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Who Should Avoid Lemongrass? hidden Risks Groups That you Should NOT Consume Lemongrass daily (Complete Safety Guide for you)
Who Should Avoid Lemongrass? hidden Risks Groups That you Should NOT Consume Lemongrass daily (Complete Safety Guide for you) Lemongrass is praised globally for its refreshing citrus aroma, soothing flavor, and therapeutic benefits. From herbal teas and essential oils to soups, broths, and traditional remedies, lemongrass is known for supporting digestion, reducing inflammation, relieving stress, and aiding weight management.
But despite its impressive wellness profile, lemongrass is not safe for everyone.
Certain individuals can experience serious side effects, dangerous interactions, or health risks when consuming lemongrass—even in moderate amounts.
This in-depth guide covers:
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Who should not consume lemongrass
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Scientific reasons behind each risk group
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Health conditions affected by lemongrass
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Medication interactions
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Special warnings for men, women, children & seniors
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Safe alternatives
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How to consume lemongrass safely if you’re not in a high-risk group
By the end of this guide, you’ll understand exactly who must avoid lemongrass, who should limit it, and how to use it safely.
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1. Why Some People Should Avoid Lemongrass
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) contains potent bioactive compounds:
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citral
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myrcene
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limonene
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flavonoids
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antioxidants
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essential oils
These compounds are beneficial—but they can also:
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irritate stomach lining
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lower blood pressure
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stimulate uterine muscles
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increase diuresis (urination)
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trigger allergies
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interact with medications
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alter metabolic processes
So while healthy adults tolerate lemongrass well, certain individuals must avoid it completely.
Let’s examine each risk group in detail.
2. Pregnant Women Should NOT Consume Lemongrass
Pregnant women should avoid lemongrass in all forms:
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lemongrass tea
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lemongrass juice
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lemongrass supplements
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essential oils (internal or topical)
Why? Because lemongrass may trigger uterine contractions.
Lemongrass contains citral, a compound known to influence reproductive hormones and uterine muscles. Studies and traditional medicine both indicate that it can:
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stimulate the uterus
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increase menstrual flow
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soften cervical tissue
This increases the risk of:
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miscarriage (especially in the first trimester)
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premature contractions
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early labor
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bleeding complications
Important note: Even small amounts can be risky.
Many herbal teas marketed as “detox blends” contain hidden lemongrass. Pregnant women should always check labels.
3. Breastfeeding Mothers Should Avoid Lemongrass
Lemongrass can pass into breast milk and affect infants.
Possible effects include:
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digestive irritation
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colic-like symptoms
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altered milk taste (baby may refuse feeding)
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reduced milk production (due to diuretic effect)
Lemongrass essential oil may also irritate sensitive infant skin if used topically by the mother.
Better avoid lemongrass altogether during breastfeeding.
4. People with Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension) Should Avoid Lemongrass
Lemongrass naturally lowers blood pressure.
Healthy adults may benefit from this—but for people with already low blood pressure, it can be dangerous.
Possible side effects include:
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fainting
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dizziness
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blurred vision
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extreme fatigue
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irregular heartbeat
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dangerous drops in blood pressure
If you already take beta-blockers or BP-lowering medication, lemongrass can compound the effect, causing dangerously low readings.
5. Individuals with Kidney Disorders Should NOT Consume Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a strong natural diuretic, meaning it increases the production of urine.
People with compromised kidney function may experience:
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dehydration
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electrolyte imbalance
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additional pressure on weak kidneys
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increased risk of kidney stones
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worsening kidney disease symptoms
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients should completely avoid lemongrass.
6. People with Liver Disease Should Avoid Lemongrass
Lemongrass’s essential oils and compounds are metabolized in the liver.
For individuals with:
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fatty liver
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hepatitis
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cirrhosis
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liver inflammation
…lemongrass can worsen symptoms or overload liver function.
Signs of liver stress include:
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nausea
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upper abdominal pain
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fatigue
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yellowish skin
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digestive discomfort
Lemongrass supplements in particular are not recommended for anyone with liver conditions.
7. Individuals with Severe Allergies or Grass Allergies
People with allergies to:
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grass
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pollen
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citronella
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chrysanthemums
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ragweed
…have a significantly higher risk of allergic reactions to lemongrass.
Common allergic reactions include:
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skin itching
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swelling of lips or hands
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watery eyes
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sneezing
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hives or rashes
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tightness in chest
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breathing difficulties
Some may even experience anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction.
Lemongrass essential oil is even more allergenic than the tea or herb.
8. People with Stomach Ulcers or Severe Gastritis
Lemongrass has strong acidic and detoxifying properties, which can worsen existing issues.
It can irritate the stomach lining and trigger:
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burning sensation
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acid reflux
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stomach cramps
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nausea and vomiting
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inflamed ulcers
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indigestion
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bloating
People with GERD, IBS, or inflammatory bowel conditions should also avoid lemongrass unless approved by a doctor.
9. People Taking Certain Medications Should Avoid Lemongrass
Lemongrass interacts with several major drug categories.
9.1. Blood Pressure Medications
Lemongrass lowers blood pressure; combining it with medications may cause:
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severe hypotension
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dizziness
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weakness
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fainting
9.2. Diabetes Medications
Since lemongrass can lower blood sugar, it can cause dangerously low glucose levels when combined with:
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insulin
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metformin
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sulfonylureas
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other hypoglycemic agents
9.3. Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants)
Lemongrass may affect blood clotting, increasing the risk of bleeding when combined with medications like:
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warfarin
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heparin
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aspirin
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apixaban
9.4. Diuretics (Water Pills)
Combining lemongrass with diuretics intensifies dehydration and mineral loss.
Can cause:
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muscle cramps
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electrolyte imbalance
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irregular heartbeat
9.5. Thyroid Medications
Lemongrass influences metabolic rate and may interfere with thyroid hormone absorption.
9.6. Anti-anxiety & Sedative Medications
Lemongrass has mild sedative effects.
Combined with sedatives, it can cause:
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excessive drowsiness
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slowed reactions
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impaired motor function
9.7. Liver-Metabolized Medications
Since lemongrass is processed through the liver, it may overload liver function when combined with other liver-metabolized drugs.
10. People with Heart Disorders Should NOT Consume Lemongrass Excessively
Lemongrass’s diuretic and potassium-altering effects can disturb heart rhythm.
High doses may cause:
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palpitations
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rapid heartbeat
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chest pressure
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arrhythmias
Those with heart disease must avoid lemongrass tea, supplements, and oils.
11. Children Should Avoid Lemongrass Tea and Essential Oils
Children under age 12 should not consume concentrated lemongrass tea because it may:
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irritate the digestive system
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affect hydration levels
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trigger allergies
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lower blood pressure too much
Essential oils should NEVER be used on children.
Even diluted lemongrass oil can cause:
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skin irritation
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difficulty breathing
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coughing spasms
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allergic reactions
12. Seniors Should Avoid Excessive Lemongrass
Older adults are more sensitive to:
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dehydration
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blood pressure changes
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medication interactions
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electrolyte imbalances
Even moderate diuretic activity can cause weakness or dizziness.
13. People Preparing for Surgery Should Avoid Lemongrass
Doctors recommend avoiding lemongrass for at least 2 weeks before surgery because it may:
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interfere with anesthesia
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increase bleeding risk
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cause unstable blood pressure
14. Who Needs to LIMIT (Not Completely Avoid) Lemongrass?
Some individuals do not need to fully avoid lemongrass but should limit intake:
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people with mild acid reflux
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individuals with sensitive stomachs
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people who are dehydrated
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athletes on high-intensity training
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people prone to dizziness
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individuals on mild medication
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people experiencing hormonal imbalance
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those with insomnia (lemongrass can oversedate)
Moderate culinary use is usually fine, but daily tea or supplements should be limited.
15. Side Effects Warning Signs: When to Stop Immediately
Stop using lemongrass immediately if you experience:
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severe stomach pain
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dizziness or fainting
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rapid heartbeat
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irregular breathing
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strong allergic reaction
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swelling of throat or lips
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vomiting
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extreme fatigue
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drop in blood pressure
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unusual bleeding
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yellowing of eyes/skin (liver stress)
Seek medical help if symptoms persist.
16. Safe Alternatives for People Who Cannot Consume Lemongrass
If you’re in a risk group but still want health benefits, here are safer alternatives.
For digestion:
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mint tea
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fennel tea
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ginger water
For stress relief:
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chamomile
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lavender tea
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ashwagandha (if safe for your condition)
For detox & hydration:
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lemon water
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cucumber water
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hibiscus tea
For anti-inflammatory benefits:
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turmeric
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cinnamon
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rosemary
Always ensure alternatives do not interact with medications.
17. How Much Lemongrass Is Safe (For People Who Can Consume It)?
For healthy adults:
Lemongrass tea:
1–2 cups per day
Avoid more than 4 cups daily.
Lemongrass in food:
Safe in normal culinary quantities.
Lemongrass essential oil:
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NEVER ingest
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Always dilute
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Use in a diffuser for only 10–15 minutes
Lemongrass supplements:
Follow label instructions; usually 140–300 mg/day.
18. Quick Summary: Who Should NOT Consume Lemongrass
Avoid completely if you:
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are pregnant
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are breastfeeding
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have low blood pressure
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have kidney disease
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have liver disease
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have grass allergies
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have heart rhythm disorders
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are on blood pressure meds
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take diabetes medication
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use blood thinners
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take diuretics
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take sedatives
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have stomach ulcers
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have severe gastritis
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take thyroid medications
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are a child under 12
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are preparing for surgery
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have chronic digestive conditions
19. Final Verdict: Is Lemongrass Safe?
Lemongrass is safe and beneficial for most healthy adults when used in moderation.
But it can be dangerous for people with certain medical conditions, allergies, or those taking specific medications.
If you fall into one of the high-risk groups, avoid lemongrass completely—or consult a doctor first.
Your safety matters more than any herbal benefit.
If you want, I can also write:
A 4000-word article on lemongrass health benefits
A 4000-word article on lemongrass for weight loss
A 3000-word article on lemongrass recipes / detox teas
Printable lemongrass safety charts or checklists
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