What is lemongrass (fever grass)?

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), known as 'fever grass' in the Caribbean, is a fragrant tropical grass with a bright citrus aroma and flavor. It has been used for generations in Caribbean teas (especially during fever), Southeast Asian cooking, and traditional wellness practices.

How do people typically use it?

Most commonly as tea: bruise fresh stalks or steep dried leaves in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Also used in cooking to flavor soups, curries, and marinades. Essential oil is used for aromatherapy, massage, and as natural insect repellent.

No. The name 'fever grass' reflects traditional Caribbean use during illness for comfort and hydration, but lemongrass does not replace medical fever treatment. It is a traditional tea and culinary herb, not a pharmaceutical.

Who should be cautious?

Lemongrass tea and culinary use are generally safe. Those with diabetes should monitor blood sugar if consuming large medicinal amounts. Essential oil should never be ingested and must be diluted for topical use. Pregnant individuals should consult healthcare providers before using medicinal doses.

How do I choose quality lemongrass?

Fresh stalks should be firm with pale yellow-green color and strong lemony aroma when bruised. Dried leaves should be green (not brown) with intact structure and strong scent. For essential oil, choose 100% pure with Latin name Cymbopogon citratus. Organic is preferred.

🌾 Lemongrass (Fever Grass)

Nutrition highlights, common uses, and sourcing—built for clarity (not hype).

Overview

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), known as "fever grass" in the Caribbean, is a fragrant tropical grass used for generations in teas, cooking, and traditional wellness practices. With its bright citrus aroma and flavor, lemongrass is a staple in Caribbean, Southeast Asian, and African cuisines and home remedies. This guide covers practical basics—culinary uses, tea preparation, and quality sourcing—without exaggerated health claims.

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Key characteristics

Ancestral Caribbean Nutrient-Dense Food: traditional "fever grass" tea used in Caribbean households for generations during illness and for everyday wellness.
Essential oil content: contains citral, the compound responsible for lemony aroma and studied bioactive properties.
Aromatic compounds: limonene, geraniol, and other terpenes contribute to fragrance and traditional uses.
Antioxidants: contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds with protective properties.
Mineral content: provides modest amounts of potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron.
Traditional preparation: fresh stalks bruised for tea; dried leaves also used; essential oil for aromatherapy.

Tip: Fresh lemongrass has stronger aroma and flavor than dried; look for firm stalks with bright green tops.

Common benefits people look for

Fever support and cooling effects (traditional Caribbean use—hence "fever grass")
Digestive wellness and stomach comfort
Calming and stress relief (aromatic tea)
Respiratory support during seasonal transitions
Anti-inflammatory support in traditional wellness contexts
Natural mosquito repellent properties (citronella-like compounds)

These are traditional wellness themes—not proven medical treatments. Lemongrass is a culinary herb and beverage ingredient, not a pharmaceutical.

Common uses

Fever grass tea: steep fresh bruised stalks or dried leaves in hot water 10-15 minutes; traditional Caribbean home remedy.
Culinary seasoning: bruised fresh stalks add citrus flavor to soups, curries, marinades.
Infused water: cold-brew lemongrass for refreshing hydration.
Essential oil: diluted for topical massage, aromatherapy, or natural insect repellent.
Flavor base: used in Southeast Asian dishes, Caribbean fish and chicken preparations.
Herbal blends: combined with ginger, mint, or other herbs for therapeutic teas.

Typical origins & sourcing

Lemongrass grows in tropical and subtropical climates worldwide. Common sourcing regions:

Caribbean: Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados—"fever grass" tradition
Southeast Asia: Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia—culinary and commercial cultivation
South Asia: India, Sri Lanka—Ayurvedic medicine and commercial essential oil production
Africa: West and East Africa—traditional medicinal herb use
Central/South America: tropical growing regions—culinary and tea use

Quality checklist:

Fresh stalks: firm, pale yellow-green lower stalks with fresh green tops; avoid wilted or dried-out stalks.
Aroma test: should have strong lemony-citrus smell when bruised or cut; weak aroma indicates poor quality.
Dried leaves: should be green to pale green (not brown), with intact structure and strong aroma.
Organic preferred: especially for fresh stalks and dried leaves used for tea.
Essential oil: 100% pure, no synthetic fragrance added; check for Latin name Cymbopogon citratus or C. flexuosus.
Storage: fresh stalks keep 2-3 weeks refrigerated; dried leaves in airtight container away from light.
Country of origin: Thai or Caribbean lemongrass often preferred for freshness and traditional use.

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Preparation Tips

Traditional fever grass tea: bruise 2-3 fresh lemongrass stalks (bottom 4-6 inches), steep in 4 cups boiling water 10-15 minutes, strain, sweeten with honey if desired.
Dried leaf tea: use 1-2 teaspoons dried lemongrass per cup hot water; steep 5-10 minutes covered.
Culinary use: remove tough outer layers, bruise or chop lower portion of stalk; remove before serving or chop finely.
Cold infusion: steep fresh or dried lemongrass in cold water 4-8 hours refrigerated for refreshing drink.
Herbal blends: combine with ginger and mint for digestive tea; add to cerasee for enhanced flavor.
Essential oil: dilute 2-3 drops in carrier oil for massage; use in diffuser for aromatherapy.
Insect repellent: crush fresh leaves and rub on skin, or use diluted essential oil (patch test first).

Safety & Considerations

Generally safe: lemongrass tea and culinary use have long safety history with no significant concerns.
Essential oil caution: never ingest essential oil undiluted; always dilute in carrier oil for topical use.
Pregnancy & nursing: culinary amounts generally considered safe; excessive medicinal doses not studied—consult healthcare provider.
Allergic reactions: rare but possible; discontinue if skin irritation or allergic symptoms occur.
Blood sugar awareness: some research suggests lemongrass may affect blood sugar; those with diabetes should monitor.
Medication interactions: may interact with diabetes or blood pressure medications in large medicinal amounts.
Not a fever treatment: traditional "fever grass" name reflects cultural use, but lemongrass does not replace medical fever treatment.

This information is educational only. Lemongrass is a culinary herb and traditional tea, not a medical treatment. Consult healthcare professionals for health concerns.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts (USDA reference) — click to expand/collapse

Per 100 g (raw lemongrass)%DV*

Calories99 kcal5%

Total Carbohydrate25.3 g9%

Dietary Fiber~2 g7%

Protein1.8 g4%

Vitamin C2.6 mg3%

Folate75 mcg19%

Iron8.2 mg46%

Magnesium60 mg14%

Potassium723 mg15%

Verified source: USDA FoodData Central (Lemongrass, raw). Brewed tea will have much lower nutrient concentrations. Essential oil composition differs significantly.

*% Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet and standard FDA DVs.

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