Lemongrass Tea: A Cup Of Sunshine In Your Hands

There’s something magical about the way lemongrass bends with the breeze. It doesn’t grow flashy like roses, nor does it demand attention like basil in a kitchen garden. But the moment you pluck a stalk, bruise it gently, and inhale, that zesty, citrusy aroma feels like bottled sunshine. And when you brew it into tea? Ah, that’s where the story begins.

The First Sip Memory

I still remember my first cup of lemongrass tea. It wasn’t in a trendy café or an exotic spa, but in my grandmother’s courtyard. She had this way of tossing crushed lemongrass stalks into boiling water as if she was brewing wisdom itself. No tea bags, no fancy kettles, just a dented steel saucepan bubbling away. She served it with a smile and a warning: “Careful, this one will chase your cold away before you even finish the cup.”

And she was right. One sip and my blocked nose melted, my mood lifted, and I was oddly convinced I could climb trees (though I wisely didn’t).

Lemongrass Across Cultures

Lemongrass isn’t just a backyard hero in Indian homes. In Thailand, it perfumes curries and soups. In Vietnam, it’s tucked into broths and teas, believed to calm the nerves. In parts of Africa, it’s brewed as a daily tonic, often called “fever grass tea.” The humble stalk seems to have travelled continents whispering secrets of good health and good taste.

Why Lemongrass Tea Is More Than Just Tea

Let’s be honest: some teas make promises they can’t keep. “Detox” teas that taste like regret, or “slimming” teas that make you suspicious. But lemongrass? It doesn’t need marketing drama. It soothes digestion, helps you unwind, eases cold symptoms, and somehow makes a rainy day feel less gloomy. And let’s not forget, it’s caffeine-free, so your sleep won’t pack its bags and leave.

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Brewing The Perfect Cup (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

Making lemongrass tea is easier than you think. If you can boil water, you can make this. Here’s how:

Pick Your Lemongrass – Fresh stalks work best. They look like long, thin grass blades, usually sold in bundles. Dried lemongrass works too, but fresh has that zing.
Chop And Crush – Cut the stalks into 2-3 inch pieces. Give them a little bash with the back of a knife. Why? Because life, and lemongrass, releases more flavour when given a gentle nudge.
Boil – Add the crushed stalks to 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes. Your kitchen will smell like a tropical holiday.
Strain And Sip – Pour into a cup, strain out the stalks. Add honey if you like sweet, or ginger for a spicy kick. Some people even add a splash of milk (though purists may gasp).

Congratulations, you’ve just made a cup of calm in chaos.

When To Drink It

There’s no wrong time, honestly. But here are a few golden hours:

Morning: Instead of coffee jitters, start with lemongrass calm.
Afternoon slump: When emails feel like enemies, brew a cup.
Rainy evenings: Pair it with pakoras or biscuits. Thank me later.

A Funny Truth About Lemongrass

Ask anyone who’s tried growing it at home, it multiplies like gossip. One pot becomes three, three become five, and suddenly your balcony looks like a jungle of lemony stalks. The upside? Endless tea. The downside? Neighbours knocking for “just one stalk.”

Lemongrass tea isn’t just a drink; it’s a mood, a healer, and sometimes even a storyteller. One sip can transport you to your grandmother’s courtyard, a Thai street market, or simply a quiet moment of peace in your own kitchen. So go ahead, brew a cup, breathe in the aroma, and let a humble stalk remind you that happiness often comes in the simplest forms.