Healing Properties of Lemon Verbena

Lemon verbena is a relatively hearty herb that is actually a small tree instead of a flowering plant. Native to Argentina and Chile, lemon verbena is a deciduous plant that is commonly cultivated in the tropics and Europe. Lemon Verbena has an unusually strong lemon scent and flavor to it. The lemon scent comes from an essential oil known as citral, which is also found in lemon, lemongrass and other citrus plants.

Classified as Aloysia triphylla, lemon verbena has been used medicinally for centuries. The leaves and flowering tops are used in teas and as beverage flavors. Lemon verbena is frequently grown for ornamental landscaping purposes and its fragrance is used in perfumery.

Lemon verbena has certain therapeutic properties and has been used for a variety of ailments including relief of digestive tract spasms, reduction of fever, strengthening of the nervous system, stress relief and as an anti-spasmodic and expectorant. Lemon verbena has the ability to help break down cellulite, as well as to exert a soothing, healing and toning effect on the skin.

In cooking, lemon verbena can be used in fruit dishes, jellies, punches, added to baked custard or home made ice cream. Lemon verbena can be used in any dish where lemon might be used including fish and chicken dishes, salad dressings and rice.

Lemon verbena is a popular dessert ingredient and pairs well with vanilla and mint. It compliments most fruit flavors and is the perfect accompaniment to a fruit salad. Pastry chefs have been known to place two or three lemon verbena leaves in the bottom of a buttered cake pan before spooning the cake batter into the pan. The leaves release their oil during the baking process, giving the cake a delightful lemony flavor. It is necessary to remove the leaves prior to serving.

Lemon verbena leaves can be steeped in hot water to create an aromatic and mildly sedative herbal tea. It makes a delicious tea and can be drunk anytime as it is relaxing and soothing. Lemon verbena tea is believed to help regulate the menstrual cycle and assist with symptoms of PMS. It has also been found useful in the treatment of Crohn's disease; an autoimmune disease which affects the gastro-intestinal tract. Lemon verbena leaves can also be used in potpourri or to make an infusion which can be added to bath water for a calming effect.

Lemon verbena essential oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory, fever reducer and sedative. It is generally inhaled for stress, insomnia, depression and nervous fatigue. Lemon verbena essential oil has also proven beneficial during an asthmatic crisis. Due to its strong antiviral properties, lemon verbena essential oil can be applied directly to a cold sore to reduce pain and symptoms. Lemon verbena generally is recognized as safe for human consumption.