The grass louisa or lemon verbena (Lippia triphylla Kuntze, synonym of Aloysia citrodora) is a woody plant for medicinal use, very easy to grow at home and related to verbenas. It is known by many other names, such as lemon verbena, Peruvian lemon verbena, cidrera or odorous verbenaMarialuisa or lemon verbena either lemon beebrush in English. Many of them refer to their lemony fragrancepowerful and intense, which is transmitted to the infusion, providing a pleasant tastevery appetizing.
The plant is very branched and can measure up to 2 meters highwith lanceolate leaves, very narrow, fragrant, grouped in threes, and delicate lilac flowersgathered in elongated inflorescences that bloom in summer.
Is native to South America (Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and Peru), from where it was exported to Europe already in the 17th century. It is planted very frequently in orchards, public and private gardens, patios and terraces, as a supply of medicinal plant, which does not require much careas we will see.
Properties of lemon verbena
We must harvest the leaves and inflorescence of lemon verbena during its maximum flowering period. It is very rich in essential oilespecially citral, geraniol, limonene and verbenone, terpene alcohols (cineole, linalool), furocoumarins, flavonoids (apigenin, luetolin, diosmetin), polyphenols and mineral salts.
Due to its properties, it stands out as a plant digestive, carminative, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, mild sedative, muscle relaxant, anti-migraine, antioxidant and as an appreciated flavor corrector for mixed infusions with a bitter taste.
Its use is closely linked to the traditional healing practices of native peoples in South America.
What is lemon verbena used for?
The medicinal uses of lemon verbena They are diverse, and partly based on tradition.
Lemon verbena for digestion
Lemon verbena is revealed as an effective digestive remedy. Due to its properties it will help you relieve heavy or slow digestionthe gastrointestinal spasmsthe heaviness and stomach bloatingthe very annoying heartburn and the gasesmeteorisms and flatulence.
It is also indicated in case of a bad taste in the mouth, bad breath or halitosispresence of nausea and after an episode of vomiting and general discomfort.
Taking a lemon verbena infusion is a good idea after a copious meal or strong, or in nervous situations, when food makes us feel bad.
It has also been indicated as anti-inflammatory in case of gastritis and to combat the symptoms of a food allergy, as well as to relieve gastroenteritis and diarrhea.
Lemon verbena for nerves and migraine
Due to its relaxing properties, lemon verbena is a traditional and classic remedy for treat nervous statesas happens with chamomile. It has a soft effect.
It is used for calm irritabilitynervous palpitations, states of restlessness and occasional insomnia. It is also a traditional remedy for relieve headache and the symptoms of menstrual period and menopausesuch as muscle pain, back pain, fatigue and dizziness.
Lemon verbena to lose weight
Lemon verbena acts as a diuretic quite effective, which helps you combat fluid retention, eliminate toxins through urine and as support for lose a few extra kilosin combination with an adequate diet and good hydration.
Lemon verbena for blood pressure
Lemon verbena, as a powerful diuretic plant, is incorporated into mixed formulas to help control blood pressurein combination with plants such as hawthorn, valerian, orthosiphon or corn stigmas, formulas to which it provides its pleasant touch of lemony flavor.
He lemon verbena essential oil It is often used as a tranquilizer and as muscle relaxantin the form of massage, scrubs or added to the bath in aromatherapy practices.
Lemongrass as a muscle strengthener
Various experimental studies, in vitrothey would demonstrate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity of supplements with lemon verbena extractin doses of about 400 mg daily, to tone and strengthen muscle mass, helping recovery after an inflammatory episode and muscle wasting, due to fatigue, damage or injury in adults. References can be consulted online, such as this study.
Lemon verbena essential oil, in aromatherapy, is intended to relieve nervous tensionirritability, muscle pain, neuralgia and rheumatic pain.
Other uses of lemon verbena
Lemon verbena leaves have been used to make saucesas kitchen seasoning in various stews and especially as flavoring in infusions, liqueurs, cocktails and ratafiasto which it contributes its characteristic lemony flavor.
How to take lemon verbena
This plant can be taken in infusion of lemon verbena alone or combined with other plantsup to 3 glasses daily. To make it, the dried plant is normally used, but there are also those who use it fresh.
It can also be used in other ways:
- To flavor mate and similar, as is done in Argentina and Uruguay.
- In liquid extract dropsabout 30 drops daily, in three doses.
- In tincture, in capsulesas an ingredient in combinations available in herbalists and some pharmacies.
- Jars of essential oil as a muscle relaxant and to induce sleep and nervous irritability.
- The dry extract in the form of supplements.
Lemon verbena infusion: how to prepare it and recipes
Below, we show you various lemon verbena infusion recipes with different plants for different indications:
Digestive and carminative lemon verbena infusion
This herbal tea is indicated to relieve indigestion, abdominal heaviness, heartburn and nausea.
- Ingredients: lemon verbena, chamomile, bay leaf, sage and mint (Mentha suaveolens), 20 g per plant.
- Preparation: we mix the different plants and once a mass is formed, it is separated one tablespoon of the mixture per cup of water. You place the herb in the teapot and pour the freshly boiled water over it. You let it rest, well covered, for about 10 minutes, and strain it.
- How much to take: a cup after each main meal, as long as the discomfort persists.
Infusion of digestive and antispasmodic lemon verbena
This pleasant infusion is indicated to relieve gastrointestinal spasms, abdominal heaviness and migraine due to digestive disorders.
- Ingredients: lemon verbena, betony, lemon balm, chamomile, yarrow and peppermint. One level tablespoon of the mixture in equal parts per cup of water.
- Preparation: we pour the boiled water over the grass. previously deposited in a teapot or saucepan. We leave it to infuse for 10 minutes and strain.
- How much to take: two cups a day, after meals, or to drink throughout the day, even cold in the refrigerator.
Lemon verbena infusion for menstrual discomfort
This lemon verbena infusion serves to relieve muscle tension during menstruation, lower back pain, fatigue, migraine and nervous irritability.
- Ingredients: lemon verbena, sage, mugwort, chasteberry and fennel, 20 g per plant.
- Preparation: One tablespoon of the mixture in equal parts per cup. We boil for about 2 minutes and let it rest for another 10. We strain. No need to sweeten.
- How much to take: Two glasses a day, as soon as muscle discomfort occurs.
Contraindications of lemon verbena
Lemon verbena is a safe plant in general terms. It must be consumed in weighted doses, without excesses.
The essential oil is usually used only externally. Orally, it should be consumed in minimal doses, and never during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Plant: how to care for it
Lemon verbena is a relatively easy to grow and preserve. It requires a position in full sun or at least with good insolation and does not resist frost poorly. In winter you should place it in a place sheltered from the wind and low temperatures.
Need a moderate irrigationonce or twice a week in winter and autumn, and more frequent in summer.
The substrate, which should be porous, may need to be enriched with organic fertilizer, preferably ecological, every 15 or 20 days during the summer. And dry branches and leaves should be removed so that the plant does not lose vigor. It can be replanted from cuttings. It can also be grown from seeds.