Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Mar 27 2026

Introduction

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tall, fragrant grass widely used in both culinary and herbal traditions. Recognised for its crisp, citrus-like aroma, it is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions across Asia, Africa, and Central America.

The long, slender stalks with a firm, fibrous texture of lemongrass contain aromatic oils that give the plant its signature scent and flavour. These stalks are often used fresh or dried in herbal preparations, particularly in warm, refreshing infusions.

In many traditional practices, lemongrass has been enjoyed as a daily herbal drink due to its light, clean taste and versatility.

For those curious about how herbs like lemongrass fit into everyday routines, herbal tea therapy provides a closer look at how infusions have been traditionally prepared and enjoyed across cultures.

In many traditional settings, lemongrass has been appreciated as an accessible and versatile herb that can be easily incorporated into daily routines. Its refreshing aroma and flavour made it suitable for both simple infusions and more complex plant-based preparations.

Today, lemongrass continues to be widely used in modern herbal practices, where it is often included in both standalone teas and blended formulations that highlight citrus and warming flavours.

Botanical Information

Lemongrass belongs to the Poaceae family, which includes a wide range of grasses cultivated around the world.

It grows in dense clumps, with long, narrow leaves and fibrous stalks that can reach heights of up to 1.5 metres. The base of the stalk is the most commonly used part in herbal and culinary preparations.

Botanical name: Cymbopogon citratus
Plant family: Poaceae
Parts used: Stalks and leaves
Native regions: Southeast Asia

Lemongrass thrives in warm climates with abundant sunlight and moisture. It is typically harvested by cutting the stalks close to the base.

Traditional Herbal Use

Lemongrass has been widely used in traditional herbal and culinary practices, particularly throughout Southeast Asia.

It has commonly been included in:

• Herbal infusions made from fresh or dried stalks

• Traditional beverages served warm or chilled

• Plant-based preparations combining citrus-scented herbs

• Culinary dishes where its flavour enhances broths and soups

Because of its refreshing profile, lemongrass is often used as a key ingredient in herbal drinks designed for everyday enjoyment.

Lemongrass is often combined with other herbs such as ginger, mint, or turmeric in botanical preparations, where its citrus notes complement stronger flavours.

Active Compounds

Lemongrass contains several naturally occurring compounds that contribute to its aroma and botanical characteristics.

Some commonly discussed constituents include:

• Citral – a compound responsible for the herb’s strong citrus scent

• Essential Oils – aromatic compounds concentrated in the stalks and leaves

• Flavonoids – plant compounds present in many herbs

• Polyphenols – naturally occurring substances found in plant materials

These compounds are typically released when lemongrass is steeped or gently simmered, allowing its citrus aroma to fully develop.

Potential Wellness Benefits

Within traditional herbal practices, lemongrass has often been associated with light, refreshing botanical preparations. Because lemongrass is often prepared as a tea, the way it is cut and brewed can influence both flavour intensity and overall experience.

Possible wellness associations traditionally linked with lemongrass include:

• Supporting herbal traditions that use citrus-scented grasses in daily infusions

• Contributing to plant-based beverages, particularly those with clean and bright flavour profiles

• Enhancing herbal blends, where fresh notes create balance

• Complementing botanical routines focused on simple, refreshing herbs

When preparing fibrous herbs like lemongrass, the way the plant material is processed can affect the infusion. Larger cut pieces often release flavour more gradually than finely ground forms.

The loose-leaf and tea bags guide explains how preparation style can influence the outcome of herbal teas.

How It Is Traditionally Used

Lemongrass can be prepared in several ways depending on the intended use.

Common preparation methods include:

Herbal infusion

Sliced or crushed stalks are steeped in hot water.

Decoction

The stalks may be simmered to extract more flavour.

Culinary use

Lemongrass is widely used in soups, curries, and broths.

Herbal blends

It is combined with other herbs to create balanced infusions.

Because of its fibrous structure, lemongrass is often cut or crushed before use to help release its aromatic compounds.

For those interested in exploring ready-made blends featuring herbs and botanicals, the herbal teas collection offers a range of plant-based infusions crafted from carefully selected ingredients.