Lemongrass: Practical Uses, Benefits and Safety Tips
Lemongrass adds a fresh lemony kick to food, tea, and home remedies. It’s easy to grow, easy to use, and fits both the kitchen and the medicine cabinet when handled properly. Below are clear, usable tips for cooking, making tea, using the essential oil, and staying safe.
How to use lemongrass in the kitchen and at home
Cooking: Trim the tough outer layers and use the tender inner stalk. For soups and curries, bruise a stalk with the back of a knife and drop it in whole while simmering; remove before serving. For finely flavored dishes, mince the inner core or slice very thin. One fresh stalk usually flavors a pot for 4 people.
Lemongrass tea: Chop 1–2 fresh stalks or use 1–2 teaspoons dried lemongrass per cup. Pour boiling water over the herbs and steep 5–10 minutes. Strain and drink warm or chilled. Add honey or ginger if you like a stronger taste. Drink 1–3 cups a day if you’re trying it for general wellness.
Storage: Fresh stalks keep in the fridge for up to 1 week wrapped in plastic. Chop and freeze extra stalks in a sealed bag for up to 6 months. Dried lemongrass should be stored in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place for 6–12 months.
Using lemongrass essential oil and health notes
Essential oil is concentrated and powerful. For topical use, dilute to 1–2% in a carrier oil (about 6–12 drops of lemongrass oil per 1 ounce/30 ml of carrier oil). Do a patch test on a small skin area first—stop if you get redness or itchiness.
Do not ingest essential oil unless under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. If you prefer internal use, stick to tea or culinary amounts of fresh or dried lemongrass.
Potential benefits: Lemongrass is used for a fresh flavor, soothing teas, and aromatic applications. People use it to relax, freshen breath, or add calming scent to a room. If you have medical conditions or take regular medication, ask your doctor before using lemongrass medicinally—this includes pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Buying tips: Choose stalks that are firm, pale near the base, and fragrant. Avoid soft or moldy pieces. Organic options reduce pesticide exposure, especially if you plan to use the peel or make tea.
Want to try this tonight? Make a simple lemongrass tea: bruise 1 stalk, steep in hot water 7 minutes, strain, and enjoy. It’s an easy, low-risk way to test the flavor and see how your body reacts. If you plan to use lemongrass more intensively for health reasons, talk with a healthcare provider first.
