Lemon Verbena – Uses and Health Benefits

Lemon verbena

The lemon verbena (or lemon shrub) belongs to the verbena family and can be used to refine various dishes, but also to treat digestive problems.

General overview

Lemon Verbena is a perennial shrub that grows to about 2 meters tall with strongly fragrant foliage. The root of the lemon verbena will sprout new stems in the spring, but last year’s stems will continue to grow. In May, the leaves that can be found around the stalk emerge. The flowers of the plant are tiny and white with a double perianth. The lemon verbena belongs to the verbena family and is therefore not related to other citrus plants such as the lemon tree.

occurrence and cultivation

Lemon verbena is originally from South America and eventually made its way to Europe in the 18th century, where it was exhibited and studied in the Royal Botanical Gardens of Madrid. The seedlings were subsequently shipped from Madrid and achieved great popularity in the following century. Today it can still be found in South America, and lemon verbena is also grown in southern Europe as it thrives in that region.

Lemon verbena prefers sun and nutrient-rich sandy soil. In Central Europe, lemon verbena is very often planted in a tub, although it is possible to buy ready-made plants, propagate them from cuttings or even raise seeds. It is important that lemon verbena is watered regularly, but it does not tolerate waterlogging. In the cold season, it can either be placed in a conservatory or covered.

application and effect

Lemon verbena contains different essential oils that exude a delicate scent and are reminiscent of lemons . This smell arises when the leaves of the plant are lightly rubbed. The main ingredient in the essential oils is citral, other ingredients are geraniol, nero, dipentene or carvone. Lemon verbena can be used in many different ways. The lemon verbena is not only an ornamental plant, but is also used in the kitchen. The leaves of the shrub can be prepared like spinach , for example, but they are also used in salads or desserts such as pudding or fruit salad.

Lemon verbena has a digestive and appetizing effect and helps with digestive problems such as constipation. In the case of insomnia and nervousness, the plant also shows its calming effect. Lemon verbena is also very suitable for strengthening the metabolism and supports digestion. It also fights pathogens and relieves cramps.

Lemon verbena is also effective against depression and increases life energy. Migraines and headaches can also be alleviated with the help of the plant. It also helps with colds and can also be used externally for foot or sports massages, which relaxes the muscles and improves blood circulation. If you want, you can also incorporate lemon verbena into a day cream, which works against oily skin or acne.

What does lemon verbena help against?

importance to health

For the preparation of teasThe leaves of the lemon verbena are mainly used, but the flowers are also suitable. The leaves of the plant are collected during or before the flowering period, with either individual leaves or a whole shoot being picked off. If you want, you can also dry the leaves, but they should be placed in the semi-shade. For a tea made from lemon verbena, one to two teaspoons of dried leaves are poured over with hot water. After about ten minutes, the tea can then be strained and drunk in small sips. If you drink the tea for more than six weeks, you should take a break after this period and drink another tea that has a similar effect. In addition, lemon verbena is also ideal as a component of various mixed teas and can improve their taste,

Furthermore, lemon verbena is also suitable for the preparation of soft drinks, whereby fresh or dried leaves of the plant are added to cold water together with a slice of lemon. This mixture must steep overnight and can then be enjoyed the next day. Lemon verbena is also available in the form of essential oils, which are used in fragrance lamps to improve the air quality in the room.

Bath additives with lemon verbena are suitable for a relaxing and invigorating bath. Such baths have the effect of calming one, but without causing fatigue. A herbal sachet with lemon verbena, which also acts against insects, also ensures a good room fragrance. Lemon verbena should not be used during pregnancy , however, as it has a labor-inducing effect. However, it is very well suited to support childbirth .

 

Dorothy Farrar

Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.

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