Pure Lemongrass Tea is a caffeine-free herbal tisane made from handpicked lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) grown in Ilam, Nepal. It offers a bright, citrus-forward cup that many people enjoy hot or iced at any time of day. Unlike our lemongrass-flavoured black and green teas, it contains no tea leaf and no caffeine.

Walk into any tea shop and you will find "lemongrass tea" in several forms: a pure herbal infusion, a black tea scented with lemongrass, or a green tea blended with it. They share a name, but they are three different drinks. This guide walks you through what Pure Lemongrass Tea is, what the research on lemongrass may suggest, how to brew it two different ways, and how to choose between the three lemongrass products at Nepal Tea Exchange.

What Is Pure Lemongrass Tea?

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tall, fragrant grass that grows well in warm, humid hill country. Its long green leaves carry a clean citrus aroma that comes from naturally occurring aromatic compounds, most notably citral. In kitchens across Asia, lemongrass flavours soups, curries and drinks. In eastern Nepal, it has long been a familiar plant, often brewed at home as a warm, uplifting cup, particularly in the damp monsoon months.

Pure Lemongrass Tea belongs to the category called tisanes, or herbal infusions. A tisane is made from herbs, flowers, roots or leaves other than the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). That distinction matters. Black, green, white and oolong teas all come from the tea plant, and the tea plant naturally contains caffeine. A pure lemongrass tisane does not come from the tea plant at all. It is simply dried lemongrass, nothing added.

Our 62° Pure Lemongrass Tea is made from handpicked lemongrass grown in the Ilam valley of Nepal. Ilam is best known for its high-altitude tea gardens, and the same cool air, mist and mountain soil that shape Ilam's teas also nurture the lemongrass grown there. The result is a light golden-yellow cup with a lemony, slightly sweet, grassy character and a soft, clean finish.

A 50gm pack is priced at Rs430, which makes it one of the most approachable ways to explore Himalayan herbal tea.

Is Lemongrass Tea Caffeine-Free?

Pure Lemongrass Tea is 100% caffeine-free. Lemongrass is a grass, not a tea plant, and it does not naturally contain caffeine. Because 62° Pure Lemongrass contains only dried lemongrass, there is no caffeine in your cup.

This is where the name can mislead. Nepal Tea Exchange also sells two lemongrass-flavoured teas, and both of them do contain caffeine because they are built on real tea leaf:

• 06° Lemongrass Ilam Black Tea is a black tea blend, so it contains caffeine.
• 72° Lemongrass Ilam Green Tea is a green tea blend with a lighter caffeine level, but it is not caffeine-free.

If you are avoiding caffeine, or simply want a gentle evening cup, the pure tisane is the one to choose. For a full side-by-side comparison, read our detailed guide: Pure Lemongrass vs. Lemongrass Black Tea vs. Green Tea: Which One Is Right For You?

Pure Lemongrass Tea: Potential Benefits

Lemongrass has a long history in traditional food and home-wellness practices across South and Southeast Asia. Modern research has begun to look at the plant's natural compounds, although most studies are laboratory-based or small in scale. That is why we describe lemongrass tea in terms of what it may support, not what it does.

Natural plant compounds

Lemongrass contains citral and limonene, which give it its distinctive aroma, along with small amounts of potassium and vitamin C. Studies suggest that some of these plant compounds have antioxidant properties, meaning they may help the body handle everyday oxidative stress. A cup of tea is one small part of an overall balanced diet, not a stand-alone solution, and the amounts that reach your cup are modest.

Digestive comfort

Warm herbal infusions are traditionally valued for after-meal comfort, and lemongrass is among the herbs commonly used this way. Many people enjoy a cup after a heavy meal as part of a relaxing routine. Lemongrass tea may support a feeling of digestive ease, but individual experiences vary and it is not a substitute for medical advice if you have ongoing digestive concerns.

