How to Make Lemongrass Ginger Tea | A Thai Grandma's Remedy, With Old Books and New Research

Ever feel a little chilly after a meal? In Thai homes, the answer was a pot of lemongrass and ginger simmering on the stove. Four ingredients, ten minutes, and a bright, fresh smell that fills the kitchen. Here's what science can and can't tell us about it.

Where It Comes From

In Thailand, families have long brewed this herbal tea (ชาตะไคร้ขิง, cha takrai khing) after meals or whenever they felt cold.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

Ingredient	Amount
Lemongrass	40 g (2 stalks, or 4 g dried)
Fresh ginger	10 g (about ⅓ oz)
Water	500 ml (about 2 cups)
Honey (optional)	7 g (1 tsp)

How to Make It

1. Bruise the lemongrass with the back of a knife and cut it into 3 cm (about 1-inch) pieces.
2. Add the ginger and water and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Strain and drink. Stir in honey if you like.

What's Nice About It

• There are human studies suggesting ginger may ease nausea.
• Studies (in children) suggest honey may help calm a cough.
• Sipping it warm is an easy way to get fluids.

What Tradition Says

• Thai herbal tradition: ginger is used to ease a bloated belly (แก้ท้องอืด), relieve gas (ขับลม) and settle nausea.

What Research Says Today

There are few studies in people on lemongrass tea itself. Ginger, though, has studies in people suggesting it may ease nausea, especially pregnancy nausea (summarized by the NIH's NCCIH).

Today's Rating

Item	Rating
Evidence	★★ Some studies, limited results
Safety	🟢 Safe in normal food amounts

How to Enjoy It

One or two cups a day, after meals.

Just One Caution

• If you get heartburn or an upset stomach, use less ginger. For some people, ginger can cause mild side effects such as heartburn, stomach discomfort, or diarrhea.

General Note

• Never give honey to babies under 1 year old. Honey can contain spores of the botulism bacteria, and babies under 1 year old can't yet fight them off well.

Sources

• NCCIH: Ginger
• Thai herbal tradition (ginger) — https://nectec.or.th/schoolnet/library/create-web/10000/language/10000-4840.html

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This article introduces traditional food customs. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please talk to your doctor if you have health concerns.