What is lemon verbena?

Lemon verbena is a perennial shrub which can reach a height of 1 m. Lemon verbena has long unifoliolate leaves with a pleasant typical lemon scent. The flowers are small and have a white or purple colour.

Parts used

The leaves and flowers of lemon verbena are used.

Phytochemicals

These are typical phytochemicals found in lemon verbena: neral, geranial, limonene, nerol, geraniol, terpineol, caryophyllene, curcumene, isovalerianic acid, eupafolin, hispidulin, eupatorin, salvigenin, apigenin, luteolin, geraniol, flavonoids.

Benefits of lemon verbena

Lemon verbena has antipyretic, antispasmodic, sedative and stomachic. Traditionally, lemon verbena has been used to treat asthma, fever, colds, fever, flatulence, stomach upset and diarrhoea. Lemon verbena tea is consumed for its relaxing effects.

Other facts

Lemon verbena originates form Argentina and Chili.
Lemon verbena is also used to flavour foods (jams, desserts and fruit salads) and alcoholic beverages. Lemon verbena is also used in toilet water and eau de cologne.
Lemon Verbena was brought to Europe in the 17th century and is still very popular in France, where it is used to make tea. Recently, lemon verbena has become more popular in other countries. Unlike many other herbs, dried lemon verbena will retain its lemon scent for a long period.

Other names