Lemon verbena, scientifically known as Aloysia citrodora, is a plant native to South America. The plant, also known as lemon beebrush, is a perennial shrub that has a lemony fragrance, which gets stronger when you touch or bruise its leaves and flowers. It is popular for its potent medicinal properties and as a food additive.

Traditionally, the herb was used as a food and flavoring additive, particularly in poultry dishes, beverages, fish meals, jams, salads, as well as dressings. However, the use of lemon verbena for medicinal purposes has become even more popular, especially since people are now more aware of the beneficial components of the herb for human health.

In fact, lemon verbena essential oil, when extracted, has a rich concentration of antioxidant compounds like citral, verbascoside, nerol, and geraniol. The plant is commonly used in making herbal pill supplementations and herbal teas. The leaves of lemon verbena can also be dried and then steeped to boost the various organs and metabolic processes of the body.

Health Benefits of Lemon Verbena

The herb contains impressive health benefits, including its ability to soothe nerves, protect muscles, reduce fevers, lower inflammation, clear out phlegm, boost the immune system, improve stomach health, as well as support weight loss.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of lemon verbena.

Boosts the Immune System

The activities of free radicals in the organs of the body can lead to oxidative stress, weaken the immune system with the mutation of cells, and cause severe health conditions. However, according to some studies, lemon verbena has been linked to reduced oxidative stress levels and a more healthy body. This is evidenced by a significant increase in white blood cells, which helps the immune system defend the body against diseases.

Prevents Dehydration

When you drink enough water and your body is well-hydrated, it keeps you energetic and helps the vital organs function at their optimal levels. To enjoy more calories and nutrients, simply replace your sugary or fizzy drinks with lemon verbena tea.

Treats Congestion in the Respiratory Tracts

One other health benefit of lemon verbena is its expectorant effects. This means that when you drink the lemon verbena tea, it can loosen up and clear out congestion in the respiratory tracts. It can also help remove the phlegm and mucus in the respiratory system. Evidently, phlegm can aid the growth of bacteria and several other pathogens, which lemon verbena tea can help eliminate by improving the immune system.

Aids in Weight Loss

Just like green tea, lemon verbena tea is used for aiding weight loss as well. Lemon verbena has a rich concentration of powerful compounds that reduce food cravings and prevent one from taking snacks between meals and packing unwanted pounds. The herb has essential metabolic abilities that can help increase the rate of weight loss by improving the several bodily processes.

Lowers Inflammation

The joints can be wrecked by arthritis and injuries which can affect mobility. Unfortunately, the joints can take time to heal properly, especially as we age. But lemon verbena has been linked to lowering joint pain and speeding up the recovery of injuries on the joints. This antioxidant property of the herb is primarily responsible for lowering inflammation in the joints.

Fortifies Muscles

Unlike other teas, one of the amazing qualities of lemon verbena tea is that it functions as an exercise supplement. Some studies have suggested that the rich antioxidant effects of the herb help reduce the risk of damage to the muscles during workouts. It does this without disrupting the body’s development of additional muscle mass. Lemon verbena improves stamina, which is why it is considered a powerful pre-workout companion.

Improves Digestion

Since lemon verbena tea possesses some soothing effects, it has been used traditionally to relieve stomach problems, including indigestion, colic, diarrhea, and constipation. The herb contains anti-spasmodic properties that help it soothe the stomach and cure stomach cramps, bloating, as well as other gastrointestinal issues. The herbal tea helps to control or stimulate appetite when necessary.  It also facilitates a healthy intake of nutrients to boost the metabolic processes.

Relieves Anxiety

Lemon verbena contains antioxidant compounds that have a significant effect on the hormonal balance in the body. This effect is calming and soothing, making the herb a potent alternative treatment for nervous issues or severe stress. Yes, lemon verbena can relieve anxiety and relax the body.

Interestingly, the scent of lemon verbena can boost concentration and help you to stay focused. Simply burn some drops of lemon verbena essential oil in a diffuser before bedtime. This is effective in relaxing the nerves as it helps you wake up the next day with a clear mind. The essential oil of lemon verbena is commonly used in several therapies to fight stress and anxiety in people suffering from chronic diseases.

Reduces Fevers

In traditional medicine, lemon verbena was considered a reliable diaphoretic. This means that it helps stimulate sweating, and so was used to reduce fevers and hasten recovery for people suffering from inflammatory ailments. The compounds of lemon verbena help to destroy microbes that cause fevers.

Lemon verbena oil also helps to open the body’s pores to help you sweat more. This can significantly bring down the rising temperature during fevers.

Nourishes the Skin

Lemon verbena essential oil is just what your skin needs to remain radiant and supple. Believe it or not, massaging your face with lemon verbena essential oil daily can help nourish your skin and improve its elasticity. This, in turn, makes the skin firm and soft.  Owing to its healing properties, the essential oil of lemon verbena can combat acne, eczema, and scars.

However, if you notice any itchy feeling or burning sensation on the skin, wash the essential oil off immediately. You should also talk to your dermatologist if it persists.

Side Effects and Precautions

Generally, lemon verbena is considered safe for most people if it is consumed in small amounts like in alcoholic beverages. The herb may also be safe when taken in the right amounts as a medicine.

However, even with its overall positive portrayal, lemon verbena has the following side effects:

• • It can result in skin irritation or mild dermatitis in some people.
  • For people who suffer from kidney disease, the active ingredients of lemon verbena could potentially make the condition worse as they may irritate the kidneys. It is advisable to avoid using the herb in large amounts if you suffer from kidney problems.
  • Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are advised to stay safe and steer clear of lemon verbena. This is because there isn’t much evidence on the safety of using the herb during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Like with other herbs, it is smart to consult a qualified medical professional first if you are considering incorporating lemon verbena into your health regimen.

The Bottom Line

Lemon verbena is a plant whose leaves and the flowers are used for medicinal purposes.

The herb is effective for treating a number of digestive issues, including gas, indigestion, colic, constipation, and diarrhea. It is also used for treating fever, colds, joint pain, insomnia, asthma, skin conditions, hemorrhoids, as well as varicose veins.

In addition, lemon verbena is used in foods and manufacturing as an ingredient in alcoholic beverages, herbal teas, and as a fragrance in perfumes.

Lemon verbena also contains components that might eliminate bacteria and insects.