Can You Put Lemongrass in Your Water for Flavor and Health?

According to a 2021 review, lemongrass contains several antioxidants, including chlorogenic acid, isoorientin, and swertiajaponin. Given its promising antioxidant properties, many people wonder, "can you put lemongrass in your water?" The answer is yes, and it's a great way to add flavor and a potential health boost to your daily hydration.

Quick Summary

Using fresh lemongrass stalks to infuse water is a safe and effective way to create a flavorful, naturally enhanced drink. The process involves lightly bruising the stalks to release their citrusy oils, then steeping them in water. Infused lemongrass water offers potential digestive, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating benefits.

Key Points

• Lemongrass Infusion is Safe: Using fresh or dried lemongrass stalks to infuse water is a safe and common practice, unlike ingesting essential oil.

• Rich in Antioxidants: Lemongrass water is packed with beneficial antioxidants that can help fight inflammation and cellular damage.

• Aids Digestion: It acts as a digestive aid, helping to soothe stomach cramps, bloating, and other digestive issues.

• Supports Hydration and Detox: The mild diuretic effect helps flush out excess fluid, supporting kidney function and detoxification.

• Naturally Caffeine-Free: As an herbal infusion, lemongrass water is caffeine-free and makes a great healthy alternative to sugary drinks.

• Not for Pregnant Women: Due to its potential to stimulate uterine flow, lemongrass is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

• Easy to Prepare: You can make delicious lemongrass infused water by simply bruising the stalks, steeping in water, and chilling for a few hours.

• Flavorful and Versatile: The citrusy, refreshing flavor of lemongrass pairs well with other ingredients like ginger, mint, and lime.

What Happens When You Infuse Lemongrass in Water?

When you put lemongrass in your water, you create a mild herbal infusion. Unlike brewing a hot tea, the flavors and compounds are released more slowly, resulting in a subtle, refreshing, citrusy flavor with a hint of ginger and mint. This process transfers beneficial plant compounds, including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, into the water, while creating a healthy, zero-calorie flavored beverage.

It is crucial to use the fresh or dried stalks and leaves of the lemongrass plant, not the essential oil, for infused water. Essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause irritation or other adverse effects if ingested improperly.

Potential Health Benefits of Lemongrass Water

For centuries, lemongrass has been used in folk medicine for its therapeutic properties. When infused in water, you can enjoy these benefits in a simple, hydrating form. While many studies have focused on highly concentrated lemongrass extracts or essential oils, the compounds present in mild infusions still offer notable advantages.

• Promotes Healthy Digestion: A cup of lemongrass water is a traditional remedy for soothing an upset stomach, cramping, and bloating. It is believed to stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, which aids the digestive process.
• Provides Antioxidants: Lemongrass contains antioxidants like chlorogenic acid and isoorientin, which help combat free radicals in the body that can cause cellular damage.
• Reduces Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of lemongrass may help reduce pain and swelling in the body. This can be particularly beneficial for issues like headaches or muscle aches.
• Acts as a Mild Diuretic: In the world of natural health, lemongrass is known to have a mild diuretic effect. This can help flush out excess fluid and sodium from the body, supporting detoxification and boosting kidney function.
• Supports Oral Health: Some research suggests that lemongrass oil has anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis properties. While infused water is much less concentrated than mouthwash, chewing on the fibrous stalks is a traditional practice to support dental health.

How to Make Refreshing Lemongrass Infused Water

Making your own lemongrass water is a straightforward process. The key is to prepare the stalks properly to maximize flavor release.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of water
• 2-3 fresh lemongrass stalks
• Optional additions: sliced ginger, cucumber, or mint leaves

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Lemongrass: Cut the woody ends off the lemongrass stalks. Remove and discard any tough outer layers. Cut the remaining, pale inner stalk into 1-2 inch pieces.
2. Bruise the Stalks: To release the aromatic oils, use the back of a knife, a rolling pin, or a mortar and pestle to gently crush the lemongrass pieces. This releases the fragrance and flavor compounds.
3. Infuse the Water: Place the bruised lemongrass stalks in a pitcher and add the 4 cups of water. Add any other desired ingredients like ginger or mint.
4. Chill and Steep: Refrigerate the pitcher for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse. For a stronger flavor, let it steep overnight.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Strain the infused water to remove the lemongrass pieces before serving. Enjoy chilled or over ice.

Comparison Table: Hot vs. Cold Lemongrass Infusion

Feature	Cold Lemongrass Infusion	Hot Lemongrass Tea (Herbal)
Preparation Time	Longer (at least 1-2 hours)	Shorter (5-10 minutes)
Flavor Profile	Subtle, mild, and refreshing	Stronger, more intense citrus flavor
Key Benefit	Hydrating, low-maintenance flavor	Warming, more concentrated herbal compounds
Nutrient Extraction	Slow and gentle extraction	Rapid and efficient extraction
Ideal For	Daily hydration, summer drinks	Soothing evening beverage, digestive aid

Safety Precautions and Considerations

While lemongrass is generally considered safe for consumption in culinary and moderate herbal tea amounts, there are important precautions to consider.

