December 30 2024 Lunar Cycle
Lemon Verbena
Aloysia citrodora
Common Name
Lemon verbena, lemon beebrush, lemon Luisa, verbena,
vervain, yerba Louisa, hierba Luisa, cédron
Parts Used
Leaves
Native To
South America, including Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay (Plants For A Future, n.d.).
Geographic Distribution
Aloysia citrodora has been localized to tropical and warm temperate regions throughout the world, including North America, South America, the Mediterranean, Africa, and India; it is commonly cultivated in gardens and has grown spontaneously after escaping cultivation (Rojas-Sandoval, 2019).
Botanical Description
Lemon verbena is an aromatic, herbaceous perennial and woody shrub (Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d.). In tropical areas, lemon verbena can grow 10-15 feet tall and is evergreen, whereas it is deciduous in areas with freezing temperatures; in areas where it is not winter hardy, lemon verbena can be grown in containers to around 2-4 feet tall and brought indoors during the winter (Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d.). The leaves are narrow, green, and grouped in clusters of three around the stems and have a strong citrus scent (Helmer, 2019). They are 3-4 inches long with smooth margins and parallel veins that are perpendicular to the midrib (Grieve, 1931/1971). The flowers of lemon verbena are small and white to light purple in color (Helmer, 2019). The flowers typically bloom in midsummer to early fall, yet potted plants or those grown in colder areas may not bloom (Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d.). Lemon verbena is hermaphrodite and is pollinated by insects; the seeds ripen during the fall (Plants For A Future, n.d.).
Lemon verbena prefers full sun and well-drained, fertile soil (North Carolina State Extension, n.d.). The herb is hardy to zone 8, but should be protected from frost and wind; it can be cut back and mulched with straw over the winter, yet is most successful if potted and taken indoors over winter (Belsinger & Tucker, 2016). If left to winter in a cool greenhouse, lemon verbena will often lose its leaves, but they will typically grow back come spring (Belsinger & Tucker, 2016).
Key Constituents
Volatile oils, with monoterpene compounds including neral and geranial (the mixture known as citral), photocitral A (which is formed from citral with sun exposure), borneol, limonene, geraniol, nerol, and terpineol, and sesquiterpenoid compounds including caryophyllene, curcumene, myrcene, and isovaleric acid; flavonoids including apigenin, luteolin, and 6-hydroxylated flavones (van Wyk & Wink, 2017); phenylpropanoids; and phenylethanoids including verbascoside (Bahramsoltani et al., 2018).
Sustainability Issues
Aloysia citrodora is considered invasive in Cuba and South Africa (Rojas-Sandoval, 2019).
Uses
Lemon verbena is well regarded for its strong lemon scent; it is considered to be one of the strongest lemon-scented plants (Helmer, 2019). In fact, the species name citrodora means “lemon-scented” (North Carolina State Extension, n.d.), while verbena is a Latin word meaning “leafy branch” (Raghavan, 2006). In Victorian times, people would stick lemon verbena in their hankies or rub sprigs of the herb on their necks to enjoy the bright scent (Belsinger & Tucker, 2016). Lemon verbena was brought to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 1700s, and was originally only used for perfumes (Barrett, 2009). Due to this initial limited use in Europe, it lacks mention in most Western herbal texts (Orr, 2014).
In Latin American countries, lemon verbena is called hierba Luisa or cédron, and has a history of traditional use as a tea for digestive imbalances, including flatulence, colic, and indigestion, as well as for asthma, colds, and fevers (Orr, 2014). Today, lemon verbena is used by herbalists throughout the world and the lemony leaves also have diverse culinary uses; they are used to flavor beverages such as tea, lemonade, sodas, and cordials, and are added to desserts such as ice cream, cakes, and muffins (Belsinger & Tucker, 2016). The leaves can be cooked and eaten like spinach, or used fresh in salads (Plants For A Future, n.d.). The leaves can also be candied and used for culinary decorations (Belsinger & Tucker, 2016). Lemon verbena also makes a great herbal vinegar or herbal honey. For a stronger lemony flavor, the fresh leaves are preferable, yet the dried leaves will still have a subtle lemon flavor (Helmer, 2019).
