Lemon Verbena, the Queen of Aromatic Herbs
Health Benefits of Lemon Verbena
Lemon verbena (aloysia citrodora) also known as lemon beebrush, is perennial shrub that emits a power lemon scent native to South America. Lemon verbena has medicinal and culinary purposes.
The lemon verbena leaves are used to add flavor to fish and poultry dishes, marinades, salads dressings various beverages and jams.
In Traditional medicine, lemon verbena is known as the “Queen of Aromatic Herbs” and is used as an herbal tea to treat the cold, flu, bronchitis and to break fevers. Lemon verbena has been also traditionally used treat various diseases, including insomnia, anxiety, digestive and heart problems. Lemon verbena is also used as an ointment to relieve joint pain and heal wounds.
Lemon verbena has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help fight free radicals in the body and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Lemon verbena may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Studies have shown that people with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis who consumed 600mg of lemon verbena extract with 10% verbascoside for 28 days had significantly lower lower of C-reactive protein which is an inflammatory marker.
Lemon verbena promote weight loss and have anti-obesity properties. Studies showed that 54 overweight people who consumed a daily supplement of lemon verbena and hibiscus extract for 8 weeks reduced the hunger promoting hormone ghrelin and increased the fullness promoting hormone glucagon-like peptide-1. High blood pressure was also decreased and weight loss was experienced.
Lemon verbena may help with muscle damage and pain. Studies have shown that athletes that consumed 400mg of lemon verbena extract before, during and after an exhaustive exercise day test for 15 days showed that there was less muscle damage, faster recovery, less pain and higher levels of the antioxidant enzyme GPx compared to others with a placebo treatment.
Lemon verbena may also help with insomnia. Studies have shown that 100 people with insomnia who consumed 10ml of lemon verbena syrup before bedtime improved their ability to sleep, total sleep time, sleep quality and daytime sleepiness.
Lemon verbena may also help with digestive health including candida overgrowth, indigestion, bloating, stomach cramps and flatulence.
Lemon verbena may also boost your immunity.
As always, consult with your physician.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloysia_citrodora
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29862395/