Peppermint Tea vs Lemongrass Tea: Which to Choose?
Peppermint tea tastes cool and minty, while lemongrass tea has a citrusy, grassy flavor.
What is the main difference?
The most useful difference is the flavor you want in your cup. Peppermint tea is made from peppermint leaves, which give it a recognizable mint aroma and a cooling sensation.
Lemongrass tea is made from the fragrant lemongrass plant. Its citrus-like taste comes from the plant itself, so it does not need to contain lemon fruit or juice.
Both are herbal infusions rather than tea made from the tea plant. Neither has been established as the healthier choice: there is no good head-to-head clinical evidence showing that one has better health effects than the other.
How do peppermint tea and lemongrass tea compare?
| Attribute | Peppermint tea | Lemongrass tea |
|---|---|---|
| Main ingredient | Peppermint leaves | Lemongrass leaves or stalks |
| Flavor | Minty, with a cooling sensation | Citrusy, grassy and aromatic |
| Aroma | Fresh mint | Lemon-like and herbal |
| Caffeine | Naturally caffeine-free when pure | Naturally caffeine-free when pure |
| Serving options | Hot or chilled | Hot or chilled |
| Hydration | Contributes fluid | Contributes fluid |
| Health advantage | No established advantage over lemongrass tea | No established advantage over peppermint tea |
The flavor of either tea depends on the amount of plant material, the brewing method and any ingredients added to the cup. A product labeled as a blend may taste different from a single-ingredient infusion, so check its ingredient list if you want a particular flavor.
Both peppermint tea and lemongrass tea can be useful caffeine-free options when made without caffeine-containing ingredients. A blend that includes tea leaves can contain caffeine even if peppermint or lemongrass appears prominently on the label.
Unsweetened versions avoid the added sugar of sweetened drinks. Adding honey, sugar or other sweeteners changes the drink’s nutritional content, regardless of which herb you choose.
When should you choose each tea?
Choose peppermint tea for a cooling mint flavor
Peppermint tea is the more direct choice if you enjoy the taste and aroma of mint. Its cooling sensation can make it appealing as a warm drink or as a chilled infusion when you want a refreshing flavor.
Peppermint is often associated with digestive comfort, but that does not establish that a cup of peppermint tea is more effective than lemongrass tea for digestive symptoms. Findings about concentrated peppermint oil should not automatically be applied to an ordinary infusion of peppermint leaves.
If you dislike the cooling sensation of mint, peppermint tea may not be the flavor you want. Brewing it more lightly can change its intensity, but it will still have a mint character.
Choose lemongrass tea for a citrusy herbal flavor
Lemongrass tea is a better fit if you prefer a lemon-like aroma without the taste of mint. Its grassy notes can also appeal if you want an herbal drink that tastes distinct from fruit juice.
Lemongrass tea’s citrusy taste does not mean it provides the same nutrients as eating a lemon. Research involving concentrated lemongrass preparations also cannot establish the effects of a typical cup of lemongrass tea.
For both teas, the most dependable benefit is that the water contributes to hydration. Neither drink needs to be marketed as a detox: the liver and kidneys do most of the body’s detoxification, while the lungs and gut also help eliminate waste.
Who should be careful?
Peppermint can trigger or worsen heartburn or reflux for some people. If it seems to aggravate your symptoms, avoid it and ask a clinician about persistent or troublesome symptoms.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, take medication or are considering these teas for a child, check with a clinician about regular use. This is especially sensible with concentrated herbal products, whose effects and amounts differ from those of a cup of tea.
Can you combine peppermint tea and lemongrass tea?
Yes. Combining them gives you a drink with both minty and citrusy notes, although the balance depends on how much of each herb you use. Start with equal amounts, then adjust a later batch toward the flavor you prefer.
For a simple chilled infusion, use food-grade dried herbs intended for tea, not essential oils. You will need:
- 240 mL (1 US cup) cold drinking water
- 5 mL (1 teaspoon) dried peppermint leaves
- 5 mL (1 teaspoon) dried cut lemongrass
- Place the peppermint leaves and lemongrass in a clean, covered container.
- Add the cold drinking water and refrigerate for 2–4 hours.
- Strain the herbs and serve the infusion chilled.
- Keep the infusion refrigerated and drink it within 24 hours of preparation; discard it sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy or sour-smelling.
The blend is naturally caffeine-free if both ingredients are pure herbs. Check packaged blends for added ingredients, particularly if avoiding caffeine matters to you.
Combining the flavors does not establish an extra health benefit. The useful reason to mix them is simply that you enjoy how they taste together.
Choose peppermint tea if you want a cool, minty cup / choose lemongrass tea if you prefer a citrusy, grassy cup.
Frequently asked questions
What gives peppermint tea its cooling sensation?
Menthol in peppermint activates cold-sensing receptors, creating a cooling sensation.
Are peppermint tea and lemongrass tea gluten-free?
Plain peppermint and lemongrass do not naturally contain gluten. If you need to avoid gluten, check packaged products for other ingredients and cross-contact information.
Can you use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?
Yes. Fresh food-grade peppermint and lemongrass can be used, although the flavor strength will differ from dried herbs. Wash fresh plant material before using it.