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Lemongrass is not recommended for pregnant women, as it can potentially stimulate the uterus and menstrual flow. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a doctor before consuming it.
• Medication Interactions: Individuals taking certain medications, especially diuretics or blood pressure medication, should consult a healthcare provider before regularly consuming lemongrass water. Lemongrass is also known to lower blood pressure and increase urination.
• Allergic Reactions: Some people may have an allergic reaction to lemongrass, with symptoms including skin rash or irritation. If this occurs, discontinue use.
• Listen to Your Body: For those new to lemongrass, it is advisable to start with small quantities to see how your body reacts.

Conclusion

Adding lemongrass to your water is a simple and delicious way to enhance your hydration with a natural, citrusy flavor. As a healthy alternative to sugary drinks, infused lemongrass water offers potential benefits like improved digestion and a boost of antioxidants. By using fresh or dried stalks and taking simple precautions, you can enjoy this refreshing beverage safely. Remember to consult a healthcare professional with any underlying health conditions, and most importantly, listen to your body to ensure a positive and healthy experience. You can find high-quality fresh or dried lemongrass at most natural food stores or Asian grocery markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How long does lemongrass infused water last in the fridge? Answer: For the best flavor and freshness, lemongrass infused water should be consumed within 24-48 hours. After this time, the flavor may become too strong, or the freshness may decline. Always store it in a sealed pitcher in the refrigerator.

Question: Can I use dried lemongrass for infused water? Answer: Yes, you can use dried lemongrass. The flavor will be more concentrated than fresh lemongrass, so you'll need to use less. Use about 1-2 teaspoons of dried lemongrass per cup of hot water, then chill, or simply add a smaller amount to cold water for a longer infusion period.

Question: What part of the lemongrass stalk should I use for infusion? Answer: Use the pale, fleshy inner stalk for the best flavor. The tough, green outer layers and the very woody bottom end should be peeled away and discarded. Bruising the inner stalk helps release the oils and aroma.

Question: Is lemongrass water caffeinated? Answer: No, lemongrass water made from the stalks and leaves is naturally caffeine-free. This makes it an excellent choice for a hydrating beverage at any time of day, including the evening.

Question: Can lemongrass water help with weight loss? Answer: While lemongrass water is not a magic solution for weight loss, it can support weight management. It acts as a diuretic, which helps reduce water retention, and replacing high-sugar drinks with this zero-calorie alternative can support overall weight loss goals.

Question: Can I mix other ingredients with lemongrass in my water? Answer: Yes, lemongrass pairs beautifully with other flavors. Popular combinations include ginger, mint, cucumber, and lime slices. These additions can enhance the taste and add their own potential health benefits.

Question: Is it safe to use lemongrass essential oil in water for drinking? Answer: No, you should never ingest lemongrass essential oil unless specifically instructed by a medical professional and in very specific, safe formulations. For infused water, use only the fresh or dried herb.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare fresh lemongrass stalks for infused water?

To prepare fresh lemongrass, trim the woody bottom ends and remove the tough outer layers. The soft, pale inner stalk is used for infusion. Gently bruise the stalk with the back of a knife or a rolling pin to help release its flavorful oils before adding it to water.

Can I use lemongrass powder for my water?

While it's possible, using fresh or dried stalks is generally preferred for infused water to avoid a gritty texture. If using powder, start with a very small amount, like half a teaspoon per liter, and strain the water after steeping to remove sediment.

What is the best way to get a strong lemongrass flavor?

For a more potent flavor, you can make a concentrated hot infusion (lemongrass tea) by boiling the bruised stalks for 5-10 minutes, then letting it cool and straining it before adding to cold water. Steeping in the refrigerator for a longer period (overnight) also intensifies the flavor.

Does lemongrass water have side effects?

In moderation, side effects are uncommon. However, excessive consumption can cause dizziness, dry mouth, or increased urination. People who are pregnant, on specific medications, or have certain health conditions should consult a doctor before consumption.

Is infused lemongrass water good for detox?

Lemongrass has mild diuretic and antioxidant properties that can support the body's natural detoxification processes, such as flushing out excess fluids. However, it is not a cure-all for detoxification and should be part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

How does lemongrass water compare to lemon water?

While both offer refreshing citrus notes and aid hydration, lemongrass water provides a unique aromatic profile with notes of ginger and mint, along with different antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. Lemon water, from lemon fruit, is high in Vitamin C.

Can I reuse the lemongrass stalks for another batch?

Yes, you can reuse the stalks for a second infusion. The flavor will be milder, but they will still provide a gentle taste. For best results, use them within 24 hours of the first use to maintain freshness.