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Lemongrass is likely safe for most people when consumed in typical amounts found in food. However, there may be some concerns when using it for medicinal purposes.
Used topically, lemongrass may cause skin irritation. Additionally, consuming high amounts of lemongrass may cause dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, excess urination, and increased appetite.
Lemongrass essential oil in high amounts can damage liver and stomach mucous membranes, according to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and excessive intake of lemongrass tea may also affect kidney function.
The medical center also cautions that pregnant women should avoid lemongrass because certain ingredients in lemongrass caused birth defects in rats when consumed in large amounts. Additionally, people undergoing chemotherapy should avoid lemongrass because it may interfere with the actions of some chemotherapeutic agents. *
