Lemon Verbena
Aloysia citrodora
Latin Name: Aloysia citrodora
Common Name: Cidron, Herb de Princesa, Herba Louisa, Lemon Beebush
Family: Verbenacea
Contraindications: Do not consume if you are taking sedatives like Benzodiazepines. May compound drowsiness and sleepiness and make breathing difficult.
Native To: South America, specifically Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay
Botanical Description: Woody shrub produces shiny lanceolate green leaves 3-4”. long opposite leaves or in whorls of 3 grow 2-4 ft tall.
Habitat: Enjoys full sun, rich moist soil, tender perennial in frost free zones
Parts Used: Leaves and Flowers
Key Constituents: Cineole, Acetic Acid, Alpha-Citral, Alpha-Pinene, Alpha-Terpinene, Borneol, Geraniol, Limonene, Tannin, Terpinen-4-ol, Caryophyllena, Flavons, Polyphenols, Ascorbic Acid, Carotenoids
Herbal Actions: Nervine, Antispasmodic, Antipyretic, Sedative, Carminative, Aromatic, Anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory
Taste: Sweet, Sour, Bitter
Energetics: Cooling, Drying, Toning
Some Ways To Work With This Plant:
Insomnia — Contains volatile oils hastatosides and verbenalin which activate the GABA systems. GABA is a chemical that switches off transmission of nerve signals. Activation of GABA has a calming effect on the mind and allows for sleep. Tea, tincture, vinegar, or oxymel would be a good way to consume lemon verbena for this impact.
Muscle Repair — Lemon verbena contains potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that that decreases damages to fats, protein, and muscles. Preparing lemon verbena in tea or a vinegar/oxymel would be a great way to work with this plant for muscle repair.
Joint Pain — Contains polyphenol named verbascoside that is a strong anti-inflammatory and supports in relieving joint pain. Tea or vinegar/oxymel work great to receive this benefit from the plant. Pair it with fish oil to for optimal joint pain relief.
Digestive Aid — The essential oils in this plant support in relieving cramping and bloating related to indigestion. A tincture or tea is best way to consume for this benefit.
Herbal Preparations:
Tea — Add 6 leaves in 1 cup of boiled water, cover, and steep for 15 minutes. Strain and drink.
Tincture —
1 part fresh herb to 2 part 95% alcohol
written by khadija khansia
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Use with caution and consult with a doctor or herbalist before consuming if you are pregnant or on other medications. Please do your own research before consuming to know if this medicine is right for your body.
