Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), commonly called tanglad in the Philippines, is a fragrant tropical grass used in cooking, herbal tea, beverages, perfumery and traditional remedies. Its distinctive lemon-like aroma comes largely from citral, one of the main components of lemongrass essential oil.
Research has found antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and other biological activities in lemongrass extracts and essential oil. Some human studies have also investigated its possible effects on anxiety and blood pressure. However, the evidence varies considerably depending on the preparation studied, and many proposed health benefits have not been firmly established in humans.
This guide explains the benefits of lemongrass, what research actually shows, how to make lemongrass tea, its nutritional value, culinary uses, how to grow tanglad, the difference between lemongrass and citronella, and important safety considerations.
Health information on this page is provided for educational purposes and should not replace diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.
Quick Facts About Lemongrass
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf |
| Family | Poaceae, the grass family |
| Common names | Lemongrass, lemon grass, fever grass, tanglad |
| Plant type | Perennial, clump-forming aromatic grass |
| Native range | Southern India and Sri Lanka |
| Common uses | Cooking, tea, beverages, fragrance and essential oil |
| Main aromatic compound | Citral is one of the main components of lemongrass essential oil |
| Philippine name | Tanglad |
| Key health-evidence point | Promising laboratory and early human research, but many proposed benefits remain unproven in people |
What Is Lemongrass?
Cymbopogon citratus is a tall, aromatic perennial grass in the Poaceae family. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew’s Plants of the World Online recognizes Cymbopogon citratus as an accepted species and gives its native range as southern India and Sri Lanka. Kew also records the plant as introduced into many tropical regions, including the Philippines.
Kew’s botanical description identifies lemongrass as a perennial grass with aromatic leaves, with culms reaching roughly 100 to 200 centimeters under suitable conditions. The lower stalks are commonly used in food, while the leaves can be used to flavor teas and other beverages.
The plant is also commercially important for its aromatic oil. Scientific reviews of citral describe it as one of the principal components of lemongrass oil and an important compound in fragrance, food and other applications.
What Is Lemongrass Called in the Philippines?
In the Philippines, lemongrass is commonly known as tanglad. The DOST Food and Nutrition Research Institute’s Philippine Food Composition Table lists Cymbopogon citratus as “Lemon grass lvs” with the alternate common name tanglad dahon.
The Philippine Department of Agriculture Agricultural Training Institute also describes tanglad as an edible aromatic grass used in cooking and tea. The resource distinguishes it from citronella grass, which is used primarily for its aromatic oil and is not considered edible in the same way.
Tanglad has also been documented in Philippine traditional medicine. Traditional use can be useful context, but it does not by itself establish that a health effect has been clinically proven.
What Are the Benefits of Lemongrass?
The phrase “lemongrass benefits” covers both traditional uses and modern scientific research. It is important to distinguish between effects observed in laboratory experiments, effects seen in animals, and benefits demonstrated in controlled human studies.
A scientific review of Cymbopogon citratus research found that lemongrass has been investigated for a wide range of pharmacological and biological activities, while also noting the need for more research into its effects and pharmacokinetics in humans.
1. Lemongrass Contains Antioxidant Compounds
Lemongrass contains phenolic compounds, flavonoids and other phytochemicals that have demonstrated antioxidant activity in laboratory research. Reviews of Cymbopogon citratus describe antioxidant activity among the biological effects investigated in extracts and essential oil.
A 2024 study of an aqueous lemongrass extract examined phytochemical composition along with antioxidant, antimicrobial and enzyme-related activities. Because the study was based on laboratory testing of an extract, its findings do not establish that drinking ordinary lemongrass tea produces the same effects in humans.
This makes lemongrass an interesting subject for nutrition and pharmacological research. However, laboratory antioxidant activity does not mean that drinking lemongrass tea prevents chronic disease or “flushes toxins” from the body.
2. Lemongrass Shows Antimicrobial Activity
Lemongrass extracts and essential oil have shown antibacterial and antifungal activity in laboratory studies. A 2024 study of lemongrass essential oil reported antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against several microorganisms.
