Is Too Much Lemon Grass Bad? Understanding the Risks and Side Effects

January 9, 2026 •

3 min read

While commonly added to Asian cuisine and brewed as a calming tea, consuming lemongrass in excessive amounts, particularly in concentrated forms like essential oils, can lead to notable side effects. It is generally recognized as safe when used in typical food amounts, but the line between safe culinary use and potentially risky medicinal quantities is important to understand.

Quick Summary

Excessive intake of lemongrass, particularly concentrates, can cause side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, and frequent urination. Certain populations, including pregnant women and those with pre-existing health conditions, should exercise caution or avoid it entirely due to potential risks.

Key Points

Moderate is Safe: In normal culinary and tea quantities (1-2 cups daily), lemongrass is generally considered safe for healthy adults.
Excessive Intake is Risky: High doses, especially of concentrated extracts or essential oils, can cause side effects like dizziness, dry mouth, and excessive urination.
Avoid During Pregnancy: High amounts of lemongrass are potentially unsafe during pregnancy due to risks like stimulating menstruation and potential effects on fetal development.
Medical Conditions: Those with pre-existing liver, kidney, or low blood pressure issues should avoid therapeutic doses of lemongrass without medical supervision.
Allergic Reactions: Some people may be allergic to lemongrass, experiencing symptoms such as skin rashes, itching, or hives.

Understanding the Risks of Excessive Lemongrass

For many, lemongrass is a fragrant, flavorful herb that elevates soups and beverages. However, like many natural remedies, a higher-than-recommended dose or misuse, especially with concentrated essential oils, can lead to adverse health effects. It is important to distinguish between the small amounts used for flavor and the larger, medicinal quantities that can pose risks.

Common Side Effects of Overconsumption

Consuming too much lemongrass can trigger a range of uncomfortable but typically mild side effects. These are most often associated with drinking excessive amounts of lemongrass tea or taking concentrated supplements.

Dizziness and Drowsiness: High doses can cause a feeling of lightheadedness or fatigue.
Dry Mouth: Overconsumption is a documented cause of dry mouth.
Excessive Urination (Polyuria): Lemongrass has diuretic properties, and too much can lead to an increased need to urinate.
Increased Appetite: Some individuals report an increased appetite with excessive intake.
Allergic Reactions: Allergic contact dermatitis is possible, with symptoms like itching, hives, or a rash occurring on the skin. This can happen from topical application or internal consumption.

Severe Health Concerns from Excessive Doses

While less common, extremely high or prolonged intake of lemongrass, particularly concentrated essential oil, can lead to more serious issues. The highly potent compounds can overwhelm the body's systems.

Kidney Damage: Excessive intake of lemongrass tea or essential oil may affect renal function over time, potentially damaging the kidneys.
Liver and Stomach Damage: High doses of lemongrass essential oil have been shown to damage the liver and stomach mucous membranes.
Lung Problems: While rare, there have been case reports of lung issues after inhaling lemongrass essential oil.

Contraindications: Who Should Avoid Lemongrass?

Certain individuals should avoid or use lemongrass with extreme caution due to potential health risks. Before beginning any therapeutic use of lemongrass, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Pregnant women are strongly advised to avoid lemongrass in medicinal amounts. It is known to potentially stimulate menstrual flow, which raises concerns about miscarriage. Animal studies have also shown birth defects associated with high doses of lemongrass compounds. While small culinary amounts are usually acceptable, concentrated teas or oils are considered risky. Safety is not reliably established for breastfeeding mothers, so avoidance is recommended.
Existing Medical Conditions: People with certain conditions should be wary of lemongrass consumption:
- Low Blood Pressure: Lemongrass may lower blood pressure, which could cause issues for individuals already on blood pressure medication.
- Liver or Kidney Disease: Given the potential for high doses to damage these organs, those with pre-existing liver or kidney conditions should avoid medicinal quantities.
Drug Interactions: Individuals on specific medications should consult a doctor, as lemongrass can interact with certain drugs, such as blood thinners and diuretics.
Allergies: Those with known grass or essential oil allergies should avoid use.

Comparison of Lemongrass Consumption Types


Feature	Culinary Use (Small amounts)	Medicinal Use (High doses, concentrates)
Form	Fresh or dried stalks, leaves in food	Strong teas, extracts, essential oils, supplements
Typical Dosage	1-2 stalks for a meal, 1-2 cups of tea per day	Higher, therapeutic dosages; concentrated oils/capsules
Key Risks	Minimal risk for healthy individuals. Allergic reactions possible but rare.	Significant risk of side effects (dizziness, nausea). Higher risk of kidney/liver damage, pregnancy issues.
Safety Level	Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS)	Use with caution, consult a healthcare provider
Target User	General public, for flavor enhancement	Specific health conditions (after medical consultation)

Conclusion: The Key to Lemongrass Is Moderation

While lemongrass offers various potential benefits—including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties—the answer to “is too much lemon grass bad?” is a clear yes. For the majority of healthy adults, the herb is perfectly safe when used in moderation as a flavoring agent or in a single cup of tea. The risks escalate significantly when consuming large, therapeutic doses or using potent essential oils without professional guidance. The most vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and those with specific health conditions, must exercise heightened caution. The key takeaway is to appreciate lemongrass for its flavor and potential mild benefits while respecting its potency and potential risks when overused. Always consult a medical professional before beginning any new herbal regimen, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are pregnant.

For more detailed information on herb safety and drug interactions, the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center offers extensive resources: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/lemongrass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Excessive lemongrass tea can lead to side effects including dizziness, dry mouth, increased urination, tiredness, and heightened appetite.

Pregnant women should avoid consuming high or medicinal amounts of lemongrass, as it can stimulate the uterus. While small culinary amounts are usually fine, consult your doctor before any use.

Ingesting undiluted lemongrass essential oil is not recommended and can be dangerous, potentially causing serious health issues. Concentrated forms should only be used orally under medical supervision and in very small amounts.

There is no universally standardized dosage, but typically 1-2 cups of lemongrass tea per day is considered safe for most healthy adults. It is best to start with a small amount and observe your body's reaction.

In excessively high doses, particularly with concentrated extracts, there is a risk of damaging liver and kidney function. Individuals with pre-existing conditions affecting these organs should be cautious.

Individuals with heart disease, low blood pressure, kidney or liver problems, or those on certain medications like blood thinners or diuretics should consult a doctor before using lemongrass.

Signs of a lemongrass allergy can include itchy skin, rashes, swelling, respiratory issues like wheezing, and digestive problems such as nausea or abdominal pain.