Lemon Verbena

Aloysia triphylla

Other Names : Aloysia citrodora, Aloysia triphylla, Cedrón, Herb Louisa, Hierba Luisa, Lemon-Scented Verbena, Lemon Beebrush, Lippia citrodora, Lippia triphylla, Louisa, Verbena Citrodora, Verbena triphylla, Verveine Citronnée, Verveine Citronnelle, Zappania citrodora, Citroenblad
a perennial shrub that has a powerful lemony scent that intensifies when the leaves and flowers are touched or bruised. The shrub can stand 2-3 meters high and has small purple and white flowers.

Special Precautions of Lemon Verbena

• Do not confuse with Vervain
• Lemon verbena is safe for most people when consumed in amounts found in alcoholic beverages. It also seems to be safe when taken in appropriate amounts as a medicine. *It can cause skin irritation (dermatitis) in some people.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of lemon verbena during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
• Kidney disease: Large amounts of lemon verbena may irritate the kidneys and make kidney disease worse. Avoid using large amounts if you have kidney problems.
• Real essential oil of lemon verbena is rare and rather expensive so it is often falsified or adultered with citronella or lemongrass. These make the fragrance considerably less subtle, so beware.

The benefits of Lemon Verbena are

The essential oil of lemon verbena contains a high concentration of powerful antioxidant compounds, including verbascoside, nerol, geraniol, and citral. The most common use of lemon verbena outside of herbal pill supplementation is as an herbal tea. The leaves can be dried and then steeped for a powerful boost to many of your organ systems and metabolic processes.

• fever : In traditional South American medicine, lemon verbena was trusted as a diaphoretic, meaning that it stimulated sweating, and was therefore used to break fevers and speed healing for those suffering from inflammatory illnesses.
• congestion : expectorant properties. This means that drinking the tea can loosen up congestion in the respiratory tracts and help eliminate the phlegm and mucous in that system. Phlegm can be a breeding ground for bacteria and other pathogens to stick and grow, so drinking a tea that can help get rid of that unwanted material is definitely a good way to improve your immune system.
• asthma
• Immune System: Oxidative stress is the formal name for our bodies “breaking down”. Oxidative stress is a result of free radical activity and presence throughout our body’s organ systems, which weakens the immune system by stretching it too thin and distracting it with cellular mutation and chronic disease. Research has connected lemon verbena supplementation with lowered oxidative stress levels and better overall health of the body, evidence by a decisive increase in white blood cells, the first line of defense for our immune system.
• insomnia
• intestinal problems
• stress
• depression
• to treat Candida (yeast overgrowth) as it has properties that help eliminate the fungus.
• Digestive disorders including indigestion, gas, colic, diarrhea, and constipation : It has anti-spasmodic qualities that help it calm the stomach and eliminate cramping and bloating, which can lead to discomfort and more serious gastrointestinal issues. Although earlier we mentioned the weight loss properties of lemon verbena tea, it also helps to regulate the appetite (which might mean stimulating it, in some cases), leading to healthy nutrient intake to optimize your metabolic processes.
• Anxiety and Nerves: The antioxidant compounds found in lemon verbena can also have an impact on the hormonal balance in the body. While this effect isn’t dramatic, it has been known as a calming beverage and is prescribed for those with nervous afflictions or chronic stress, as it can ease the mind and calm the body.
• strengthening the nervous system
• regulating menstrual cycle and lessening PMS.
• help with metabolism
• Weight Loss: While tea is often suggested for those on a diet, lemon verbena seems to be particularly effective. There are only 2 calories per serving and the rich mix of organic compounds has an effect on the body that reduces the “munchies”, thereby preventing you from snacking between meals and compromising your diet. Also, the important metabolic effects of lemon verbena tea can help to increase fat-burning by optimizing various bodily processes.
• help break down cellulite, thus it aids in slimming.
• Protect Your Muscles: This is one of the most unique qualities of this herb, and one that you don’t often find in simple teas. When you choose to use lemon verbena tea as an exercise supplement, research has shown that the high antioxidant potential decreases damage done to the muscles during the workout, without inhibiting your body’s development of additional muscle mass and increased stamina.
• Reduce Inflammation: Arthritis and injuries can both wreak havoc on our joints and mobility. As we age, or when we get injured, it can be difficult to ever feel whole again because our joints are in constant use and rarely have time to heal properly. Lemon verbena has been directly linked with reduced joint pain and aching, and faster recovery times for joint-related injuries, primarily due (once again) to the impressive antioxidant performance of this unassuming little herb.
• have a mild calming effect on nerves.
• Lemon verbena contains a substance that might kill mites and bacteria.