Lemongrass — also called sereh — is an herb many people know from Asian dishes. The fresh, citrus-like scent is unmistakable. But did you know that lemongrass has been used for centuries as a medicine? In Suriname, Curaçao, Indonesia and India it is a familiar home remedy for a variety of ailments.

Modern science increasingly confirms what people have long known: lemongrass contains compounds that are genuinely good for you. In this article we list the seven most important health benefits — in plain language, without complicated jargon.

In this article:

1. Antioxidants
2. Digestion
3. Antibacterial
4. Immune system
5. Metabolism
6. Anti-inflammatory
7. Fresh breath

1. Lemongrass is full of antioxidants

You may have heard of free radicals: small molecules in your body that can damage cells. Antioxidants bind those radicals and neutralize them. Lemongrass contains several antioxidants, including chlorogenic acid, isoorientin and swertiajaponin.

Simply put: antioxidants help protect your cells from wear from the inside. The more you get from food, the better.

An easy way to use the antioxidants in lemongrass is to make tea from it. Let the stalk or powder steep in hot water for a while, and you have a warm, fresh drink that supports your body.

2. Good for your digestion and intestines

In Ayurvedic medicine — an ancient health system from India — lemongrass has been known for thousands of years as a remedy for stomach and intestinal complaints. That's not just superstition: research has shown that certain compounds in lemongrass help with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Lemongrass helps get your digestion going, reduces bloating and can relieve diarrhea or nausea. Combine it with ginger — also a top herb for your stomach — and you have a powerful duo.

Tip: bothered by bloating after eating? Make a cup of lemongrass-ginger tea. Slice a small piece of fresh ginger and add a teaspoon of ground lemongrass to hot water. Let steep for ten minutes and sip slowly.

3. Naturally antibacterial

Lemongrass contains a compound called citral. That compound not only gives the herb its characteristic scent, but also has antibacterial properties. Scientific research has shown that citral is effective against certain bacteria — including Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that can cause stomach complaints and ulcers.

The essential oil of lemongrass has also long been used for infections and inflammations. In the traditional medicine of Curaçao, lemongrass tea was given for colds and flu — precisely because of this antibacterial effect.

You don't need to take supplements to benefit from this. Simply using lemongrass in your food or making tea is enough.

4. Supports your immune system

Lemongrass has antiviral properties — it helps your body defend itself against viruses. Traditionally it was used for colds, coughs, fever and bronchitis. In Suriname, lemongrass tea is a well-known home remedy for these kinds of complaints. You drink it warm, which helps release the active compounds.

Citral — the compound we mentioned earlier — plays a role here. It has antiseptic and antiviral properties, making it easier for your immune system.

Lemongrass helps with: cold and cough, fever, infections (antiseptic) and works especially well in combination with ginger and lemon.

5. Stimulates your metabolism

Lemongrass is known as an herb that sparks your "digestive fire" — as they call it in Ayurvedic teaching. Concretely, this means it helps kick your metabolism a bit, making it easier to burn excess fat.

This effect is strongest when you combine lemongrass with ginger. Both herbs have a warming effect that stimulates your metabolism. A lemongrass-ginger tea in the morning is therefore a tasty, healthy start to the day.

Tip: occasionally replace your morning coffee with a cup of lemongrass-ginger tea. Refreshing, invigorating and good for your metabolism — without caffeine.

6. Anti-inflammatory effect

Chronic low-grade inflammation is increasingly seen as an underlying cause of many health problems. Lemongrass has anti-inflammatory properties — partly thanks to citral and other bioactive compounds found in the herb.

This does not mean lemongrass is a medicine, but it is a nice addition to a varied diet. Together with other anti-inflammatory herbs such as turmeric and ginger you build a solid foundation.

Good to know: incorporating lemongrass into your food — in a curry, soup or marinade — is enough to benefit from the active compounds.

7. Freshens your breath naturally

This may be the least known benefit: lemongrass is an effective remedy against bad breath. The antibacterial action of citral tackles the bacteria responsible for unpleasant odors in the mouth.

A cup of lemongrass tea already helps. More natural than gum, and much tastier too.

Recipe: lemongrass-ginger tea in 5 minutes

The simplest recipe to start enjoying all the benefits today. Warm, fresh and surprisingly tasty.

1. Bring 400 ml of water to a boil
2. Add 1 teaspoon of ground lemongrass (or 1 fresh stalk, crushed)
3. Add a small piece of fresh ginger, or ½ teaspoon of ginger powder
4. Let steep for 8 to 10 minutes
5. Strain the tea and add honey or lemon juice to taste

Summary: lemongrass is more than a flavoring

Lemongrass (sereh) is an herb with a long history as both medicine and kitchen ingredient. The seven benefits at a glance:

• Full of antioxidants that protect your cells
• Good for your digestion and intestines
• Naturally antibacterial (thanks to citral)
• Supports your immune system
• Stimulates your metabolism
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Freshens your breath naturally

The nice thing is: you don't have to learn anything new. Just toss some ground lemongrass into your next curry, occasionally make a cup of sereh-ginger tea, and you'll already benefit.

Also read: Lemongrass in the kitchen: the difference between fresh and ground + 2 recipes

Although lemongrass naturally contains various nutrients and antioxidants, it is not a medicine. The mentioned properties are based on traditional use and generally available information about herbs and spices. A varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle remain important. For health complaints we always advise consulting a doctor or other healthcare professional.

Frequently asked questions

1. How much lemongrass do you need to notice health benefits?
   There are no fixed guidelines. Regular use — a few times a week as a culinary herb or as tea — is a good start. Consistency matters more than the amount per serving.
2. Is ground lemongrass as healthy as fresh?
   Yes, largely. Active compounds such as citral remain present in ground lemongrass. For tea you may prefer the fresh variant, but in dishes ground works excellently and is also more convenient to use.
3. Can I use lemongrass daily?
   Yes, lemongrass as a culinary herb or tea is safe for most people to use daily. It is not a medicine and does not replace medical advice. During pregnancy or when taking medication: always consult your GP.
4. Does lemongrass work when incorporated in dishes, or only as tea?
   Both. The active compounds are released by heating, so you get the benefits in curries, soups and marinades as well. Tea does have a higher concentration of the active compounds, especially if you let it steep for a long time.