What is Lemongrass Mostly Used For? A Comprehensive Guide

December 15, 2025 •

3 min read

Native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia, lemongrass is celebrated worldwide for its distinctive citrusy aroma and versatility. Beyond its role in Thai and Vietnamese dishes, this fibrous herb and its potent essential oil are valued across multiple industries, from health and wellness to natural pest control.

Quick Summary

Lemongrass is primarily used in Asian cuisine, for brewing herbal teas, creating essential oils for aromatherapy and skincare, and as a natural insect repellent.

Key Points

Culinary Staple: Lemongrass is a cornerstone of Southeast Asian cooking, flavoring curries, soups, and marinades with a unique citrus aroma.
Aromatherapy Power: Its essential oil is a popular mood booster, used in diffusers to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Natural Repellent: The compounds citral and geranyl acetate in lemongrass oil effectively repel mosquitoes and other pests, providing a safe alternative to chemical sprays.
Skincare Benefits: When properly diluted, lemongrass oil offers astringent, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin.
Herbal Tea for Wellness: Brewing the stalks or leaves into a tea is a common way to consume lemongrass for its potential digestive, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory benefits.

The Culinary Versatility of Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a cornerstone of Southeast Asian cooking, lending its bright, citrusy, and slightly gingery flavor to a wide array of dishes. It is particularly prominent in Thai and Vietnamese cuisines, where it is used to infuse depth and aroma into soups, curries, and marinades. The way it is prepared often depends on the dish, with bruised stalks used for infusing and the tender inner core minced for pastes and marinades.

A Staple in Southeast Asian Cuisine

Thai Curries and Soups: Essential for classic Thai green/red curries and Tom Yum/Tom Kha Gai soups.
Vietnamese Marinades: Used for grilled meats like chicken and beef.
Stir-Fries and Salads: Adds zest to dishes like Thai Yum Takrai.
Beverages and Desserts: Used for herbal tea or infused syrups.

How to Prepare Lemongrass for Cooking

Preparation involves either bruising stalks to release oils for infusions (soups, teas) or peeling outer layers to mince the tender inner core for pastes and marinades.

The Health and Wellness Applications

Lemongrass is also valued for potential health benefits from compounds like citral, geraniol, and antioxidants, and has a history in traditional medicine.

Brewing Soothing Lemongrass Tea

Lemongrass tea is a popular wellness drink, known for soothing qualities and potential digestive aid. You can brew it by steeping bruised stalks in boiling water for 5–10 minutes.

Traditional Remedies and Modern Research

Lemongrass possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It is a traditional remedy for digestive issues and its aroma may help with anxiety.

The Power of Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass essential oil, with a strong citrus scent and high citral content, has various applications beyond cooking.

Aromatherapy and Mental Well-being

The oil's invigorating scent is popular in aromatherapy to uplift mood, reduce stress, improve clarity, and create a refreshing atmosphere.

Skincare and Topical Applications

Diluted lemongrass oil can benefit the skin, with astringent properties for minimizing pores and controlling oil, plus antifungal and antibacterial qualities. It can also be a soothing addition to massage oil.

Lemongrass as a Natural Insect Repellent

Compounds like citral and geranyl acetate in lemongrass oil effectively repel mosquitoes and other insects. This offers a natural, eco-friendly alternative to chemical repellents.

Safer Alternatives to Chemicals

Lemongrass oil can be used in DIY bug sprays, diffusers, candles, and applied to yards.

A Comparison of Lemongrass Uses


Use Case	Preparation Method	Primary Benefit	Who It's Best For
Culinary	Bruised stalks (infusion) or minced core (paste)	Flavoring soups, curries, and marinades	Home cooks, chefs, and fans of Southeast Asian cuisine
Herbal Tea	Steep bruised stalks or dried leaves in hot water	Aids digestion, provides antioxidants, and offers a calming effect	Individuals seeking digestive relief or stress reduction
Essential Oil (Aromatherapy)	Add drops to a diffuser or blend with carrier oil	Uplifts mood, reduces stress, and improves focus	Wellness enthusiasts and those using holistic health practices
Natural Repellent	Dilute oil in spray bottle or use in candles/diffusers	Repels mosquitoes and other insects safely and naturally	Eco-conscious individuals seeking a non-toxic bug spray
Skincare	Dilute oil with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut	Tones skin, reduces oiliness, and fights blemishes	Those with oily or acne-prone skin seeking natural remedies

Conclusion: Embracing a Versatile Herb

Lemongrass is a versatile plant with culinary, medicinal, and household uses. From flavoring food and brewing tea to providing aromatherapy benefits and repelling pests, it offers unique advantages. Its growing recognition highlights its value in natural living.

Learn more about a 2024 review exploring the clinical applications of lemongrass essential oil

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the pale, tender inner core can be minced very finely and used in salads or marinades, but the tough outer stalk is fibrous and not palatable.

To add flavor to a broth, simply bruise the whole, trimmed stalk with the back of a knife to release its oils. The stalk is then added to the pot and removed before serving.

While related and both containing insect-repelling compounds, lemongrass is primarily used culinarily, whereas the citronella plant is mainly cultivated for its essential oil used in repellents and fragrances.

Lemongrass tea is generally safe for daily consumption. However, it's best to consult a healthcare provider, especially for pregnant women, as some sources suggest it may stimulate menstrual flow.

Lemongrass essential oil should always be diluted with a carrier oil before applying to the skin to avoid irritation, and a patch test is recommended.

Yes, studies show that compounds in lemongrass oil, particularly citral, are effective at repelling mosquitoes and other insects.

Finely mince the tender inner part of the stalk and mix with other ingredients like garlic, ginger, and soy or fish sauce for a flavorful rub for meats or tofu.