Is Lemongrass Good for Cleansing? A Comprehensive Look

November 15, 2025 •

3 min read

Scientific studies show that lemongrass possesses significant antioxidant activity, helping to protect the body against damage caused by free radicals. This natural powerhouse raises the question: is lemongrass good for cleansing the body? The herb's potent properties suggest it may aid the body's natural detoxification processes, but understanding how it works is key.

Quick Summary

Lemongrass offers several cleansing benefits due to its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and diuretic properties. It supports the body's natural detoxification pathways, aids digestion, and may benefit liver and kidney function. Applications include herbal teas, infused water, and essential oil treatments for topical cleansing.

Key Points

Supports Organ Function: Lemongrass acts as a diuretic, helping to flush the kidneys and supporting the liver's detoxification processes.
Boosts Antioxidant Intake: Rich in antioxidants, lemongrass helps combat cellular damage from free radicals, a key aspect of internal cleansing.
Aids Digestion: It has been used traditionally to soothe digestive issues like stomach cramps and indigestion, promoting efficient waste removal.
Offers Topical Cleansing: The essential oil's antimicrobial and astringent properties make it excellent for skin purification, cleaning pores, and fighting bacteria.
Combats Microbes: Thanks to compounds like citral, lemongrass possesses strong antibacterial and antifungal qualities, which help fight infections.
Simple to Use: It can be easily incorporated into a routine via herbal tea, detox water, steam facials, or diluted essential oil applications.

The Science Behind Lemongrass's Cleansing Abilities

Lemongrass, known scientifically as Cymbopogon, is much more than a fragrant culinary herb. Its reputation as a cleansing agent is rooted in several key phytochemicals and properties that support the body's detoxification systems. Most notably, the essential oil is rich in citral, a compound with potent antimicrobial effects.

How Lemongrass Supports Internal Cleansing

The internal cleansing benefits of lemongrass primarily stem from its high antioxidant content and its role in supporting key organ functions.

Antioxidant Power: Lemongrass tea is rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress caused by free radicals. By neutralizing these harmful molecules, antioxidants reduce cellular damage and support overall health, a critical aspect of any detox or cleansing process.
Diuretic Effects: As a natural diuretic, lemongrass promotes the excretion of toxins and excess fluid from the body through increased urination. This helps to flush out the kidneys and other parts of the urinary system, supporting their role in waste removal.
Digestive Aid: Used for centuries in traditional medicine, lemongrass helps soothe the digestive tract. It can relieve issues like indigestion, stomach cramps, and flatulence, ensuring the gastrointestinal system runs smoothly and effectively eliminates waste. Some studies also suggest it can protect the stomach lining and prevent gastric ulcers.
Liver and Kidney Support: The detoxifying effect of lemongrass extends to the liver and kidneys. Compounds in lemongrass have been shown to help purify and strengthen these organs, which are responsible for filtering toxins from the blood.

Topical Cleansing and Antimicrobial Action

Beyond internal use, lemongrass essential oil is a powerful tool for topical cleansing.

Antifungal and Antibacterial: The citral and limonene in lemongrass oil give it significant antimicrobial properties, effective against various bacteria and fungi. This makes it a natural antiseptic for treating minor skin infections and cleansing wounds.
Skin Purifier: For skincare, diluted lemongrass oil can help cleanse pores, brighten the skin, and minimize their appearance. Its astringent properties can tone and strengthen the skin structure.
Odor Neutralizer: The antibacterial qualities of lemongrass help eliminate odor-causing bacteria, making it an excellent natural deodorizer for the body and home.

Comparison: Lemongrass vs. Other Cleansing Herbs


Feature	Lemongrass	Ginger	Turmeric	Dandelion Root
Primary Cleansing Action	Supports kidneys, digestion, antimicrobial	Aids digestion, reduces inflammation	Liver support, anti-inflammatory	Diuretic, promotes liver and kidney detox
Main Active Compounds	Citral, limonene, flavonoids	Gingerol, shogaol	Curcumin	Taraxacin, flavonoids
Best For	Digestive issues, topical cleansing, fluid retention	Nausea, inflammation, digestive upset	Liver health, anti-inflammatory support	Kidney cleansing, bloating reduction
Primary Usage	Tea, infused water, essential oil	Tea, cooking, supplements	Tea, cooking, supplements	Tea, supplements
Key Benefit	High antimicrobial and diuretic properties	Strong anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea effects	Potent liver support and antioxidant	Natural diuretic for flushing toxins

How to Incorporate Lemongrass into Your Cleansing Routine

There are several simple ways to harness the cleansing power of lemongrass:

Lemongrass Tea: A simple and effective method. Steep fresh or dried lemongrass stalks in boiling water for 10-15 minutes. For an extra boost, add ginger and honey.
Detox Water: Add fresh, crushed lemongrass stalks to a pitcher of cold water and let it infuse overnight. A perfect, refreshing beverage for daily cleansing.
Steam Facial: For skin cleansing, place sliced lemongrass in a bowl of hot water and lean over it with a towel over your head. The steam will help open and purify pores.
Topical Massage Oil: Dilute a few drops of lemongrass essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil and massage into the skin. Remember to perform a patch test first.
Foot Soak: Prepare a strong lemongrass tea and add it to a foot bath with some Epsom salts to soothe and deodorize feet.

Conclusion

Ultimately, is lemongrass good for cleansing? The answer is a resounding yes. Through its high concentration of antioxidants, potent antimicrobial compounds like citral, and natural diuretic properties, lemongrass supports the body's natural cleansing mechanisms. It aids digestion, promotes liver and kidney health, and offers significant benefits for topical skin purification. While it should not replace medical treatment, incorporating lemongrass into a healthy lifestyle, whether through tea, infused water, or essential oils, can be a supportive addition to your wellness routine. As with any herbal remedy, consult a healthcare professional, especially if pregnant or on medication, to ensure it is right for you.

For more information on the botanical properties and therapeutic uses of lemongrass, consider exploring comprehensive reviews from resources like the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lemongrass aids in detoxification primarily through its diuretic properties, which increase urination to help flush out toxins and excess fluid. It is also rich in antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress, and it supports digestive health, promoting efficient waste removal.

Yes, drinking lemongrass tea is a popular and effective way to utilize its cleansing properties. It helps hydrate the body while delivering antioxidants and natural diuretic effects. Simmering fresh or dried stalks in water extracts these beneficial compounds.

Yes, lemongrass essential oil can be used for skin cleansing when properly diluted. Its antimicrobial and astringent properties help cleanse pores, fight bacteria, and improve skin tone. It is recommended to perform a patch test first to ensure no adverse reaction.

For internal cleansing, the stalks and leaves are typically used to make teas or infused water. For topical applications, the essential oil extracted from the leaves is most common.

While generally safe in moderation, some people may experience side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, or increased appetite from consuming large amounts of lemongrass. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid it due to certain compounds. Always consult a healthcare provider with concerns.

To make lemongrass detox water, crush a few stalks of fresh lemongrass to release their oils and flavor. Add the crushed stalks to a pitcher of water and let it infuse overnight in the refrigerator. You can drink this refreshing water throughout the day.

While both have cleansing properties, lemongrass is particularly noted for its diuretic and potent antimicrobial effects from compounds like citral, which are more concentrated than in regular lemon. Lemon primarily offers a vitamin C boost and mild detox properties, while lemongrass has a broader range of antibacterial and antifungal actions.