Advantages of Lemongrass: Science-Backed Benefits

The advantages of lemongrass has quietly made this refreshing herb a staple in Australian kitchens, gardens and homes, prized for its clean, citrusy scent and its versatility in everything from Thai curries to herbal teas. But beyond its culinary appeal, a growing body of scientific research is examining the genuine advantages of lemongrass, from its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties to its potential role in stress relief and digestive support. This article separates the evidence from the anecdote, exploring what peer-reviewed studies and reputable health authorities actually say about this fragrant grass, how to use it safely in daily life, and why its pairing with lime has become a signature of Australian home fragrance.

Advantages of Lemongrass Table of Contents

What Is Lemongrass? A Brief Introduction to This Versatile Herb

The Science-Backed Health Advantages of Lemongrass

How to Use Lemongrass in Daily Life (Practical Applications)

Why Lemongrass and Lime Are a Perfect Pair

Experience the Uplifting Aroma at Home: Scentual Candles’ Lemongrass and Lime Candle

Practical Tips for Using Lemongrass Safely

Frequently Asked Questions About Lemongrass

References and Further Reading

What Is Lemongrass? A Brief Introduction to This Versatile Herb

Lemongrass is a tall, perennial grass native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and northern Australia. In this country, it is widely cultivated in Queensland and the warmer parts of northern New South Wales, where the climate mirrors its ancestral growing conditions. Two species dominate commercial and home use: Cymbopogon citratus, the culinary variety found in fresh markets and used for teas and cooking, and Cymbopogon flexuosus, which is grown primarily for steam-distilled essential oil extraction.

The herb’s distinctive lemon-like aroma and flavour come from a suite of active compounds, most notably citral, which makes up between 70 and 80 per cent of lemongrass essential oil. Other significant constituents include geraniol, limonene, and a range of flavonoids such as quercetin. These compounds underpin many of the health advantages of lemongrass in scientific literature. It is worth drawing a clear line between the herb’s culinary applications, where fresh or dried stalks are steeped or cooked, and its aromatic uses in essential oils, diffusers and candles, where the fragrance is inhaled rather than ingested. In Australia, lemongrass has found a natural home in a culture built around warm-weather living, outdoor entertaining and a preference for fresh, unpretentious flavours and scents.

The Science-Backed Health Advantages of Lemongrass

The following section examines benefits that have at least preliminary support from peer-reviewed studies or have been reported by medically reviewed sources such as Healthline, WebMD and Medical News Today. Where evidence is limited to animal or in-vitro research, that limitation is stated clearly.

Rich in Antioxidant Compounds

Lemongrass contains a range of flavonoids and phenolic compounds that demonstrate antioxidant activity, meaning they can help neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress at a cellular level. WebMD notes that a single tablespoon of fresh lemongrass provides small amounts of iron, calcium and vitamin C, nutrients that contribute to overall health alongside the herb’s bioactive compounds. Laboratory studies have shown that extracts of Cymbopogon citratus can scavenge free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage, though it is important to acknowledge that most of this evidence comes from in-vitro and animal research rather than large-scale human trials. The antioxidant potential is promising, but it should be understood as part of a broader dietary pattern rich in plant foods, not a standalone solution.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Quercetin, a flavonoid found in lemongrass, is the compound most frequently cited for its anti-inflammatory effects. Research suggests that quercetin can inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators in the body, which may have implications for managing chronic inflammatory conditions. WebMD specifically references quercetin as the active component behind lemongrass’s anti-inflammatory reputation. In animal studies, diluted lemongrass essential oil applied topically has shown some capacity to reduce skin inflammation, though human data remains sparse. Anyone managing a diagnosed inflammatory condition should view lemongrass as a complementary dietary addition rather than a replacement for prescribed anti-inflammatory medications.

Antimicrobial and Antibacterial Effects

The high citral content in lemongrass essential oil gives it notable antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, adding further advantages of lemongrass. WebMD cites evidence of lemongrass oil’s effectiveness against E. coli and other bacterial strains, while laboratory studies have demonstrated its ability to inhibit the growth of various pathogens. In tropical regions, lemongrass has a long history of traditional use for preserving food and purifying water, practices that modern science is beginning to validate. Preliminary research also supports topical antifungal applications, with some studies examining lemongrass oil as a natural treatment for conditions like athlete’s foot. These findings are encouraging, but they largely come from laboratory settings rather than clinical trials.

