Herbs of the Field - Lemon Verbena
Lemon Verbena is a wonderful plant for the home or backyard! It has a very subtle lemon scented flower. This is why the fragrance is common in perfume making and for aromatherapy. In the Victorian era, women’s hand-sewn gowns had the leaves of the Lemon Verbena as they symbolize sensitivity. This plant was once extremely common in the wild until its use as an insect repellent. In addition to its aroma, Lemon Verbena is also known for its culinary uses and its medicinal properties.
Lemon Verbena can be used to help with colds and flu symptoms. Lemon Verbena aids as an expectorant to loosen the mucus and phlegm that trap bacteria and pathogens creating the illnesses. In addition, Lemon Verbena has been used for treating asthma. Not only can Lemon Verbena help with inflammation of the respiratory system but its anti-inflammatory properties help with joint pains due to injuries or arthritis. Lemon Verbena’s aroma properties help to alleviate anxiety and moods disorders such as chronic stress. As the stress is reduced, Lemon Verbena improves the body’s immune system by promoting white blood cells to increase. Reducing this type of oxidative stress, helps to protect the body cells by reducing cellular mutations. Lemon Verbena has also been identified as having beneficial therapies for digestive health, respiratory health, nervous health, muscle restoration, joint pain management, weight loss management, immune booster, skin problems and mouth problem.
Identification: Leaves have a lance shape with a pointed tip. They are located in whorls of three to four clusters. The flowers are white or pale purple, with a tubular shape. The flowers are arranged in small clusters. When the flowers fade away, in their wake they form a tiny fruit pod. Inside it will form tiny black seeds, that when the pods mature, they will crack open and release the seeds. The plant can grow up to 3 meters tall. The stem can become very leggy as the branches and woody.
Harvesting: When the stem reaches about 10 inches tall and has many leaves, snip ¼ of the leaf/node. The tiny buds/blossoms can also be used. Dry and store in an airtight container.
Usage: Make into a tea or infusion for colds and flu; as an expectorant it loosens the mucus and phlegm.
Cautions: Use caution if pregnant or nursing. Leaves of Lemon Verbena have terpene volatile oil which can irritate the kidney. Lemon Verbena can also can contact hypersensitivity, increase sensitivity to the sunlight.