Lemongrass Uses: Cooking, Tea Blends and Mosquito Repellent – Practical Ways to Use Every Harvest
Discover the many uses of lemongrass — from Thai cooking and herbal tea to natural mosquito repellent and skincare. Learn how citral, the key compound in lemongrass, makes it so remarkably versatile.
Lemongrass is one of the most versatile plants you can grow or keep in your kitchen. Named for the sharp citrus fragrance released when its stalks are bruised, this tropical grass (Cymbopogon citratus) has earned a permanent place in cuisines, herbal medicine traditions, and natural pest-control strategies across Southeast Asia, South Asia, and beyond. The secret behind its versatility is a single compound: citral, which can account for up to 80 percent of lemongrass essential oil. Citral delivers the sharp, lemony scent and flavor, powers the plant’s documented antimicrobial activity, and is responsible for its well-known insect-repelling effect.
Whether you want to add depth to a Thai curry, brew a soothing evening tea, keep mosquitoes off your patio, or protect a vegetable bed, lemongrass offers a natural solution grounded in both tradition and modern research. This guide covers every major use, starting with the kitchen and working outward.
Cooking with Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a culinary cornerstone of Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, and South Indian cooking. Its flavor is complex — sharp citrus on the surface, with deeper floral, ginger-like undertones that develop during slow cooking. Unlike lemon juice or zest, lemongrass adds fragrance and brightness without acidity, making it ideal for dishes where you want aromatic depth without sourness.
Which Parts Are Edible
Only the lower, pale-yellow portion of the stalk is tender enough to eat. The tough outer leaves are excellent for infusing broths, soups, and teas but should be removed before serving. When a recipe calls for lemongrass to be consumed — rather than strained out — peel away the outer two or three layers to reach the soft inner core, then slice thinly or mince finely.
- Inner stalk (bottom 4–6 inches): Slice thin for stir-fries, mince for curry pastes, or pound in a mortar for marinades.
- Whole bruised stalk: Crush lightly with the back of a knife and add to soups, braises, and rice — remove before serving.
- Outer leaves: Bundle and simmer in stocks or broths, then discard; or dry for tea and sachets.
Key Culinary Applications
Thai green and red curry: Lemongrass is one of the essential aromatics in Thai curry paste, blended alongside galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chilies. Citral compounds mellow and sweeten during cooking, creating a rounded fragrance that anchors the whole dish.
Pho and Southeast Asian broths: A single bruised stalk simmered in broth for 30 minutes infuses remarkable depth of flavor. Vietnamese pho, Thai tom kha gai, and Indonesian soto ayam all rely on this technique. The key is bruising — a light crush releases 30 to 50 percent more volatile oil than an unbruised stalk.
Marinades for grilled meats: Minced lemongrass combined with garlic, fish sauce, lime zest, and chili makes an exceptional marinade for chicken, pork, or tofu. Citral acts as a mild natural tenderizer while the volatiles penetrate the meat during marinating. Allow at least two hours — overnight is better.
Lemongrass-infused rice: Add a bruised stalk to the cooking water for jasmine or basmati rice. The result is subtly fragrant rice that pairs beautifully with grilled proteins and simply dressed salads.
Syrups, cocktails, and mocktails: Lemongrass simple syrup — equal parts sugar, water, and bruised stalks, simmered for 10 minutes then strained — is a versatile bar ingredient. It works in gin, vodka, and rum cocktails and as well in sparkling water with lime for an alcohol-free option.
| Application | Form to Use | Cooking Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thai curry paste | Minced inner stalk | Blend raw, then fry in oil | Pair with galangal, garlic, kaffir lime |
| Soups and broths | Whole bruised stalk | Simmer 30–45 min | Remove stalk before serving |
| Grilled meat marinade | Minced inner stalk | Marinate raw, then grill | 2 hours minimum, overnight for best flavor |
| Infused rice | 1 whole stalk, bruised | Add to cooking water | Remove after cooking is complete |
| Syrups and drinks | Bruised stalks | Simmer in sugar water 10 min | Strain before using |
| Stir-fries | Thinly sliced inner stalk | Fry in oil first, then add aromatics | Use only the very tender core; slice paper-thin |
How to Make Lemongrass Tea
Lemongrass tea is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to use fresh or dried stalks. It brews to a clear golden color with a gentle citrus-ginger flavor — warming, refreshing, and naturally mild without any added sweetener. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine across Southeast Asia, where it is valued as a digestive aid, mild fever reducer, and calming bedtime drink.