Lemon verbena has astringent properties (McBride, 2019) and is used topically as an antimicrobial for boils and acne (Bown, 2015). A poultice of the leaves is used for toothache, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids (Hurrell, 2018). In Brazil, the tincture is used as a bactericide and for dermal conditions (Bahramsoltani et al., 2018).
Lemon verbena is considered to have febrifuge actions (Wildwood, 2011); it is used in Ecuador for this purpose (Bahramsoltani et al., 2018). The tea of lemon verbena is also used in Brazil to ease colds and fevers (Bahramsoltani et al., 2018). Lemon verbena also has expectorant properties, which can help to ease coughs and colds, and may help with mild asthma (Barber, 2014). Lemon verbena has a long history of use in South America, dating back to at least the 17th century when it was used by the Incas (Bahramsoltani et al., 2018). A group of traditional healers in the Andres, the Kallawaya, have identified lemon verbena by the Quechua name wari pankara (Elechosa et al., 2017) and have traditionally used it as an antispasmodic and to help with bronchitis (Bahramsoltani et al., 2018).
The Kallawaya have also used lemon verbena for cardiovascular conditions (Bahramsoltani et al., 2018). In Argentina, an infusion or decoction of the herb is used as a cardiotonic, while in Ecuador, an infusion of lemon verbena is drunk after meals for heart issues (Bahramsoltani et al., 2018). Lemon verbena is considered to have hypotensive effects (Hurrell, 2018) and in Argentina, the herb is also used as a diuretic (Bahramsoltani et al., 2018).
The antispasmodic properties of lemon verbena are attributed to its flavonoid and volatile oil content, which have mild sedative properties and can help to ease spasms, particularly those of the digestive tract (Bown, 2015). Lemon verbena is considered helpful for digestive complaints such as heartburn, indigestion (Helmer, 2019), bloating (King & Masé, 2016), flatulence (Grieve, 1931/1971), cramps, and nausea (Glenn, 2011). In Mexico, lemon verbena is used as an antidiarrheal and vermifuge (Hurrell, 2018). In France, lemon verbena is one of the most popular teas served in restaurants as a digestive tonic after meals (Harding, 2017).
Lemon verbena is considered helpful for cases of liver congestion by aiding in the digestion of fat and having a cooling action on the liver (Glenn, 2011). While more studies are needed, it is thought that lemon verbena could be a possible aid for weight management. In one double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial, 54 overweight participants were given a supplement containing extracts of lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) and hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) (Boix-Castejón et al., 2018). The results showed that the supplement significantly increased satiety and feelings of fullness, and participants taking the supplement also experienced decreased blood pressure and heart rate (Boix-Castejón et al., 2018).
The mild sedative and nervine properties of lemon verbena are also calming to the nerves and can help induce sleep (Laitenberger, 2013, McBride, 2019); in Latin American countries, it is commonly used to aid in sleep and help reduce anxiety (Bahramsoltani et al., 2018). It is also used for insomnia in Portugal (Bahramsoltani et al., 2018). In Mexican traditional medicine, lemon verbena is used to ease sadness and nervousness (Bahramsoltani et al., 2018).
One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial by Afrasiabian et al. (2018) looked at the safety and efficacy of lemon verbena as a sleep aid for patients with insomnia. One-hundred insomnia patients were divided into two groups, one of which received a placebo while the other received a lemon verbena syrup to take 1 hour before bed for a duration of 4 weeks. Participants were accessed using questionnaires that they took as a baseline prior to the trial, and then again 2 weeks into the trial and at the 4-week point. The results showed that those in the lemon verbena group had significant improvements in sleep latency, habitual sleep efficacy, daytime dysfunction, and subjective sleep quality, supporting the use of lemon verbena for insomnia (Afrasiabian et al., 2018).
