Is it safe to drink lemongrass every day?

November 15, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2015 human study, consuming lemongrass tea for 30 days led to a dose- and time-dependent decrease in renal function markers like eGFR. Understanding this nuance is crucial when considering if it is safe to drink lemongrass every day, as moderate, short-term use differs greatly from high-dose, prolonged consumption.

Quick Summary

This article explores the safety of daily lemongrass tea consumption, detailing its health benefits, potential side effects, and important precautions for long-term use. Key dosage recommendations and interactions with medications are also covered.

Key Points

Moderation is key: Most healthy adults can safely drink 1-4 cups of lemongrass tea per day, but excessive intake is not advised.
Supports digestion and immunity: Lemongrass tea provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that aid digestion and boost immune function.
Potential kidney concerns: High-dose or prolonged daily consumption may negatively affect kidney function, as shown by some human studies.
Avoid during pregnancy: Due to potential risks, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid lemongrass or consult a healthcare professional.
Check for drug interactions: Lemongrass may interact with medications for blood pressure, diabetes, and blood thinners; consult a doctor if you are on medication.
Watch for side effects: Excessive consumption can cause dry mouth, dizziness, or digestive upset.
Stick to tea, avoid oils: Ingesting concentrated lemongrass essential oils is unsafe and should be avoided.

Lemongrass Tea: Benefits of Daily, Moderate Consumption

For most healthy adults, drinking one to four cups of lemongrass tea daily is considered safe and may offer several health advantages. This caffeine-free herbal beverage is valued for its rich antioxidant content and calming properties. Moderate, daily intake supports overall wellness by aiding digestion and reducing stress.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties

Lemongrass contains powerful antioxidant compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic compounds, that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. These properties can protect cells from damage and support the body's natural defense mechanisms.

Antioxidants like citral and flavonoids neutralize free radicals.
The anti-inflammatory effects can help soothe irritation and support healing.
Regular consumption may contribute to a stronger immune system.

Digestive and Detoxification Support

Lemongrass is traditionally used to aid digestive issues such as bloating, indigestion, and cramps. It has mild diuretic and cleansing effects that help flush toxins from the body and promote kidney and liver function.

Citral stimulates digestive enzymes for smoother digestion.
Its diuretic properties assist in flushing out excess fluids.
It promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria while inhibiting pathogenic strains.

Relaxation and Stress Relief

The soothing nature of lemongrass can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Drinking a cup in the evening may help lower cortisol levels and aid in a better night's sleep.

The calming aroma can have a relaxing effect on the nervous system.
Its use in aromatherapy for stress relief is well-documented.

Potential Risks and Who Should Be Cautious

While generally safe in moderation, certain individuals should be cautious or avoid daily lemongrass tea consumption, especially in large doses. Excessive intake or prolonged high-dose use has been linked to adverse effects in human studies.

Kidney Health Concerns

Concerns about long-term or high-dose intake relate to kidney function. A 2015 study in healthy adults showed decreased eGFR and creatinine clearance rate after 30 days of consuming lemongrass tea, particularly at higher doses. More details on the kidney function study can be found on {Link: jrnjournal.org https://www.jrnjournal.org/article/S1051-2276(14)00157-5/abstract}.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Due to potential risks at very high concentrations of components, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid lemongrass tea or consult a healthcare provider.

Other Potential Side Effects

Excessive intake can cause digestive upset, dizziness, drowsiness, or dry mouth. Allergic reactions are rare.

Lemongrass vs. Regular Tea: Safety and Consumption


Feature	Lemongrass Tea	Regular (Black/Green) Tea
Caffeine	Caffeine-free	Contains caffeine
Diuretic Effect	Mild diuretic effect	Also has diuretic properties
Kidney Concerns	High/prolonged doses linked to decreased eGFR	Broader studies suggest it may be protective
Blood Pressure	May lower blood pressure	Varies; green tea may lower pressure
Drug Interactions	Potential interactions with blood pressure meds, blood thinners, and diuretics	Interacts with various drugs, notably blood thinners and stimulants
Pregnancy	Avoid high doses; consult doctor	Moderate consumption generally considered safe; consult doctor

Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance for Daily Consumption

For most people, drinking lemongrass tea daily in moderation (e.g., 1–3 cups) is generally considered safe and can be a healthy, flavorful addition to a wellness routine, providing antioxidants, aiding digestion, and promoting relaxation. However, the key is moderation, as high-dose or prolonged consumption, especially over 30 days, has been shown to potentially impact kidney function negatively, according to some studies. Certain populations, such as pregnant women and individuals with kidney, liver, or blood pressure issues, should exercise caution and seek professional medical advice before regular use. To ensure safety, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare provider, particularly if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medications.

How to Safely Incorporate Lemongrass into Your Daily Routine

Start small: Begin with one cup a day to see how your body reacts before increasing your intake.
Bruise stalks for brewing: Gently crushing fresh lemongrass stalks before steeping helps release more flavor and beneficial oils.
Mix it up: Consider pairing lemongrass with other ingredients like ginger, honey, or lemon for a balanced flavor profile and potential additional benefits.
Listen to your body: If you experience any side effects like dizziness, stomach upset, or increased urination, reduce your intake or stop consuming it altogether.
Avoid essential oil concentrates: Ingesting pure lemongrass essential oil is significantly more potent than tea and can be harmful; stick to teas and culinary uses.

For more information on herbal medicine, consider exploring reputable resources like the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), an authoritative source for evidence-based information on complementary health approaches. [Link: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/lemongrass]

Frequently Asked Questions

For most healthy adults, drinking 1 to 4 cups of lemongrass tea per day is considered safe, especially if spaced throughout the day. It is always best to start with a smaller amount to see how your body reacts.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women, individuals with low blood pressure, and those with existing kidney or liver problems should avoid or consult a doctor before drinking lemongrass tea regularly.

Yes, a 2015 study showed that high-dose or prolonged daily consumption of lemongrass tea can decrease kidney function markers like eGFR and creatinine clearance rate. It's a risk primarily associated with overuse.

Yes, lemongrass tea may interact with certain medications, including those for blood pressure, blood thinners (like Warfarin), and diabetes medications. Consult your doctor if you are on medication before consuming it daily.

Healthcare professionals generally advise against consuming large amounts of lemongrass tea during pregnancy, as it can potentially stimulate uterine contractions. Consultation with a doctor is highly recommended.

Lemongrass tea has a mild diuretic effect and can aid in hydration, which can support weight management efforts. However, it should not be relied upon as a primary weight loss solution and is best combined with a balanced diet and exercise.

Drinking excessive amounts can lead to side effects such as digestive upset (nausea, diarrhea), dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth.