Herb Profile: Lemon Verbena

 

Lemon Verbena, Aloysia citriodora

Lemon verbena is a flowering perennial shrub native to western South America although grows as an annual in New England. Originally cultivated for its essential oil, lemon verbena has many culinary and medicinal uses.

Medicinally, lemon verbena is used for digestive disorders like indigestion, diarrhea and constipation.  It is helpful with joint pain, insomnia, asthma, colds, fevers, skin conditions and chills. It also has anti-Candida albicans properties.
In cooking, lemon verbena imparts a lemon flavor to any dish and is popular with fish and poultry dishes, marinades, salad dressings, jams, yogurt and drinks.

There are many recipes online for making lemon verbena ice cream, sorbet, cocktails and muffins, among other treats. You can also dry the leaves for teas or add to soaps and cosmetics.

 

Preparations

Lemon verbena can be made into a tea or tincture.

 

Lemon Verbena and Mint Tisane

This refreshing tea is great for a warm fall afternoon or as an after-dinner drink. Bring a pot of water almost to boil and pour over equal parts of lemon verbena and mint. Steep for 5 minutes. Add honey to sweeten if desired.

 

Lemon Mate

For a more flavorful and refreshing caffeine boost try adding any combination of lemon balm, lemon verbena, or lemon grass to your mate. Also great with the nourishing addition of oats.

 

Cautions/Contraindications

Large amounts of lemon verbena may irritate the kidneys.

Growing Lemon Verbena

Hardiness: Zones 8–10 (often grown as an annual in colder regions)
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained soil
Water: Moderate
Propagation: Softwood cuttings or seed
Notes: Tender perennial with intensely lemon-scented leaves. Protect from frost.

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Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products and the information provided on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

All content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal products, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.

We are not responsible for the content of external websites. Individual responses to herbs vary, and information provided may not include all possible precautions or interactions. Discontinue use if any adverse reaction occurs.

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