These findings are scientifically promising, but they should not be interpreted as proof that lemongrass tea can treat an infection. A laboratory extract or essential oil can behave very differently from a normal serving of lemongrass used in food or tea.
Similarly, a recent review of Cymbopogon citratus summarized antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral findings while emphasizing that these effects come largely from experimental research.
3. Lemongrass Has Potential Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Anti-inflammatory activity has been reported in laboratory and preclinical research involving lemongrass and its bioactive compounds. A review of lemongrass research summarizes studies examining anti-inflammatory and other biological effects of the plant and its essential oil.
At present, this evidence is not strong enough to say that drinking lemongrass tea treats arthritis, inflammatory disease or other chronic conditions. The distinction between biological activity in a laboratory and a proven therapeutic effect in people is important.
4. Lemongrass May Have Calming Effects, but the Evidence Is Mixed
Lemongrass has a long history of traditional use for relaxation, and researchers have investigated whether its aroma or oral preparations affect anxiety and sleep.
The evidence is mixed. In one controlled human study, participants who consumed lemongrass orally showed no significant hypnotic or anxiolytic effect compared with placebo. The study is indexed in PubMed.
Separate research has investigated lemongrass aroma rather than drinking the plant. A 2015 human study found that inhaling lemongrass essential oil was associated with a reduction in state anxiety and subjective tension during an experimental anxiety task.
More recently, a 2025 randomized clinical trial studied lemongrass aromatherapy in patients undergoing dental treatment. The researchers reported lower anxiety scores, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate in the aromatherapy group.
These findings are interesting, but they do not establish that drinking lemongrass tea treats anxiety disorders or insomnia. The preparation, route of administration and circumstances studied are important.
5. Lemongrass May Affect Blood Pressure, but Evidence Is Still Preliminary
Blood pressure is one of the more closely studied potential health effects of lemongrass. A review of the antihypertensive potential of lemongrass examined evidence from in vitro, animal and clinical studies and concluded that the area requires further investigation.
There is also recent Philippine research. A 2025 study published by the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians examined lemongrass capsules as an adjunct to losartan in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients at Quezon City General Hospital. The randomized crossover study enrolled 40 patients.
The researchers reported statistically significant differences in some blood-pressure measures when lemongrass capsules were added to losartan. However, the study did not include a formal washout period before the crossover, and the researchers noted this as a methodological limitation.
Earlier Philippine research was less encouraging. A HERDIN-NCMH study involving adults with stage 1 and stage 2 hypertension found no significant difference in systolic, diastolic or mean arterial pressure after four weeks of lemongrass decoction used alongside antihypertensive medication.
Overall, the evidence suggests that lemongrass is worth further study for blood pressure, but it should not be used as a replacement for prescribed hypertension treatment.
6. Lemongrass Has Traditional Digestive Uses
Lemongrass has traditionally been used for digestive complaints, and lemongrass tea remains a common herbal beverage.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center notes that lemongrass has been used in folk medicine for gastrointestinal problems, although human research confirming these effects is limited.
For many people, its most practical advantage may simply be that it provides a flavorful, caffeine-free beverage that can be enjoyed after meals.
7. Weight-Loss Claims Are Not Established
Lemongrass is sometimes promoted online as a weight-loss or metabolism-boosting herb. Current human evidence does not justify that claim.
Some laboratory research has investigated lemongrass extracts for effects on enzymes involved in carbohydrate and fat digestion. For example, the 2024 aqueous-extract study examined anti-lipase and anti-alpha-amylase activity. Such laboratory findings do not demonstrate meaningful weight loss in humans.
More clinical research would be required before making a meaningful weight-management claim.
Lemongrass Benefits: What Does the Evidence Actually Show?
| Claim | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Antioxidant activity | Supported mainly by laboratory and phytochemical research |
| Antimicrobial activity | Promising laboratory evidence, but not proof that lemongrass tea treats infections |
| Anti-inflammatory activity | Supported mainly by laboratory and preclinical studies |
| Anxiety or relaxation | Mixed and limited human evidence; some studies involve aroma rather than tea |
| Better sleep | Not established in humans |
| Blood pressure | Early clinical evidence exists, but it remains limited and mixed |
| Digestion | Traditional use is documented, but clinical evidence remains limited |
| Weight loss | Not established in humans |
| “Detoxification” | Not an established medical benefit of lemongrass |
Lemongrass Tea: Is It Good for You?
Lemongrass tea is one of the simplest ways to enjoy fresh tanglad. It has a naturally lemony aroma and is naturally caffeine-free when prepared from lemongrass alone.
It is best thought of as a flavorful herbal beverage rather than a standardized medicine. The compounds extracted into a cup depend on the amount of plant material and preparation method, so research involving concentrated extracts or essential oils should not automatically be applied to ordinary tea.
How to Make Lemongrass Tea
For a simple home preparation:
- Wash 2 to 3 fresh lemongrass stalks.
- Lightly crush or bruise the stalks to release their aroma.
- Cut the stalks into smaller pieces.
- Simmer them in about 2 cups of water for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain and serve warm or chilled.
Ginger, pandan or a small amount of honey can be added for flavor. This is a culinary preparation and is not intended as a therapeutic dosing recommendation.
Another Philippine herbal plant commonly prepared as tea is Tsaang Gubat, which we cover separately.
Lemongrass Nutrition
The DOST Food and Nutrition Research Institute’s Philippine Food Composition Table provides nutrient data for fresh lemongrass leaves, identified as Cymbopogon citratus or tanglad dahon.
Per 100 grams of edible portion, the database lists the following values:
| Nutrient | Per 100 g edible portion |
|---|---|
| Energy | 111 kcal |
| Protein | 1.4 g |
| Total fat | 1.4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 23.1 g |
| Dietary fiber | 3.3 g |
| Calcium | 162 mg |
| Iron | 5.4 mg |
| Vitamin C | 24 mg |
| Beta-carotene | 24,205 µg |
These figures are for 100 grams of edible lemongrass leaves. That is considerably more plant material than is normally used to flavor a meal or make a single cup of tea, so the numbers should not be interpreted as the nutrition supplied by a typical serving of lemongrass tea.
How Is Lemongrass Used?
Cooking
Lemongrass is widely used as a culinary herb in Southeast Asian cuisine. The tender lower stalk is commonly bruised, chopped or sliced and used in soups, curries, marinades, sauces, meat dishes and seafood preparations.
The Philippine Department of Agriculture Agricultural Training Institute also describes tanglad as a culinary plant used in Filipino cooking.
Tea and Beverages
Lemongrass leaves and stalks can be used to prepare hot or chilled herbal drinks. The flavor pairs well with ginger, pandan, citrus and other aromatic ingredients.
Essential Oil and Fragrance
Lemongrass essential oil is highly concentrated and contains aromatic compounds such as citral. Research reviews describe applications in fragrances, cosmetics and other products. A 2024 review of lemongrass essential oil discusses its chemistry, extraction and industrial applications.
Essential oil should not be treated as interchangeable with fresh lemongrass used in cooking or tea.
Insect-Repellent Uses
Lemongrass and citronella are sometimes confused because both are aromatic Cymbopogon grasses. However, their species and typical applications differ.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency identifies citronella oil used in registered insect-repellent applications as oil obtained primarily from Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus.
Lemongrass vs. Citronella: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Lemongrass | Citronella Grass |
|---|---|---|
| Example species | Cymbopogon citratus | Cymbopogon nardus and related species |
| Main use | Food, tea, beverages and fragrance | Fragrance and insect-repellent oil |
| Culinary herb | Yes | Not generally used in the same culinary way |
| Aromatic oil | Yes | Yes |
The common names can be confusing because several Cymbopogon species have lemon-like or citronella-like aromas. Checking the scientific name is the most reliable way to tell them apart.
How to Grow Lemongrass
Lemongrass is well suited to warm tropical conditions and is relatively easy to grow in a home garden. It prefers full sun, moisture and well-drained soil.
The Utah State University Extension guide to growing lemongrass recommends well-drained, moist soil and notes that established clumps can be divided for propagation.
The Philippine Department of Agriculture Agricultural Training Institute also recommends propagation through division of clumps and notes that tanglad prefers loose soil under direct sunlight.
In warm Philippine conditions, a sunny garden bed or large container can work well. Avoid constantly waterlogged soil, and harvest mature stalks regularly to encourage continued growth.
Our complete gardening guide includes lemongrass among useful herbs and plants for a home garden.
Is Lemongrass Safe?
Lemongrass used in normal amounts as a culinary herb is different from concentrated extracts and essential oil. Safety concerns become more important as the dose and concentration increase.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s lemongrass monograph notes possible oral side effects including dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, excessive urination and increased appetite. It also warns that high doses of lemongrass essential oil can damage the liver and stomach lining and notes that excessive intake of lemongrass tea may affect kidney function.
Lemongrass During Pregnancy
Safety data for medicinal quantities of lemongrass during pregnancy are limited. Memorial Sloan Kettering notes that citral and myrcene, compounds present in lemongrass, caused birth defects in rats at high doses and therefore advises caution with medicinal use during pregnancy.
Normal culinary use is different from taking concentrated extracts or essential oil. Anyone considering medicinal use during pregnancy or breastfeeding should discuss it with a qualified healthcare professional.
Lemongrass Essential Oil
Do not assume that essential oil is simply a stronger form of lemongrass tea. Essential oils are concentrated products and can cause skin irritation or contact dermatitis.
Memorial Sloan Kettering reports skin reactions from topical lemongrass essential oil and notes that high oral doses can cause toxicity.
Undiluted lemongrass essential oil should not be applied casually to the skin, and concentrated ingestion should not be treated as equivalent to eating lemongrass as a food.
Lemongrass and Medications
Some laboratory evidence suggests that compounds in lemongrass may affect drug-metabolizing enzymes, including glutathione-S-transferase and CYP450 pathways. Memorial Sloan Kettering notes that the clinical relevance of these potential interactions has not been established.
People taking prescription medications should be cautious with concentrated lemongrass extracts or medicinal doses and should ask a healthcare professional about potential interactions.
Can You Drink Lemongrass Tea Every Day?
There is no well-established evidence-based daily medicinal dose for lemongrass tea. A normal culinary infusion is different from concentrated extracts or essential oils.
For that reason, it is better not to treat daily lemongrass tea as a medical therapy. People with medical conditions, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and those taking medication should seek individualized advice before using lemongrass regularly for medicinal purposes.
What Lemongrass Cannot Be Proven to Do
Many websites describe lemongrass as a cure-all. The scientific evidence does not support that approach.
It would be misleading to describe lemongrass as a proven treatment for weight loss, diabetes, infections, insomnia, anxiety disorders, chronic inflammation, high blood pressure, or detoxification.
That does not mean the plant lacks potential. Research has identified interesting biological activities, and some early human studies are worth following. It simply means the wording of a health claim should match the quality of the evidence.
For another Philippine medicinal plant guide, see our article on banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa).
Frequently Asked Questions About Lemongrass
What are the main benefits of lemongrass?
Lemongrass is primarily valued as a culinary and aromatic herb. Scientific research has identified antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, while human studies have investigated possible effects on anxiety and blood pressure. Many proposed medicinal benefits remain unproven in humans.
What is lemongrass called in the Philippines?
Lemongrass is commonly called tanglad in the Philippines. The Philippine Food Composition Table also lists the leaves as “tanglad dahon.”
Is lemongrass tea good for you?
Lemongrass tea can be enjoyed as a flavorful, caffeine-free herbal drink. It contains compounds from the plant, but research on concentrated extracts or essential oil should not automatically be applied to an ordinary cup of tea.
Does lemongrass tea lower blood pressure?
Some clinical research has reported possible blood-pressure effects, including a 2025 Philippine study of lemongrass capsules used alongside losartan. However, the available evidence remains limited and mixed, so lemongrass tea should not be considered a replacement for prescribed hypertension treatment.
Does lemongrass help with anxiety?
