Health Benefits of Lemon Verbena

Health Benefits of Lemon Verbena

Aloysia triphylla
Family Name: Verbenaceae
Common Name: Lemon Verbena, Herb Louisa, herba Luisa
Habitat: Peru, Chile, Bolivia and Central America. Introduced to Europe in 18th Century though Spain.
Popular garden plant though out the world.
Historical Botanical Names: Botanical literature shows a variety of names,including Lippia citriodora and L. triphylla.Verbena triphylla and Aloysia triphylla.A search of the taxonomic sources provides some clarification. It seems that the plant was first classified from specimens mainly growing in the Royal Garden at Madrid. A French botanist published a description in 1784, and a Spanish botanists in 1785, naming it Aloysia in honour of Maria Luisa, princess of Parma and wife of Charles IV of Spain. The plant was later found in the wild by botanists working in South America, who gave it the genus name Lippi, in memory of a French-born Italian naturalist, Augustin Lippi, murdered in Abyssinia in 1709.

A deciduous shrub, growing to a maximum of 5 metres.The leaves are very fragrant, lanceolate, arranged in threes at each node, hence the name origin Aloysia  (3)triphylla. 6 to 8cm long, with smooth margins, pale green in colour.The many small flowers are pale purple, blooming during late summer in slim terminal panicles.The parts usefull are leaves, dried and fresh.Lemon Verbena has an unusually strong lemon scent and flavor to it. The lemon scent comes from an essential oil known as citral, which is also found in lemon, lemongrass and other citrus plants.

Medicinal Use: A medication that reduces fever; an antipyretic,sedative,stomachic,antispasmodic in dyspepsia, indigestion and flatulence, stimulating skin and stomach.

Lemon verbena has certain therapeutic properties and has been used for a variety of ailments including relief of digestive tract spasms, reduction of fever, strengthening of the nervous system, stress relief and as an anti-spasmodic and expectorant. Lemon verbena has the ability to help break down cellulite, as well as to exert a soothing, healing and toning effect on the skin.

Considered the Queen of Aromatic Herbs. The dried leaves are used in sachets and Potpourri. They can retain their odour for years.Oil distilled from plant is used in perfumery. A popular drink in Spain, where it is known as ‘Luisa’.

In cooking, lemon verbena can be used in fruit dishes, jellies, punches, added to baked custard or home made ice cream. Lemon verbena can be used in any dish where lemon might be used including fish and chicken dishes, salad dressings and rice.

Lemon verbena is a popular dessert ingredient and pairs well with vanilla and mint. It compliments most fruit flavors and is the perfect accompaniment to a fruit salad. Pastry chefs have been known to place two or three lemon verbena leaves in the bottom of a buttered cake pan before spooning the cake batter into the pan. The leaves release their oil during the baking process, giving the cake a delightful lemony flavor. It is necessary to remove the leaves prior to serving.

Lemon verbena leaves can be steeped in hot water to create an aromatic and mildly sedative herbal tea. It makes a delicious tea and can be drunk anytime as it is relaxing and soothing. Lemon verbena tea is believed to help regulate the menstrual cycle and assist with symptoms of PMS. It has also been found useful in the treatment of Crohn's disease; an autoimmune disease which affects the gastro-intestinal tract. Lemon verbena leaves can also be used in potpourri or to make an infusion which can be added to bath water for a calming effect.

Lemon verbena essential oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory, fever reducer and sedative. It is generally inhaled for stress, insomnia, depression and nervous fatigue. Lemon verbena essential oil has also proven beneficial during an asthmatic crisis. Due to its strong antiviral properties, lemon verbena essential oil can be applied directly to a cold sore to reduce pain and symptoms. Lemon verbena generally is recognized as safe for human consumption.