Digestive Support and Gut Health

Lemongrass tea has been used for generations in Ayurvedic and Southeast Asian medicine to ease bloating, cramping and indigestion. Some modern studies lend support to this traditional use, with animal research suggesting that lemongrass extracts may help reduce the formation of gastric ulcers. The mechanism is thought to involve both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions in the gastrointestinal tract. That said, the scientific consensus on advantages of lemongrass as a digestive aid is still emerging, and much of the evidence remains anecdotal or based on small-scale studies. Australians who swear by a cup of lemongrass tea after a heavy meal are drawing on a tradition that science is yet to fully confirm.

Potential for Stress Relief and Anxiety Reduction

Medical News Today lists anxiety relief as one of the primary benefits associated with advantages of lemongrass, particularly through aromatherapy. Inhalation of lemongrass essential oil has been studied for its potential to lower cortisol levels and promote a sense of calm. Animal studies have linked citral inhalation to reduced stress-related behaviours, though human research is limited. It is important to distinguish between the sensory and psychological effects of aromatherapy, which can be genuinely relaxing, and medicinal claims about treating clinical anxiety. The refreshing scent of lemongrass may help create a calming environment, but it is not a substitute for professional mental health care.

Other Notable Advantages of Lemongrass (With Caveats)

Several other potential benefits appear in the literature, though they require more robust evidence. For oral health, some studies suggest that lemongrass-based mouthwashes may reduce plaque and gingivitis, but sample sizes have been small. Weight loss support is mentioned by some health sites, likely linked to lemongrass’s mild diuretic and digestive effects rather than any direct fat-burning mechanism. Rat studies have shown reductions in blood pressure and cholesterol, but human evidence is insufficient to draw firm conclusions. In-vitro research has demonstrated that lemongrass extracts can have cytotoxic effects on certain cancer cells, yet this is far from a clinical treatment and should not be interpreted as such. These areas warrant further investigation, but they do not yet constitute proven health advantages.

How to Use Lemongrass in Daily Life (Practical Applications)

Moving from the scientific to the practical, the advantages of lemongrass are a range of everyday uses that extend well beyond the research laboratory.

In Cooking and Herbal Teas

Fresh lemongrass stalks are a cornerstone of Thai, Vietnamese and modern Australian fusion cooking, lending a bright, citrusy note to soups, curries, stir-fries and marinades. To make lemongrass tea, steep one or two fresh or dried stalks, bruised and chopped, in hot water for five to seven minutes. The resulting infusion is light, fragrant and naturally caffeine-free. Everyday Health notes that pairing lemongrass with ginger enhances both the flavour and the digestive comfort of the tea, a combination popular in Australian cafes and home kitchens alike. For storage, fresh stalks freeze well and can be kept for months, while dried lemongrass retains its flavour in an airtight container away from direct light.

In Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

Lemongrass essential oil is produced by steam-distilling the leaves of Cymbopogon flexuosus. It is widely used in diffusers to freshen indoor air, in diluted massage oils for a warming, invigorating effect, and in homemade cleaning sprays where its antimicrobial properties add a functional edge to its scent. One of the better-documented practical advantages of lemongrass oil is its insect-repelling capacity: a 2015 study found that lemongrass oil combined with a carrier oil provided 98.5 per cent protection against mosquitoes. Safety is critical when using essential oils. Lemongrass oil should always be diluted with a carrier oil before skin application, and undiluted oil should never be applied directly to the skin due to the risk of irritation.

In Home Fragrance and Ambience

In Australia, lemongrass has become a defining scent of summer, evoking the feeling of open windows, sea breezes and long afternoons on the verandah. Its fresh, citrusy profile is uplifting and energising without the heaviness of floral or spice-based fragrances, making it a natural choice for open-plan living areas, kitchens and outdoor entertaining spaces. As a home fragrance note, lemongrass works beautifully on its own, but it truly shines when blended with complementary citrus notes, a subject worth exploring in more detail.

Why Lemongrass and Lime Are a Perfect Pair

The combination of lemongrass and lime is one of those rare pairings where the whole is genuinely greater than the sum of its parts. Lime contributes sharp, tangy top notes that cut through the grassy, herbal heart of lemongrass, creating a fragrance that feels simultaneously clean, bright and balanced. This partnership is well established in Australian cuisine, where lemongrass and lime appear together in marinades, dressings and cocktails, each ingredient lifting the other without competing for attention.

