Aloysia citrodora
- Origin
- South America
- Part used
- See detailed notebook
- Tradition
- Traditional ethnobotany
Brought back from South America by Spanish navigators in the eighteenth century, lemon verbena — also called sweet verbena — quickly won over European gardens and drawing rooms with its lemony scent. The herbalists of old readily recommended it at the end of a meal, as a gentle, agreeable plant for the home.
Traditional uses
An aid to digestion after meals
Traditionally infused after copious meals, lemon verbena was reputed to soothe stomach heaviness and ease digestion.
Evening relaxation
Its lemony scent and gentle flavor made it a favored evening infusion, to accompany relaxation before bedtime.
Comfort for mild respiratory discomfort
Used as a hot herbal tea, it traditionally accompanied minor seasonal respiratory discomfort.
A tonic and refreshing drink
Enjoyed in South America and later in Europe as an everyday drink, it was regarded as a gentle remedy to support overall vitality.
What to know before use
Prolonged or high-dose use is discouraged without a healthcare professional's advice. As a precaution, avoid in pregnant or breastfeeding women in the absence of sufficient data. If undergoing medication treatment, seek advice from a pharmacist or doctor before regular use.
The detailed notebook
- Prepared as a paste or decoction
- Traditional duration of use
- Known contraindications
- Related species and their uses
Where to find it
Partner herbalists — available with the detailed notebook.
Sources
PFAF, Wikipedia