The tea contains a range of bioactive compounds beyond citral. Chlorogenic acid, isoorientin, and swertiajaponin have all been identified in Cymbopogon citratus extracts and have demonstrated antioxidant activity in laboratory studies. These compounds make lemongrass tea a legitimate functional beverage, not just a pleasant flavor experience.
Three Brewing Methods
Fresh stalk tea: Take two or three fresh stalks, bruise them with the back of a knife, and cut into 2-inch pieces. Place in a small pot with 2 cups of water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and serve. Honey and fresh ginger are natural additions.
Dried lemongrass tea: Use 1–2 teaspoons of dried lemongrass per cup. Steep in freshly boiled water for 5–7 minutes, then strain. Drying concentrates the citral, producing a stronger, slightly more intense cup. Dried lemongrass also stores for months in an airtight container, making it the most practical option for daily use.
Cold brew lemongrass: Bruise several stalks, place in a jug of cold water (approximately 3 stalks per liter), and refrigerate overnight. The result is a delicate, lightly floral infusion that is excellent over ice with a squeeze of lime. This method extracts the volatile aromatics slowly, producing a more rounded, less sharp flavor than hot brewing.
A Note on Safety
Lemongrass tea is generally safe for most healthy adults in moderate amounts. However, very high consumption has been associated with dizziness and dry mouth in some reports. It is not recommended during pregnancy in large medicinal quantities, as citral has shown uterine-stimulating effects in animal studies. As with any herbal preparation, regular moderate use is sensible, and anyone with a medical condition should consult their healthcare provider.
Lemongrass as a Natural Pest Repellent
Lemongrass is one of the most effective plant-based pest deterrents available to home gardeners and homeowners. Its high citral content is toxic or strongly repellent to a broad range of insects, and the effect is entirely natural. The connection to citronella is worth understanding: citronella oil, the most widely marketed plant-based mosquito repellent, is derived from the closely related Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus. Lemongrass (C. citratus) produces a similar volatile profile — including citral, geraniol, and limonene — giving it comparable repellent activity, particularly at close range.
Which Pests Lemongrass Deters
The volatile compounds released by lemongrass disrupt the olfactory receptors of a range of common garden and household pests:
- Mosquitoes: Citral, geraniol, and limonene mask the carbon dioxide and lactic acid cues that mosquitoes use to locate hosts. Fresh bruised stalks, essential oil diffusers, and lemongrass candles all provide meaningful outdoor deterrence.
- Aphids: The strong airborne scent confuses aphids in flight and makes host plants harder to locate. Planting lemongrass near susceptible vegetable crops is a recognized integrated pest management technique.
- Houseflies and gnats: Citral is a known fly repellent. Dried lemongrass bundles placed near kitchen windows or compost areas help discourage flies from settling.
- Ants: Lemongrass essential oil diluted in water (10 drops per cup) can be sprayed along ant trails and around entry points to disrupt their scent trails.