To aid in relaxation and help ease restlessness, lemon verbena tea can be enjoyed in the evening or right before bed (Chevallier, 2018). You can also put the dried leaves in a sachet for a relaxing herbal bath or foot soak (Hobbs & Gardner, 2013). Lemon verbena is considered to have uplifting properties and is sometimes used in formulations with other herbs for mild depression and anxiety (Wildwood, 2011).
Lemon verbena is regarded for its antioxidant (Hobbs & Gardner, 2013) and anti-inflammatory properties (McBride, 2019). In Ecuador, lemon verbena is used for the inflammatory condition rheumatism; the leaves are cooked, wrapped in a cloth, and applied topically to areas of pain (Bahramsoltani et al., 2018). The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of lemon verbena are attributed to its phenolic compounds, verbascoside and luteolin (Orr, 2014).
One randomized, placebo-controlled, and double-blind study by Buchwald-Werner et al. (2018) looked at the potential effects of a commercial product containing an aqueous extract of lemon verbena on muscle strength and recovery from exhaustive exercise. Exhaustive exercise results in muscle damage through oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to muscle fatigue and soreness. The study was small, with only 40 participants, yet the results were promising in that lemon verbena has the potential to reduce muscle damage after exhaustive exercise. Oxidative stress was measured through glutathione peroxidase activity, which was significantly improved in the lemon verbena group compared to the placebo group. The lemon verbena group also displayed significantly less loss of muscle strength and less movement-induced pain when compared to the placebo group (Buchwald-Werner et al., 2018).
Another double-blind study with 15 participants looked at blood oxidation markers after aerobic activity and compared those of a placebo group with those receiving an extract of lemon verbena standardized to 10% verbascoside (Carrera-Quintanar et al., 2010). The results displayed significantly lower levels of oxidative stress markers, including lower malondialdehyde and protein carbonyls, in the plasma of the lemon verbena group compared to the placebo group after 21 days, leading the researchers to suggest that lemon verbena may help protect against exercise-induce oxidative damage (Carrera-Quintanar et al., 2010).
In another study, Carturla et al. (2011) assessed the potential of lemon verbena for joint pain. This study used a standardized lemon verbena extract along with fish oil. Forty-five participants with joint pain participated, and the results showed that the supplement had strong antioxidant effects, which were measured by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. Participants receiving the supplement experienced significant reduction in joint pain and stiffness after 9 weeks compared to the placebo group (Carturla et al., 2011).
Much of the research on lemon verbena focuses on the essential oil extracted from the plant. Lemon verbena is a popular herb used in aromatherapy. Lemon verbena is often used in soap and perfumes, yet it is important to be cautious as many products are adulterated due to the high cost and low yield of lemon verbena essential oil (Glenn, 2011).
References
Afrasiabian, F., Ardakani, M.M., Rahmani, K., Azadi, N.A., Alemohammad, Z.B., Bidaki, R., …Hashempur, M.H. (2018). Aloysia citriodora Palau (lemon verbena) for insomnia patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of efficacy and safety. Phytotherapy Research, 33, 350-359. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6228
Bahramsoltani, R., Rostamiasrabadi, P., Shahpiri, Z., Marques, A.M., Rahimi, R., & Farzaei, M.H. (2018). Aloysia citrodora Paláu (lemon verbena): A review of phytochemistry and pharmacology. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 222, 34-51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2018.04.021
Barber, B. (2014). Natural botanicals: Nature’s pathway to better health and wellness. Lulu Press.
Barrett, J. (2009). What can I do with my herbs? How to grow, use and enjoy these versatile plants. Texas A&M University Press.
Belsinger, S., & Tucker, A.O. (2016). The culinary herbal: Growing and preserving 97 flavorful herbs. Timber Press.
Boix-Castejón, M., Herranz-López, M., Pérez Gago, A., Olivares-Vicente, M., Caturla, N., Roche, E., & Micol, V. (2018). Hibiscus and lemon verbena polyphenols modulate appetite-related biomarkers in overweight subjects: A randomized controlled trial. Food & Function, 9(6), 3173-3184. https://doi.org/10.1039/c8fo00367j
Bown, D. (2015). Herbal: The essential guide to herbs for living. Pavilion Books.
