Lemon Verbena Herb

Lemon Verbena: A delicious herb that has medicinal properties

In the world of herbal remedies, Lemon Verbena- also called lemon beebrush- stands out as a powerhouse of wellness. Although Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora) is an herb native to South America, it has largely become a globally accessible because of its myriad of potential health benefits.

With its delightful citrus aroma coupled by its ease to grow, this herb has captured the attention of conscious health-minded individuals seeking natural alternatives. The plant is a perennial shrub that has a powerful lemony scent, which intensifies when the leaves and flowers are touched or bruised. 

The most common use of lemon verbena outside of herbal pill supplementation is as an herbal tea. The leaves can be used fresh or dried and then steeped for a powerful boost to many of the organs and metabolic processes. ₁

In this blog post, we will explore the medicinal uses and benefits of Lemon Verbena, backed by reputable resources and original studies.

It is revered for its vibrant lemony fragrance and belongs to the Verbenaceae family. Traditionally used in culinary applications and herbal medicine, Lemon Verbena offers a range of potential health benefits.

Medicinal Uses and Benefits:

Digestive Health: Lemon verbena tea has long been used in various cultures to soothe stomach issues and indigestion. It may possess anti-spasmodic properties that can calm the stomach, alleviate cramping, and reduce bloating. By affecting appetite-regulating hormones, lemon verbena tea can also help regulate the appetite and prevent discomfort caused by overeating. ₂

Weight loss:  One study showed that lemon verbena helped reduce appetite by affecting certain hormones (ghrelin and glucagon-like peptide-1) that control appetite. _{3 4}

Immune System Support: Oxidative stress occurs when free radicals are active in our body, affecting organs and weakening the immune system. This can lead to cellular mutation and chronic diseases. However, research has shown that lemon verbena can help reduce oxidative stress, leading to improved overall health. Lemon verbena has been found to accelerate antioxidant enzyme activity and decrease markers for inflammatory vascular damage. ₅

Muscle Health: Studies have indicated that the potent antioxidant properties of lemon verbena can help reduce muscle damage during workouts without impeding muscle growth and stamina enhancement. As a result, lemon verbena proves to be an ideal companion for both pre and post-workout sessions. ₆

Joint health: Lemon verbena has been found to have a direct association with alleviating joint pain and promoting faster recovery from joint-related injuries. This can be attributed to its remarkable concentration of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. A study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine demonstrated that individuals who underwent a 9-week treatment with lemon verbena and omega-3 experienced significant reductions in pain and stiffness, along with improvements in physical function. _{7 8}

Reduce Fevers: In traditional South American medicine, lemon verbena was valued for its diaphoretic properties, which promote sweating- used to break fevers. It was commonly used to reduce fevers and aid in the healing process for individuals with inflammatory conditions. _{9 10}

Reduce Congestion:  Drinking lemon verbena tea can help relieve congestion in the respiratory tracts and expel phlegm. By eliminating excess phlegm and mucus, it reduces the breeding ground for bacteria and other pathogens, thereby supporting the immune system. _{11 12}

Relaxation and Stress Relief: The antioxidant compounds present in lemon verbena can influence the hormonal balance in the body. Although the effect is not significant, lemon verbena is known for its calming properties. It is often recommended to individuals with nervous afflictions or chronic stress, as it can help relax the mind and soothe the body and support healthy sleep patterns.

Lemon Verbena Tea Recipe

Here is a delicious easy recipe and my answer to “could using a wooden spoon to stir the tea and ancient pouring technique structure water? “