Starting the morning with natural herbal drinks has become a popular wellness habit for many people seeking simple ways to support overall health. One of the most widely discussed options is lemongrass water, a herbal infusion made from lemongrass, an aromatic plant commonly used in cooking. While it is traditionally known as a culinary ingredient that enhances flavor and aroma in food, it is increasingly consumed as a daily drink believed to offer various health benefits.
Lemongrass water is often associated with a range of potential health advantages. As reported by Beautynesia, regular consumption is believed to support immune system function, help regulate blood pressure, improve digestive health, assist in weight management, and promote natural detoxification processes in the body. These claims have contributed to its growing popularity as a morning wellness drink in several communities.
Despite its perceived benefits, health experts caution that lemongrass water is not suitable for everyone. In certain conditions, its consumption may lead to unwanted side effects or health risks. As a result, specific groups of people are advised to avoid or limit intake, particularly without medical supervision.
According to DetikHealth, several categories of individuals should be careful with lemongrass water consumption. These warnings are based on potential physiological effects that may interact with existing health conditions or medications.
One of the most critical groups advised to avoid lemongrass water is pregnant women. Lemongrass is believed to have properties that may stimulate uterine activity and potentially trigger menstrual flow. Because of this, it is considered potentially risky during pregnancy, as it may increase the risk of complications, including miscarriage. Medical professionals generally advise pregnant women to avoid herbal remedies unless specifically recommended and monitored by a doctor, since natural ingredients can still have strong biological effects.
Another group that should avoid lemongrass water is individuals with kidney disease. Research published in the Journal of Renal Nutrition suggests that long-term or high-dose consumption of lemongrass may reduce the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is an important indicator of kidney function. GFR measures how efficiently the kidneys filter waste and toxins from the blood. A decline in this value is closely associated with worsening kidney performance, making it particularly concerning for people who already have impaired renal function. For this reason, patients with kidney disorders are generally advised to avoid consuming lemongrass-based herbal drinks without medical approval.
Patients with hypertension who are taking diuretic medication are also advised to exercise caution. Diuretics are commonly prescribed to help lower blood pressure by increasing the elimination of excess salt and water through urine. Lemongrass is believed to have mild diuretic-like effects, which means it may enhance fluid loss in a similar way. When combined with prescription diuretics, this effect can become too strong, potentially leading to an excessive drop in blood pressure, a condition known as hypotension. In addition, this combination may disrupt electrolyte balance in the body due to increased loss of fluids and minerals, which can cause further complications.
While lemongrass water is often marketed as a natural and healthy beverage, experts emphasize that “natural” does not always mean “risk-free.” Individual health conditions, medication use, and dosage all play an important role in determining whether a herbal drink is safe for consumption.
For healthy individuals, moderate intake of lemongrass water is generally considered safe and may offer mild wellness benefits. However, medical consultation is strongly recommended for people with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, and those taking prescription drugs to avoid unintended side effects.
As interest in herbal and natural remedies continues to grow, understanding both the benefits and risks of popular drinks like lemongrass water is essential. Balanced consumption and informed decision-making remain key to ensuring that such wellness practices support rather than harm long-term health.