Buchwald-Werner, S., Naka, I., Wilhelm, M., Schütz, E., Schoen, C., & Reule, C. (2018). Effects of lemon verbena extract (Recoverben®) supplementation of muscle strength and recovery after exhaustive exercise: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition, 15(5), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-018-0208-0
Carrera-Quintanar, L., Funes, L., Viudes, E., Tur, J., Micol, V., Roche, E., & Pons, A. (2010). Antioxidant effects of lemon verbena extracts in lymphocytes of university students performing aerobic training program. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 22(4), 454-461. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0838.2010.01244.x
Carturla, N., Funes, L., Peréz-Fons, L., & Micol, V. (2011). A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study of the effect of a combination of lemon verbena extract and fish oil omega-3 fatty acid on joint management. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 17(11), 1051-1063. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2010.0410
Chevallier, A. (2018). Herbal remedies handbook: More than 140 plant profiles; remedies for over 50 common conditions. DK Publishing.
Elechosa, M.A., Di Leo Lira, P., Juárez, M.A., Viturro, C.I., Heit, C.I., Molina, A.C., … Bandoni, A.L. (2017). Essential oil chemotypes of Aloysia citrodora (Verbenaceae) in Northwestern Argentina. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 74, 19-29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bse.2017.07.003
Gardner, Z., & McGuffin, M. (Eds). (2013). American Herbal Products Association’s botanical safety handbook (2nd ed.). Taylor and Francis.
Glenn, L. (2011). Herb clip news: Lemon verbena. American Botanical Council. http://herbalgram.org/resources/herbclip/herbclip-news/2011/lemon-verbena/
Grieve, M. (1971). A modern herbal (Vol. 2). Dover Publishing. (Original work published 1931)
Groves, M.N. (2019). Grow your own herbal remedies: How to create a customized herb garden to support your health and well-being. Storey Publishing.
Harding, J. (2017). Herbs: A color guide to herbs and herbal healing. Chartwell Books.
Helmer, J. (2019). Growing your own tea garden: The guide to growing and harvesting flavorful teas in your backyard. CompanionHouse Books.
Hobbs, C., & Gardner, L. (2013). Grow it, heal it: Natural and effective herbal remedies from your garden or windowsill. Rodale Books.
Hurrell, J.A. (2018). Medicinal and aromatic plants of South America. Springer Nature.
King, J., & Masé, G. (2016). DIY bitters: Reviving the forgotten flavor – A guide to making your own bitters for bartenders, cocktail enthusiasts, herbalists and more. Fair Winds Press.
Laitenberger, K. (2013). Vegetables and herbs for the greenhouse and polytunnel. Little, Brown Book Club.
Liversidge, C. (2014). Homegrown tea: An illustrated guide to planting, harvesting, and blending teas and tisanes. St. Martin’s Publishing Group.
McBride, K. (2019). The herbal kitchen: Bring lasting health to you and your family with 50 easy-to-find common herbs and over 250 recipes. Red Wheel Weiser.
Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Aloysia citriodora. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=291522
North Carolina State Extension. (n.d.). Aloysia citriodora. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/aloysia-citriodora/
Orr, S. (2014). The new American herbal. Clarkson Potter.
Plants For A Future. (n.d.). Aloysia triphylla – Palau. https://pfaf.org/User/plant.aspx?latinname=Aloysia+triphylla
Raghavan, S. (2006). Handbook of spices, seasonings and flavorings. CRC Press.
Ravindran, P.N. (2018). The encyclopedia of herbs and spices. CABI.
Rojas-Sandoval, J. (2019). Aloysia citrodora (lemon verbena). CABI Invasive Species Compendium. https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/112152
Traunfeld, J. (2013). The herbfarm cookbook. Scribner.
van Wyk, B.-E., & Wink, M. (2017). Medicinal plants of the world: An illustrated scientific guide to important medicinal plants and their uses (Rev. ed.). CABI.
Wildwood, C. (2011). Mood enhancing plants. Ebury Publishing.