Lemon Verbena

Lemon verbena is a  bushy aromatic perennial shrub known scientifically as Aloysia triphylla, contains an essential oil that aromatherapists value for its restorative effects. The plant originated in the South American countries of Argentina and Chile. Now it is cultivated in other countries with warm and temperate climates worldwide. In 1784, lemon verbena was named in honor of Maria Luisa, wife of Spain's King Charles IV, according to Possum Creek Herb Farm. The name itself references the lemon scent of the plant's leaves. Lemon Verbena has a very prominent lemon scent and has been used for hundreds of years as a sedative, to ease muscle spasms and to prevent intestinal gas. It is also used as a tea and for fragrance in perfumes. 

Lemon Verbena Plant description

Lemon Verbena is a woody shrub that can reach heights as tall as 5 meters when left unpruned. It produces narrow lanceolate shaped leaves approximately 7-10 centimeters long. The leaves are long, narrow, and pointed, with yellowish green colour. They are rich in aromatic oil and have a clear lemonlike flavour and scent.

The flowers make a cloud of white blossom that is quite stunning.

Health Benefits Of Lemon Verbena

. Lemon verbena is used to break fevers and speed healing for those suffering from inflammatory illnesses.
. 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.
. Drinking lemon verbana tea can loosen up congestion in the respiratory tracts and help to eliminate the phlegm and mucus in that system. Phlegm can be a breeding ground for bacteria and other pathogens to stick and grow, so drinking lemon verbana tea can help get rid of that unwanted material and improve your immune system.
. Lemon verbena essential oil has stimulant properties, which make it ideal for curing inflammatory conditions and inducing digestive processes in your body. This is what makes this oil an excellent digestive.
. Lemon verbena is great for boosting your concentration and keeping you alert.
. The antioxidant properties of lemon verbana oil have shown to directly reduce joint pain, speed up the healing process of joint-related injuries, and to help improve mobility.
. Lemon verbena essential oil protects against muscle damage. Studies have found that people that took lemon verbena as a supplement with their regular diet minimized the amount of muscle damaged suffered during workout.

How to use Lemon Verbena

Lemon verbana is usually used internally as an herbal tea which gives a number of healing benefits to the body, including alleviating digestive track spasms, fortifying the nervous system, lessening feverish colds and easing stress and tension. In order to make a flavorsome lemon verbena herbal tea, you must steep the leaves of lemon verbena in hot water to enhance the aroma and herbal properties of the herb. 

A cup of lemon verbena tea after a hard day relaxes, soothes the nerves and refreshes a tired body. It also reduces muscle tension that often accompanies psychological stress. Consuming this tea is a great way to speed up the recovery process and to protect you from getting sick in the first place.

Before consuming and using lemon verbena essential oil or any other essential oil, always consult your physician.