Lemon verbena, also known as lemon verbena, cidrón and verbena de Indias and with the scientific name Aloysia citrodora, is a plant from South America that is cultivated for its medicinal properties and also as an ornamental plant.
The lemon verbena plant
Lemon verbena is an evergreen shrub native to Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Peru and Uruguay, which can reach 3 meters in height. With light green and lanceolate leaves with a serrated finish, it is easily recognizable by its rich aroma, a mixture of lemon and mint.
In summer, it draws attention for its small white flowers, with a slight pinkish or purple touch, which can be up to 10 centimeters in size. After the disappearance of the flowers, the small fruits are born.
This plant has been used since time immemorial to relieve all kinds of discomfort, as well as to decorate gardens.
The bush grows well with high temperatures and, preferably, in areas far from other plants since it requires a lot of energy and being close to other trees and plants can harm it.
On the other hand, if you want to have it in your home to take advantage of its health benefits, keep in mind that it requires deep, permeable and loose soils, as well as direct sunlight.
Lemon verbena properties
Natural medicine recommends the infusion of lemon verbena to increase the body’s defenses and thus prevent diseases such as the flu, sore throat and cold, among others.
Next, we will tell you what other ailments it is useful to drink this herb and whether, in addition, its daily uses have scientific endorsement or not.
Promotes weight loss
Experts in alternative medicine assure that regularly drinking an infusion of lemongrass with lemon helps in weight loss. This is because this plant provides very few calories per serving, but when drunk as an infusion, it generates a feeling of satiety. In addition, its components would collaborate in the burning of fat.
Take care of the muscles
Without a doubt, this is one of the greatest qualities of this infusion. Different studies have shown that the antioxidants present in lemon verbena reduce muscle damage that can occur during training, in addition to increasing resistance without damaging reaction speed.
So now you know, if you train for a sport, perhaps drinking lemon verbena infusion will help you prevent injuries and improve your overall performance. What are you waiting for to try it?
Reduces inflammation in the body
Do you suffer from joint or muscle pain caused by inflammation? Injuries and some diseases, such as arthritis or osteoarthritis, cause severe pain. The consumption of lemon verbena relieves these pains.
Although there are no specific studies on its effects, research published in the scientific journal Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine indicated that the combination of lemon verbena with Omega 3 fatty acids served to reduce joint pain and increase joint movement of the joints. people who participated in the clinical trial.
Increase defenses
As we already mentioned, this point is the most famous of all the benefits of lemon verbena, but does drinking this infusion really improve the body’s immune response?
Lemon verbena is rich in antioxidant substances, components that fight free radicals that generate oxidative stress and can thus trigger all kinds of degenerative diseases (heart, vascular, brain and even cancer).
Research to date suggests that lemon verbena infusion reduces levels of oxidative stress and thus protects the overall health of the body. By avoiding this process, it helps to increase defenses and minimize the risk of disease.
Antispasmodic properties
Did you know that drinking a cup of lemon verbena infusion may be what you need to calm your stomach when you suffer from indigestion? Also, it relieves stomach cramps and certain intestinal discomforts, such as gas.
On the other hand, it is believed to be a good appetite regulator. Just as we mentioned that it increases the feeling of satiety, it also contributes to proper metabolic function.
Antibacterial activity
Some small studies found lemon verbena to have antibacterial activity. To be exact, the essential oil of this plant has cytotoxic activity and acts by minimizing the bacterial presence of S. Aureus and E. Coli.
For this reason, Ayurveda medicine recommends its intake to stop diarrhea caused by bacteria and also to combat halitosis.
Combat anxiety
Some specialists have explained that the antioxidant compounds present in this plant would allow maintaining a hormonal balance necessary to fight against moods such as anxiety. Although we have not found scientific data on this, you can try drinking a cup of lemon verbena infusion when afflictions or problems occupy your mind and also affect your body.
Fight colds
Beyond increasing defenses, lemon verbena has an expectorant activity that helps thin mucus and, therefore, improve nasal congestion.
How to prepare a cup of lemon verbena or lemon verbena infusion
If you have a lemon verbena plant on your balcony or garden, don’t hesitate and cut some leaves. Otherwise, you can get it at your trusted herbalist.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon lemon verbena leaves
- 1 cup of water
- optional: honey
Elaboration
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Incorporate the lemon verbena leaves (previously washed, if you have collected them from the plant).
- Let cook for two minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let the infusion sit for 3 minutes.
- Strain and drink. You can add honey if you wish.
The taste of lemon verbena infusion is very pleasant. If you want to increase its antibacterial and antioxidant potential, add a little lemon. Do not hesitate: try this infusion and enjoy its benefits.