A calming ritual

Part of any herbal tea's appeal is the ritual itself: boiling water, a fragrant steam, a few unhurried minutes. The bright citrus scent of lemongrass is widely described as refreshing and uplifting, and because it carries no caffeine, it fits naturally into wind-down routines. Taking a quiet break with a warm cup may support a sense of relaxation and general well-being.

Hydration without caffeine

Flavourful, caffeine-free drinks make it easier to stay hydrated through the day, especially if plain water feels dull. Lemongrass tea contributes to your daily fluid intake and can be enjoyed with no added sugar.

For a closer look at the research and the compounds involved, see our companion article: Pure Lemongrass Tea Benefits: What Citral and Antioxidants Actually Do. This is the deeper guide to lemongrass tea benefits and digestion.

Pure Lemongrass vs. Lemongrass Black Tea vs. Lemongrass Green Tea: Which Should You Buy?

Three Nepal Tea Exchange products carry the word "lemongrass," and each suits a different kind of drinker. Here is how they compare.

Choose 62° Pure Lemongrass if you…

want a caffeine-free cup at any hour, prefer a light, clean, citrus-led flavour, enjoy herbal infusions, or want a tea you can share with the whole household in the evening.

Choose 06° Lemongrass Ilam Black Tea if you…

like a bold, full-bodied morning cup with a bright citrus lift, and are comfortable with the caffeine that black tea naturally provides. It also takes milk and sweetener well, if that is how you take your tea.

Choose 72° Lemongrass Ilam Green Tea if you…

want something lighter and fresher than black tea, with gentle green-tea sweetness alongside the lemongrass. It contains caffeine, though generally less than black tea, and it can be bought in a smaller 30gm size if you would like to try it first.

A simple rule of thumb: if caffeine matters to you, choose the pure tisane. The full buying guide is here: Which One Is Right For You?

How to Brew Pure Lemongrass Tea: Decoction vs. Steeping

Because lemongrass is a robust, fibrous herb rather than a delicate tea leaf, it is forgiving. It will not turn bitter or astringent the way an over-steeped green tea can. That gives you two good ways to brew it, depending on how strong you want the cup.

Method 1: Decoction (stronger, fuller cup)

A decoction simmers the herb briefly so that more of its aroma and flavour move into the water. It suits anyone who wants a more robust, traditional-style strength.

1. Add about one to two teaspoons of Pure Lemongrass Tea to a small pot with one cup of fresh water.
2. Bring to a boil and let it boil for 3–4 minutes.
3. Turn off the heat, cover, and let it steep for 1 minute.
4. Strain into a cup. Add honey or a squeeze of lemon if you like.

Method 2: Normal steeping (lighter, gentler cup)

Steeping is the everyday method: no stove, no pot, just a cup or teapot.

1. Place about one to two teaspoons of Pure Lemongrass Tea in a cup or teapot.
2. Pour over freshly boiled water.
3. Cover and steep for 5–7 minutes. Covering the cup helps keep the aromatic oils in.
4. Strain and enjoy.

Which method should you use? Start with normal steeping for a clean, citrus-bright cup. If you would like something deeper and stronger, try the decoction. Adjust the amount of tea up or down to taste. There is no single correct strength.

Serving ideas

• Iced: Brew a slightly stronger cup, let it cool, then pour over ice.
• With honey and lemon: a classic pairing that softens the grassy notes.
• With fresh ginger: add a thin slice during the decoction for a warming twist.

Want photos, temperatures and troubleshooting? Read our full brewing walkthrough: How To Brew Pure Lemongrass Tea: Decoction Vs. Steeping.

Lemongrass Tea Side Effects & Who Should Be Cautious

Lemongrass is widely used in food and drinks and is generally well tolerated when enjoyed in normal serving amounts. Still, herbal teas are not right for everyone, and a few points are worth knowing.

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding, speak with your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional before drinking herbal teas regularly, including lemongrass tea.
• Medications and medical conditions: If you take prescription medication or have a health condition, check with a healthcare professional before adding a new herbal tea to your routine, in case of interactions.
• Allergies and sensitivities: Some people are sensitive to lemongrass or related grasses. Stop drinking it and seek advice if you notice an unusual reaction such as itching, rash, or stomach upset.
• Moderation: Enjoy it in moderate servings as part of a varied diet. More is not necessarily better.
• Children: Ask a paediatrician before offering herbal teas to young children.