There is limited and mixed human evidence. Some research has found short-term effects from lemongrass aroma, including a 2025 randomized clinical trial involving dental patients. However, an earlier controlled study of oral lemongrass found no significant anxiolytic effect.
Does lemongrass help you sleep?
It has traditional use as a calming herb, but human evidence for better sleep is weak. A controlled human study indexed in PubMed found no significant improvement in sleep-related measures compared with placebo.
Can lemongrass help with weight loss?
There is no strong clinical evidence showing that lemongrass causes meaningful weight loss in humans. Some laboratory research has explored effects on enzymes involved in digestion and metabolism, but those findings are not the same as demonstrated weight-loss benefits.
Can you eat lemongrass?
Yes. Cymbopogon citratus is widely used as a culinary herb. The tender lower portion of the stalk is especially common in cooking, while the leaves are often used for tea.
Is lemongrass the same as citronella?
No. Lemongrass and citronella belong to the same genus but are different plants. Culinary lemongrass is Cymbopogon citratus, while citronella oil is commonly associated with species such as Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus.
Can I grow lemongrass at home?
Yes. Lemongrass grows well in warm climates and prefers full sun, regular moisture and well-drained soil. Established clumps can be divided for propagation.
Conclusion
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), or tanglad, is a versatile tropical herb used in cooking, tea, fragrances and traditional remedies. It contains a range of bioactive compounds that have been studied for antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and other effects.
The most important thing to remember is that promising research is not the same as proven medical benefit. Much of the evidence for lemongrass still comes from laboratory and preclinical research, while human studies remain limited or specific to particular preparations and conditions.
For everyday use, lemongrass makes sense as a flavorful cooking ingredient and caffeine-free herbal drink. When considering concentrated extracts or essential oil for health purposes, extra caution is appropriate.
Sources and Further Reading
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Plants of the World Online: Cymbopogon citratus
Botanical identity, native range, distribution and plant description.
DOST Food and Nutrition Research Institute. Philippine Food Composition Table: Lemon grass leaves
Philippine nutrient data for Cymbopogon citratus, including fiber, calcium, iron, vitamin C and beta-carotene.
Department of Agriculture Agricultural Training Institute. Weedibles and Weedicinals
Philippine information on tanglad, its culinary and tea uses, and propagation.
PubMed. Ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and biological activities of Cymbopogon citratus extracts
Scientific review covering traditional uses, phytochemicals and reported biological activities.
PubMed. Multi-biological activity assessment of aqueous Cymbopogon citratus extract
2024 laboratory research examining phytochemicals, antioxidant, antimicrobial and enzyme-related activity.
PubMed. Phytochemical profile and antioxidant and antimicrobial attributes of lemongrass essential oil
2024 laboratory research on lemongrass essential oil.
PubMed. Pharmacology of lemongrass: toxic, hypnotic and anxiolytic effects on humans
Controlled human research on oral lemongrass, sleep and anxiety.
PubMed. Effect of Lemongrass Aroma on Experimental Anxiety in Humans
Human research examining the effect of lemongrass aroma on anxiety.
PubMed. 2025 randomized clinical trial of lemongrass aromatherapy and dental anxiety
Recent human trial examining anxiety and cardiovascular measures during dental treatment.
PubMed. Exploring the Anti-Hypertensive Potential of Lemongrass
Review of laboratory, preclinical and clinical research on lemongrass and blood pressure.
Philippine Academy of Family Physicians. Lemongrass Capsule as Adjunct Therapy to Losartan
Philippine randomized crossover study conducted at Quezon City General Hospital.
HERDIN-NCMH. Lemongrass Decoction and Antihypertensive Medication
Philippine quasi-experimental research involving stage 1 and stage 2 hypertension.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Lemongrass
Information on potential uses, limits of human evidence, adverse effects, pregnancy considerations and possible herb-drug interactions.
Utah State University Extension. How to Grow Lemongrass in Your Garden
Horticultural guidance on soil, sunlight, watering, propagation and harvesting.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Oil of Citronella
Background on citronella oil and its use in registered insect-repellent products.
Also Read: Benefits of Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa) A Detailed Analysis of its History, Benefits, Uses, Facts and safety
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