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Herbs & Cultures

Herbal knowledge of the Caribbean →

Fever grass, lemongrass tea

A decoction of lemongrass, in Jamaica the tea for colds and fever for two centuries.

Traditional use

Time
15 minutes
Makes
3 cups
Lemongrass

In Jamaica lemongrass is called fever grass. According to the botanists Asprey and Thornton (1953), it came to the island around 1800 and was already made into a cooling drink for fevers and ‘nervous headaches’. A decoction of the leaves and roots is still a favourite treatment for colds and fevers, and many Jamaicans also simply drink it in the morning.

Ingredients

  • 2–3 stalks of lemongrass, with leaves, in pieces
  • 750 ml water
  • Honey or sugar to taste

Step by step

  1. Bruise the stalks with the flat of a knife.
  2. Bring them to the boil with the water and simmer for 5–10 minutes.
  3. Strain and drink hot, sweetened with honey or sugar.

Tips

  • Cooled, with ice and lemon, it makes a fresh summer drink.

Registry

Herbs in this recipe

Read more about effects and safety on each herb’s page.

  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 381

    Lemongrass

    Cymbopogon citratus

    Traditionally attributed effects: for oily hair.

    Ayurveda+3

Cultures and traditions

Where the herbs come from

The herbs in this recipe also appear in these traditions.