Lemongrass Ginger Tea: A Refreshing Herbal Brew with Health Benefits

The Golden Combination: Lemongrass and Ginger

There are certain ingredient pairings that just make sense. Lemongrass and ginger is one of them. The bright, citrusy aroma of lemongrass meets the sharp, warming bite of ginger to create a drink that is simultaneously refreshing and deeply comforting.

This combination has deep roots across Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. In Thailand, lemongrass is a cornerstone of tom yum soup. In India, fresh ginger (adrak) is the backbone of morning chai. Indonesian jamu tonics combine both ingredients for their medicinal properties. When you brew lemongrass ginger tea, you are tapping into centuries of culinary and healing wisdom.

Unlike heavy, milky chai, lemongrass ginger tea is light, clean, and endlessly versatile. It works as a morning pick-me-up, an after-meal digestif, or a soothing evening drink. It can be served hot, iced, or even sparkling.

What Is Lemongrass?

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tall, grass-like tropical herb native to South and Southeast Asia. It looks a bit like a thick green onion -- you use the pale, bulbous lower stalk where the flavor and essential oils are concentrated.

Despite its name, lemongrass tastes nothing like biting into a lemon. It has a bright, citrusy fragrance without the acidity. The signature compound is citral, the same molecule that gives lemon peel its scent, which contributes to its refreshing and calming character.

Health Benefits of Lemongrass

• Digestive support -- traditionally used to ease bloating and support healthy digestion after meals
• Mood booster -- the citral in lemongrass has aromatherapeutic properties that may help reduce stress and lift mood
• Antimicrobial properties -- research suggests citral has natural antibacterial characteristics
• Calming effect -- commonly used in herbal medicine traditions for promoting relaxation

Why Ginger Belongs in This Brew

Ginger is one of the most studied spices in the world and a fundamental ingredient in chai-making. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is considered a "universal remedy" for its wide-ranging benefits. For a deeper look, see our full article on ginger's health benefits.

Health Benefits of Ginger

• Warming from the inside -- gingerol and shogaol improve circulation and create a deep, sustained warmth
• Digestive aid -- stimulates gastric juices and supports healthy digestion
• Immune support -- a traditional remedy at the first sign of a cold in cultures around the world
• Anti-nausea -- one of the most well-documented natural remedies for motion sickness and morning sickness

Basic Lemongrass Ginger Tea Recipe (Serves 2)

Ingredients

• Water: 400 ml (about 1 2/3 cups)
• Fresh lemongrass: 2 stalks, cut into 2-inch (5 cm) pieces and bruised with the flat of a knife
• Fresh ginger: 1 thumb-sized piece (about 15 g / 1/2 oz), thinly sliced
• Honey: 1-2 tablespoons, to taste
• Fresh lemon juice: 1 teaspoon (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the lemongrass -- Use the pale, lower portion of the stalk (about the bottom 4-6 inches / 10-15 cm). Cut into 2-inch pieces, then press each piece firmly with the flat side of a knife to bruise the fibers. This releases the essential oils and gives you a much more fragrant brew.

2. Simmer -- Place the water, lemongrass, and ginger slices in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, letting the flavors develop fully.

3. Steep -- Turn off the heat, cover the pan with a lid, and let it rest for 3 minutes. This steeping step deepens the aroma without adding bitterness.

4. Strain and serve -- Pour through a fine mesh strainer into cups. Add honey and a squeeze of lemon juice if you like. For the best flavor and to preserve honey's beneficial enzymes, let the tea cool to about 140F / 60C before stirring in the honey.

Delicious Variations

Lemongrass Ginger Chai (with Milk)

Adding black tea leaves and milk transforms this into a proper chai-style drink with Southeast Asian flair.

1. Start with the basic recipe but reduce the water to 200 ml (about 3/4 cup)
2. Add 1.5 tablespoons of Assam or Ceylon tea leaves and simmer for 2 minutes
3. Pour in 200 ml (about 3/4 cup) of whole milk and heat until just below boiling

The brightness of lemongrass against creamy milk creates a surprisingly refreshing twist on traditional chai.

Lemongrass Ginger Sparkling Soda

A perfect summer cooler with zero caffeine.

1. Brew the basic lemongrass ginger tea at double strength (use half the water)
2. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate
3. Fill a glass with ice and pour the concentrate halfway
4. Top with sparkling water
5. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lemon wheel

Spiced-Up Version

Layer in more complexity with additional spices from the chai pantry:

• 2 green cardamom pods (crushed) -- adds a floral, aromatic lift
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric -- brings a golden color and anti-inflammatory benefits
• 2 whole black peppercorns -- a spicy kick that also boosts turmeric absorption

Fresh vs. Dried Lemongrass: Which Should You Use?

Fresh Lemongrass

Fresh lemongrass delivers the brightest, most vibrant flavor. Look for it at Asian grocery stores or well-stocked supermarkets. Choose stalks that are firm and plump with a fresh-cut base that appears white and moist.

Storage tips:

• Refrigerator: wrap in a damp paper towel and store in a plastic bag for 1-2 weeks
• Freezer: cut into pieces and freeze in a zip-lock bag for up to 3 months with minimal flavor loss

Dried Lemongrass

Dried lemongrass is milder but far more convenient. You can find it in the tea aisle, spice section, or at specialty herb shops. It keeps for 6 months or longer in an airtight container away from direct sunlight.

Conversion: Use about 1 tablespoon of dried lemongrass in place of 1 fresh stalk. Dried lemongrass benefits from a slightly longer simmering time (add 2-3 extra minutes) to coax out its flavor.

How This Combination Scores on the ChaiHolic Flavor Axes

Using ChaiHolic's 7-axis flavor system, the lemongrass-ginger combination shows a distinctive profile:

• Aroma: High score -- lemongrass brings a powerful citrus fragrance
• Warming: Moderate-high -- ginger provides steady internal warmth
• Cooling: Moderate -- lemongrass adds a fresh, clean quality to the finish

If you enjoy the balance between cooling brightness and warming depth, the ChaiHolic taste diagnosis can help you discover other blends that match your palate. You can also build custom blends featuring lemongrass and ginger on the order page.

FAQ

Can I use lemongrass essential oil instead of fresh or dried lemongrass?

No. Lemongrass essential oil is extremely concentrated and not intended for direct consumption in beverages. Always use food-grade fresh or dried lemongrass stalks for brewing tea. Essential oils can cause irritation to the mouth and digestive tract when ingested without proper dilution.

Is lemongrass ginger tea safe during pregnancy?

Ginger tea in moderate amounts is widely considered safe during pregnancy and is commonly recommended to ease morning sickness. Lemongrass, however, is sometimes cautioned against in large quantities during pregnancy in some herbal medicine traditions. If you are pregnant, consult your healthcare provider before adding lemongrass to your routine. A ginger-only tea is a safer default.

How many times can I reuse the same lemongrass and ginger?

You can get a second brew from the same lemongrass and ginger, though the flavor will be noticeably lighter. For the best result, crush the lemongrass pieces again before the second infusion and simmer for an extra 2-3 minutes. The ginger will still have plenty of flavor for a second round.

References

• The Amazing and Mighty Ginger - NCBI Bookshelf
• Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass): A Review - Pharmacognosy Reviews
• Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Cymbopogon citratus - Journal of Ethnopharmacology