Quick Take
A social media post suggests that adding some leaf of lemongrass in your tea will relieve anxiety and stress. We fact checked and found the claim to be Mostly false.
The Claim
A social media post claims that lemongrass can naturally reduce anxiety and stress.
Fact Check
Does lemongrass have compounds that could affect mood?
Yes, lemongrass contains bioactive compounds like citral, myrcene, and limonene. Research, such as a Mice treated with citral spent more time in open areas and showed less stress-related movement in tests like the elevated plus maze and open-field test. Scientists believe citral interacts with GABAA_AA and serotonin (5-HT1A_{1A}1A) receptors, which are the same pathways targeted by some prescription anti-anxiety medications.
However, it is important to stress that these effects were observed in mice at controlled doses far higher than what a typical human would consume in tea or aromatherapy. Translating animal results directly to humans is not reliable.
Can drinking lemongrass tea relieve anxiety in humans?
No, there is no clinical evidence in humans supporting this. While lemongrass tea is widely consumed and generally considered safe, studies on human anxiety are extremely limited. Most claims about anxiety relief from lemongrass tea are anecdotal or based on traditional medicine.
A human body processes herbs differently than a mouse, and the concentration of citral or other compounds in a cup of tea is much lower than the doses used in animal experiments. Drinking lemongrass tea may feel relaxing simply because drinking a warm beverage can reduce stress, but this is not the same as chemically reducing anxiety.
Dr Madhu Wamsi, MBBS, MD (Psychiatry), Consultant Psychiatrist, Hyderabad said “Lemongrass aromatherapy may provide a mild, short-term calming effect, but it should only be seen as a complementary option. While small studies suggest benefits in reducing situational anxiety, there is no strong evidence to support it as a primary treatment. In my practice, I recommend it as a safe add-on for relaxation in selected patients, while structured therapy and, when required, medication remain the cornerstone of anxiety management.”
Could essential oils from lemongrass help with anxiety?
Possibly, but evidence is preliminary and limited. Some studies suggest that inhaling lemongrass essential oil might have a mild calming effect due to its scent and interaction with the brain’s olfactory system. A review highlighted that aromatherapy could influence mood and relaxation, but these studies were often small, short-term, and sometimes poorly controlled.
This means that while aromatherapy with lemongrass may enhance a sense of calm, it cannot replace evidence-based treatments for anxiety, such as therapy or medications prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Dr P Dharaneedhar, MBBS, MD (Psychiatry), a Consultant Psychiatrist and Assistant Professor at the Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences, Narketpally, Telangana, said, “Lemon grass has anxiolytic properties as per some clinical trials but its effectiveness varies around 10 to 20% only, this can be useful for mild anxiety symptoms but is not reliable for the majority of cases who suffer with moderate to severe anxiety. Valid and long term studies in future may prove otherwise.”
Are there risks associated with using lemongrass for anxiety ?
Yes, there are some potential side effects, especially if taken in high doses or as concentrated supplements. Lemongrass essential oil can irritate the skin or mucous membranes, and in rare cases, it can trigger allergic reactions. Drinking moderate amounts of lemongrass tea is usually safe for most adults, but pregnant women, children, or people with liver conditions should consult a doctor before using it regularly.
It’s also important to remember that relying solely on lemongrass for anxiety could delay seeking proven treatments, which might worsen symptoms over time.
Bottom Line
Lemongrass is a fragrant herb with compounds that show calming effects in laboratory studies, but these results do not automatically apply to humans. Drinking lemongrass tea or using its essential oil might provide a comforting ritual or mild relaxation, but it cannot cure or treat anxiety. Claims that lemongrass significantly reduces anxiety are exaggerated and not backed by human evidence.
For those experiencing anxiety, the safest and most effective approach remains consulting healthcare professionals, practising stress-management techniques, and following evidence-based treatments. Enjoy lemongrass for its taste and aroma, but not as a magic solution for anxiety.
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