Herb library

Lemon Verbena

Aloysia citrodora

Lemon verbena is a fragrant, lemon-scented shrub long kept in kitchen gardens. It is used in simple home remedies and culinary teas for its pleasant aroma and soothing, cooling qualities.

Traditionally used for.

• •Traditionally used as a warming, soothing herbal tea to calm the nerves and ease restless evenings.
• •Traditionally brewed as a mild digestive aid after meals to ease fullness and comfort the stomach.
• •A long-standing household remedy as a fragrant steam or compress for mild tension and to freshen the air and linens.
• •Traditionally added to syrups or honeys for a lightly lemony flavor in cough syrups and throat soothers.

Simple preparations.

• •Simple tea: Pour 8 ounces just-off-boiling water over 1 tablespoon fresh chopped lemon verbena leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried), steep 5 to 10 minutes, strain and sip warm, up to three times daily as needed.
• •Cooling compress or steam: For a compress, bruise a handful of fresh leaves, steep in 2 cups hot water for 10 minutes, strain and cool to a pleasant temperature, then fold cloth in the infusion and apply to neck or temples for 10 to 20 minutes. For a facial steam, hold face over a warm bowl of the infusion, cover head with a towel, and steam for 5 to 10 minutes.
• •Lemon verbena syrup or honey: Simmer 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup fresh leaves over low heat for 10 minutes, strain and cool. Stir into warm tea or mix 1 teaspoon into a spoonful of honey for throat soothing; do not give honey to children under one year.

Cautions.

• !May cause mild stomach upset or heartburn in sensitive people when taken in large amounts.
• !Essential oil of lemon verbena is concentrated and may irritate skin; use only diluted and avoid internal use of the essential oil.
• !Avoid large medicinal doses during pregnancy and breastfeeding; check with your doctor before using if pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medication.
• !If you take prescription medicines or have a chronic health condition, check with your doctor before regular use.

Often kept beside.