In home fragrance, the same principle applies. Lime’s zestiness prevents lemongrass from becoming too earthy or one-dimensional, while lemongrass softens lime’s acidity and adds depth. The result is a fresh, clean aroma that suits the Australian preference for scents that feel natural and uncomplicated. It is a combination that has become a hallmark of many local candle and diffuser ranges, capturing the essence of a climate where indoor and outdoor living blur together for much of the year.

Experience the Uplifting Aroma at Home: Scentual Candles’ Lemongrass and Lime Candle

After exploring the science, the traditional uses and the sensory appeal of lemongrass, there is a natural question: how can you bring this refreshing fragrance into your own home in a way that feels effortless and inviting? The Lemongrass and Lime Candle from Scentual Candles offers one answer, designed not as a therapeutic product but as a way to create a bright, welcoming atmosphere in any room. A practical way to benefit from the advantages of lemongrass.

The fragrance profile opens with the crisp, zesty notes of fresh lime zest and lemongrass, an immediate burst of citrus that feels clean and energising. This top layer settles into a heart of jasmine, adding a subtle floral softness, before resting on a warm base of vanilla bean that rounds out the scent without making it sweet or heavy. The overall effect is balanced and refreshing, a candle that lifts a space rather than overwhelming it.

This candle is particularly well suited to kitchens, where it can help neutralise cooking odours and keep the room feeling fresh. In living areas, it creates an inviting backdrop for everyday relaxation or entertaining guests. In bathrooms, it adds a spa-like quality that turns a routine space into somewhere you want to linger. Hand-poured in Australia using quality ingredients, it reflects the local appreciation for scents that feel natural, clean and connected to the Australian lifestyle. For those who enjoy a home that smells as fresh as it feels, browsing the range of scented candles available from Scentual Candles is a worthwhile next step.

Practical Tips for Using Lemongrass Safely

While lemongrass is generally safe for most people when used appropriately, there are important precautions to keep in mind. For lemongrass tea, limiting consumption to one or two cups per day is a sensible guideline; excessive intake may lead to dizziness or dry mouth in some individuals. Essential oil use requires more caution. Always dilute lemongrass oil with a carrier oil such as jojoba or sweet almond oil before applying it to the skin, and perform a patch test on a small area first to check for sensitivity.

Pregnancy is a specific area of concern. WebMD warns that lemongrass may pose a risk of miscarriage when consumed in medicinal quantities, so pregnant women should consult a healthcare professional before using lemongrass tea or essential oil. Data on drug interactions is limited, but caution is advised for anyone taking blood pressure or diabetes medications, as lemongrass may have additive effects. Finally, citral can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals, and it is wise to avoid sun exposure on areas where diluted lemongrass oil has been applied, as it may increase photosensitivity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lemongrass

How much lemongrass tea should I drink daily?
There is no official recommended dosage, but one to two cups per day is generally considered safe for most adults. If you are new to lemongrass tea, start with one cup and observe how your body responds.

Does lemongrass interact with medications?
Lemongrass may potentially interact with medications for blood pressure and diabetes. If you take prescription drugs in these categories, consult your GP before adding lemongrass tea or supplements to your routine.

Can I grow lemongrass in Australia?
Yes, lemongrass thrives in warm, frost-free climates across much of Australia. It grows well in garden beds and large pots, preferring full sun and well-drained soil. In cooler regions, it can be grown in a pot and moved indoors during winter.

Is lemongrass safe for pets?
Lemongrass essential oil is toxic to cats and dogs and should never be diffused in enclosed spaces where pets are present or applied to their skin or fur. Dried or fresh lemongrass stalks used in cooking and tea are generally safe in the small amounts a pet might accidentally ingest, but it is best to keep all forms of the herb out of reach.

What is the difference between lemongrass tea and lemongrass essential oil?
Lemongrass tea is made by steeping the fresh or dried stalks in hot water and is intended for drinking. Lemongrass essential oil is a concentrated extract intended for topical use when diluted or for aromatic use in a diffuser. Essential oil should never be ingested.

References and Further Reading

Healthline, “10 Potential Health Benefits of Lemongrass Tea”
Medical News Today, “Health Benefits of Lemongrass,” medically reviewed by Jerlyn Jones, MS MPA RDN LD CLT, October 2024
WebMD, “Health Benefits of Lemongrass,” medically reviewed by Christine Mikstas, RD, LD, December 2024
Nikura, “10 Benefits of Lemongrass Essential Oil,” citing 2015 insect repellent study
ManipalCigna, “Health Benefits of Lemongrass”
Everyday Health, “Lemongrass and Ginger Tea”