🌿 Lemon verbena
Zitronenverbene
Aloysia citrodora
Lemon verbena (*Aloysia citrodora*), also known as lemon-scented verbena, is a perennial aromatic shrub belonging to the Verbenaceae family. Originally native to South America, it is now cultivated in many warm regions as a culinary, fragrant and medicinal plant.
Its distinctive features include narrow, lance-shaped leaves that release an intense lemon fragrance when crushed. Small, whitish to pale violet flowers appear in loose clusters.
The leaves contain essential oil with aromatic compounds such as citral, alongside phenolic compounds including verbascoside (acteoside) and various flavonoids. Their composition varies depending on growing conditions, origin and processing.
In traditional herbal medicine, lemon verbena is particularly used for digestive complaints, nervous restlessness and relaxation. It is most commonly prepared as a herbal infusion.
Its distinctive features include narrow, lance-shaped leaves that release an intense lemon fragrance when crushed. Small, whitish to pale violet flowers appear in loose clusters.
The leaves contain essential oil with aromatic compounds such as citral, alongside phenolic compounds including verbascoside (acteoside) and various flavonoids. Their composition varies depending on growing conditions, origin and processing.
In traditional herbal medicine, lemon verbena is particularly used for digestive complaints, nervous restlessness and relaxation. It is most commonly prepared as a herbal infusion.
Notes
Lemon verbena is traditionally used for bloating, mild digestive complaints, nervousness and sleep difficulties. Folk medicine also attributes calming, antispasmodic and diuretic properties to the plant.
Laboratory research and small clinical studies have investigated antioxidant and inflammation-related properties, as well as possible effects on sleep and recovery. However, these findings do not establish clinical effectiveness for all traditional applications.
There is insufficient safety information concerning medicinal use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Individuals with known allergies to plant constituents should exercise caution.
Concentrated essential oil should not be confused with an ordinary herbal infusion. Internal use of the essential oil should be avoided without qualified professional advice.
Persistent digestive complaints, significant sleep disturbances and other serious conditions require medical assessment. Herbal preparations are not a substitute for necessary medical treatment.
Laboratory research and small clinical studies have investigated antioxidant and inflammation-related properties, as well as possible effects on sleep and recovery. However, these findings do not establish clinical effectiveness for all traditional applications.
There is insufficient safety information concerning medicinal use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Individuals with known allergies to plant constituents should exercise caution.
Concentrated essential oil should not be confused with an ordinary herbal infusion. Internal use of the essential oil should be avoided without qualified professional advice.
Persistent digestive complaints, significant sleep disturbances and other serious conditions require medical assessment. Herbal preparations are not a substitute for necessary medical treatment.
Effects
- motivating
- labour-promoting
- digestive
- tonic
- strengthening
- metabolism-stimulating
- galactagogue
- menstruation-promoting
- antispasmodic
- concentration-enhancing
- diuretic
- refreshing
- relaxing
- calming
- invigorating
- balancing
- appetite-stimulating
- antibacterial
- activating
Conditions
- nausea
- constipation
- digestive weakness
- restlessness
- dizziness
- insomnia
- nervous heart complaints
- muscular pain
- migraine
- stomach weakness
- headaches
- concentration difficulties
- insect bites
- cough
- fever
- depression
- bronchitis
- bloating
- dark circles under the eyes
- acne
Application Areas
- nervous system
- respiratory system
Plant Parts
- leaf
Preparations
- tincture
- tea
- extract
Contraindications
- breastfeeding
- pregnancy
- allergy