- Moths: Dried sachets placed in wardrobes and storage areas provide mild deterrence against fabric moths. Combine with dried lavender or cedarwood chips for a stronger effect.
| Pest | Application Method | Key Compound | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mosquitoes | Bruised stalks, candles, diffuser | Citral, geraniol | Effective within ~2 m; replace fresh stalks every few days |
| Aphids | Companion planting near crops | Volatile oils (airborne) | Moderate; works best combined with other deterrents |
| Houseflies | Dried bundles, sachets indoors | Citral | Moderate deterrence at close range |
| Ants | Essential oil spray on entry points | Citral, limonene | Good for disrupting scent trails |
| Moths | Dried sachets in wardrobes | Citral | Mild; combine with cedarwood for best effect |
How to Use Lemongrass as a Repellent at Home
Fresh stalk bundles: Place a bundle of fresh lemongrass stalks — bruised slightly to release the oil — in a glass of water near outdoor seating. Replace every few days as the volatile compounds dissipate. This is the simplest and most visually appealing approach.
DIY lemongrass spray: Simmer 6 bruised stalks in 4 cups of water for 15 minutes, allow to cool, strain into a spray bottle, and add 15–20 drops of lemongrass essential oil. Spray on outdoor furniture, entry points, and plant foliage. Perform a patch test before applying to skin. The spray keeps for up to 5 days refrigerated.
Essential oil diffuser: Diffusing lemongrass oil indoors creates a pleasant citrus-scented barrier against flies and mosquitoes entering through open windows. Use 5–8 drops per 100 ml of water in a standard ultrasonic diffuser. This is also effective as an air freshener during warmer months.
You might also find growing lemongrass indoors helpful here.
Potted plants on the patio: Growing lemongrass in containers on the patio provides continuous, passive deterrence. Each time the leaves are brushed or the breeze moves through the plant, volatile compounds are released. A cluster of three or four mature pots around a seating area creates a meaningful mosquito barrier throughout the warmer months.
Aromatherapy Uses
Lemongrass essential oil is one of the most widely used oils in aromatherapy, valued primarily for its mentally stimulating and uplifting effect. The scent profile — sharp citrus on top with a grassy, slightly earthy base note — is distinct from true lemon oil and is often described as more invigorating and less sweet.
Focus and mental clarity: Lemongrass oil is commonly diffused in study spaces and home offices to support concentration. Blend 3 drops of lemongrass with 2 drops of peppermint and 2 drops of rosemary for a well-rounded clarity blend. Run for 30 minutes at a time to avoid olfactory fatigue.
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→ Find the Right PotStress and mood: Small studies have examined lemongrass inhalation for its anxiolytic effects, with results suggesting a moderate short-term reduction in stress markers. The mechanism likely involves citral’s influence on the limbic system via olfactory pathways. Evening diffusion for 20–30 minutes may support relaxation without sedation.
Muscle recovery: Diluted lemongrass oil (2–3 percent in a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba) can be massaged into sore muscles after exercise. Its mild analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties have been documented in laboratory settings, and it is a popular choice in natural sports massage blends.
Skincare and Topical Uses
Lemongrass has a well-documented antimicrobial and antifungal profile. Citral inhibits the growth of a range of common bacteria and fungi — including Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans — in laboratory studies. This translates to a range of practical applications in natural skincare and home remedies.
Natural deodorant: The antimicrobial action of lemongrass oil targets the bacteria responsible for body odor rather than simply masking the scent. Several effective natural deodorant formulations use lemongrass as a primary active ingredient alongside baking soda and coconut oil. A few drops can also be added to unscented deodorant bases.
Scalp and anti-dandruff treatment: Diluted lemongrass oil added to shampoo (10–15 drops per 200 ml bottle) has shown promise as an anti-dandruff treatment. A controlled study found that a 10 percent lemongrass hair tonic applied daily for two weeks significantly reduced scalp flakiness and itching compared to a commercial anti-dandruff product.
Oily and blemish-prone skin: Lemongrass is a natural astringent — it tightens pores and reduces excess sebum. Diluted to 1–2 percent in aloe vera gel or a carrier oil, it can be applied to the T-zone as a toning treatment. Always perform a 24-hour patch test before applying to the face, as citral can cause sensitivity in some individuals.
Foot care: Lemongrass foot soaks are a popular spa treatment that can easily be recreated at home. Add 3–4 drops of essential oil to a bowl of warm water with a tablespoon of Epsom salts. The combination softens skin, reduces foot odor, and has a mild antifungal effect useful for preventing athlete’s foot between toes.
Lemongrass in the Garden: Companion Planting
Beyond its direct edible and medicinal value, lemongrass earns its place in the kitchen garden through its companion planting benefits. The volatile oils released continuously by a growing clump act as a background deterrent for many common pests, reducing pressure on nearby crops without any additional effort.
Lemongrass is particularly effective near tomatoes. Aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites — three of the most persistent tomato pests — are all sensitive to citral and geraniol. Positioning two or three pots of lemongrass around a tomato bed creates an aromatic barrier that confuses pests in flight and reduces settling rates on the crop. It is most effective as part of a broader integrated pest management approach rather than a standalone solution.
More broadly, any vegetable bed experiencing aphid or whitefly pressure benefits from lemongrass grown nearby. Our companion planting guide covers the full principles of plant pairing in detail, including which aromatic herbs produce the strongest deterrent effect and how to position them for maximum coverage across a kitchen garden layout.
Lemongrass also functions as a physical barrier plant. Individual clumps can reach 3–4 feet across and form a dense, fragrant border along raised bed edges. This physical presence deters crawling insects as well as browsing by rabbits and deer, both of which tend to avoid strongly scented plants.
Growing Lemongrass to Maximize Its Uses
To get the most from lemongrass across all these uses, growing your own is far more practical and economical than buying stalks from a grocery store. A single established clump can produce dozens of harvestable stalks per season and will last for years under the right conditions — all from a single grocery store stalk rooted in a glass of water.
Lemongrass thrives in full sun, well-drained soil, and warm temperatures. In USDA zones 8b through 11, it grows as a perennial outdoors year-round. In cooler zones, it is best treated as an annual or overwintered in containers indoors near a south-facing window. For pest repellent use specifically, site your plants along pathways and around seating areas so that foot traffic naturally brushes the leaves and releases volatile oils throughout the day.
Our complete lemongrass growing guide covers planting, division, container culture, harvesting techniques, and overwintering in full detail — everything you need to build and maintain a productive clump from scratch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried lemongrass for cooking?
Yes, with adjustment. Dried lemongrass has more concentrated oils but lacks the brightness of the fresh plant. It works best in long-simmered dishes such as soups, stews, and braises where texture is not important. Use roughly half the quantity called for in fresh recipes and rehydrate in warm water for 20 minutes before adding to the dish.
Does lemongrass really repel mosquitoes?
Research confirms that the volatile compounds in lemongrass — particularly citral, geraniol, and limonene — repel mosquitoes at close range. Fresh crushed stalks and essential oil diffusers provide meaningful outdoor protection within approximately a 2-metre radius. They are not as persistent as DEET-based products but are a practical, natural choice for low-to-moderate mosquito pressure environments.
Is lemongrass safe for pets?
Lemongrass essential oil is toxic to cats and should not be diffused in enclosed spaces where cats are present. Ingestion of the fresh plant in small amounts is considered low risk for dogs, but larger quantities can cause gastrointestinal upset. Keep essential oils out of reach of all pets and consult a vet if your animal ingests a significant amount.
How long do fresh stalks last?
Stored upright in a glass of water on the counter, fresh lemongrass keeps for 1–2 weeks. In the refrigerator in a sealed bag, it lasts 2–3 weeks. For longer storage, slice the tender inner stalk, freeze flat on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Frozen lemongrass keeps for up to 6 months and goes directly from freezer to pot without thawing.
Can I grow lemongrass from a grocery store stalk?
Yes — this is one of the easiest kitchen herb propagation projects you can attempt. Place a fresh stalk with the root base intact in a glass of water on a sunny windowsill. Roots typically appear within 1–3 weeks. Once the roots reach an inch or two long, transplant into a pot of well-draining potting mix and keep in a warm, bright location.
