tried it and I liked it.

Peter on October 24, 2012:

I have a friend staying in Thailand and she taught me to boil lemongrass with apples, green or red, it doesn't really matter.

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on October 15, 2012:

Hi jantamaya,

Thank you the encouragement and voteup.

Maria Janta-Cooper from UK on October 14, 2012:

Thank you for writing this hub! Great information. Voted it up.

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on October 12, 2012:

Hi Thelma Alberts ,

Not many Caucasians (Westerners?) know how to use lemongrass in cooking. You are well-informed. I hope you crush the stalks before cooking. This will enable the juice and aroma to be released.

Thanks for voteup.

Thelma Alberts from Germany and Philippines on October 12, 2012:

Wow! Great info here. I did not know that I can make tea out of lemongrass. I have lemongrass in my garden. I only use it for making vegetable soups. Thanks for this hub, I´ll be making a lemongrass tea. Voted up and useful. Thanks for sharing.

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on October 12, 2012:

Hi Carol7777,

Maybe from Asian grocery stores? Especially Thai stores.

carol stanley from Arizona on October 12, 2012:

Where do you buy lemon grass? I always like new ways to improve health. Thanks for sharing