Updated on July 17, 2025
Pregnancy is a time when you start second-guessing everything you put in your body—from what you eat to the teas you sip to the oils you rub on your belly. One question I see pop up a lot is: “Is lemongrass safe during pregnancy?”
If you’re anything like me, you probably love the fresh, citrusy smell of lemongrass. It’s in your favorite Thai dishes, spa candles, maybe even your go-to essential oil blend. But is it pregnancy-safe in all forms, like lemongrass tea or lemongrass oil? In this post, I want to go through the benefits and the question marks around lemongrass during pregnancy. Think of it as your friendly guide through what’s safe to enjoy and where to hit pause.
Is Lemongrass Safe During Pregnancy?
Lemongrass, when used in small amounts in cooking, is typically safe during pregnancy. However, concentrated forms like tea, supplements, or essential oils should be used with caution!
If you’re enjoying a curry dish that includes a bit of lemongrass for flavor, that’s generally considered fine. But if you’re sipping on lemongrass tea daily or applying essential oil to your skin, that’s when you’ll want to pause and consider the risks.
Why the Concern with Lemongrass in Pregnancy?
Lemongrass contains natural compounds like citral and myrcene, which may be problematic in high concentrations during pregnancy. While more human research is needed, animal studies suggest that these compounds, especially myrcene, may interfere with fetal development and even increase the risk of miscarriage or abnormal bone growth in high doses.
Let me be clear: these concerns mostly come from studies on rats, not humans. But since we don’t have solid human data, many healthcare providers (and cautious mamas like me) choose to avoid it in stronger forms—just to be on the safe side.
Common Side Effects of Lemongrass During Pregnancy
Consuming lemongrass in high amounts during pregnancy can cause:
- Lower blood sugar, which can lead to dizziness or fatigue (If you have gestational diabetes, definitely avoid lemongrass tea or supplements, as they could interfere with your blood sugar regulation.)
- Uterine stimulation, which may increase the risk of miscarriage
- Potential allergic reactions, like skin irritation, swelling, or trouble breathing
Is Lemongrass Tea Safe in Pregnancy?
While lemongrass tea is often praised for its calming, digestive, and detoxifying effects, it’s a different story during pregnancy. When you’re expecting, this otherwise soothing tea may carry some risks, especially if consumed regularly or in large amounts.
Lemongrass tea may contain concentrated levels of myrcene, the compound linked to potential fetal risks. Thus, drinking larger amounts of lemongrass tea can stimulate menstrual flow, which could lead to uterine contractions or even miscarriage in early pregnancy.
Additionally, it may lower blood sugar levels, which can lead to dizziness and fatigue. That is something you definitely don’t need more of while pregnant!
💡 Personal mama note: During my pregnancy, I skipped lemongrass tea entirely. I love herbal teas, but I stuck to ones that were pregnancy-approved, like rooibos or ginger.
Lemongrass Essential Oil in Pregnancy
Using lemongrass essential oil during pregnancy can be a bit complicated. While the scent is refreshing and uplifting, essential oils are quite potent and may pose risks for pregnant women.
What is generally considered safe and what you might want to avoid:
- Inhalation or using it in a diffuser in small amounts is generally considered low risk, especially in the second or third trimester.
- Topical use should be minimal and always diluted with a carrier oil like coconut or sweet almond oil.
- Never ingest lemongrass essential oil or apply it directly to your skin undiluted! It can irritate the skin or cause sensitivity, especially during pregnancy when your body is more sensitive.
If you want to use lemongrass essential oil during pregnancy, talk to your provider first. Honestly, there are gentler, more trusted oils for pregnant mamas—like lavender, peppermint, or chamomile.
Like Dr. Emma (my pediatrician friend and busy mama of four) reminded me: “I avoided lemongrass oil during both my pregnancies and instead diffused small amounts of lavender or peppermint. They eased my headaches and stress and gave me peace of mind.”
Quick FAQ: Lemongrass in Pregnancy
What Is Lemongrass, Anyway?
Lemongrass is a tall, tropical plant with a bright citrus scent. It is often used as a flavoring in food, a calming tea, or a natural remedy. Its essential oil is found in many natural insect repellents, cleaning products, and aromatherapy blends.
Lemongrass is not a lemon!
Lemongrass and lemons are two completely different plants. While lemon oil is considered safe, you should be extra careful if using lemongrass oil during pregnancy!
Some of its popular benefits (for non-pregnant users) include:
- Supporting digestion
- Helping relieve headaches and stress
- Reducing cholesterol
- Acting as a natural diuretic
Final Thoughts: Play It Safe with Lemongrass in Pregnancy
To wrap it up: a splash of lemongrass in your favorite stir-fry is fine, and an occasional sniff of diluted essential oil may be okay later in pregnancy. However, relying on lemongrass tea, concentrated supplements, or strong essential oils isn’t worth the risk. Your growing little one deserves that extra layer of care.
When in doubt, talk to your OB-GYN or midwife about what’s best for your unique pregnancy journey. There are so many other safe and supportive options out there that don’t come with the same question marks.
💛 From one mama to another: Trust your gut, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to skip anything that makes you uneasy, even if it seems “natural.”
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your doctor or OB-GYN before making any changes to your diet or supplement routine while pregnant.