Lemongrass tea is a food beverage. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or medical condition.

Best Time to Drink Lemongrass Tea

Since Pure Lemongrass Tea carries no caffeine, there is no wrong time to drink it. Here are a few moments where it fits especially well:

• Morning: a gentle, caffeine-free start, or a light alternative on days you have already had your coffee or black tea.
• After meals: a warm cup is a traditional way to round off lunch or dinner.
• Afternoon: a refreshing iced glass on a warm Kathmandu day.
• Evening: a soothing part of your wind-down routine, without worrying about caffeine close to bedtime.

Why Choose Nepal Tea Exchange's Pure Lemongrass Tea

Generic lemongrass tea can come from anywhere. Ours has a clear story and a clear identity.

• Ilam provenance: our lemongrass is grown in Ilam, in eastern Nepal, a region known for its high-altitude tea and herbal cultivation.
• Handpicked: the leaves are picked by hand, which helps keep the aroma bright and the cut clean.
• Truly pure: one ingredient, lemongrass. No tea leaf, no flavourings, no caffeine.
• Honest labelling: we tell you plainly which of our lemongrass products contain caffeine and which do not, so you can choose with confidence.
• Nepali company: Nepal Tea Exchange is based in Kathmandu and works to bring the flavours of the Himalayas to tea lovers in Nepal and around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lemongrass tea caffeine-free?

Pure lemongrass tea is caffeine-free because lemongrass does not naturally contain caffeine. Our 62° Pure Lemongrass Tea is 100% caffeine-free. Our 06° Lemongrass Ilam Black Tea and 72° Lemongrass Ilam Green Tea are tea-based blends and do contain caffeine.

What are the potential benefits of lemongrass tea?

Lemongrass contains natural plant compounds such as citral and limonene, and studies suggest some have antioxidant properties. It is traditionally valued for digestive comfort and as a calming, refreshing drink. Lemongrass tea may support general well-being as part of a balanced diet and lifestyle.

How long should you steep lemongrass tea?

It depends on the method. For normal steeping, allow 5–7 minutes in freshly boiled water. For a decoction, boil for 3–4 minutes, then steep for 1 minute.

What's the difference between Pure Lemongrass Tea and Lemongrass Black Tea?

Pure Lemongrass Tea is an herbal tisane made only from lemongrass, so it has no caffeine. Lemongrass Ilam Black Tea is black tea blended with lemongrass, so it contains caffeine and has a bolder, fuller-bodied taste.

Can lemongrass tea be served iced?

Yes. Brew it a little stronger than usual, allow it to cool, and pour it over ice. A slice of lemon or a little honey works well.

Is lemongrass tea safe during pregnancy?

There is not enough consistent guidance to give a blanket answer. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional before drinking lemongrass tea regularly.

Does lemongrass tea help with digestion?

Lemongrass tea is traditionally valued as a comforting after-meal drink and may support digestive ease for some people. Experiences vary, and it is not a substitute for medical advice about persistent digestive concerns.

What does lemongrass tea taste like?

Pure Lemongrass Tea has a bright, lemony aroma with a mild natural sweetness, a soft grassy note and a clean finish. It is naturally lemon-like without any added citrus.

Is Nepal lemongrass the same as Thai lemongrass?

Both are commonly Cymbopogon citratus. Flavour can differ slightly depending on climate, soil, harvest and drying. Ours is grown in the Ilam region of Nepal and offers a clean, citrus-forward profile.

How many cups of lemongrass tea can you drink per day?

There is no universal limit. Many people enjoy one to three cups a day as part of a varied diet. Start with one cup to see how you feel, and check with a healthcare professional if you have any medical conditions or take medication.

Related Articles

Continue exploring lemongrass tea with these three companion guides: