A Healing Herb - Lemon Verbena
Known as the Queen of the Aromatic Herbs and traditionally used to aid digestion, alleviate cold and flu symptoms and to break a fever
Hi, I’m Sue and I write about the beauty and ingenuity of Nature, and how we can deepen our connection for our optimum health and wellbeing. Discover more Nature-inspired content on Spiral Leaf and my video Nature Channel.
A Healing Herb Guide
Lemon Verbena is the sixth herb to feature in my Healing Herb Guide.
Lemon Verbena (or Vervain), is one of the most strongly scented and intense of the lemon scented plants. It's delicious and strong lemony flavour comes with a hint of Ginger which is why it is often used as a flavouring in baking. Perfect when combined with Summer fruits such as Watermelon or Peaches, it adds a subtle flavour when used in stuffings or roast dishes, and makes a fine lemony addition (when grinded) in cream toppings and custard.
This hardy herb has narrow, bright green leaves with a rough texture. It grows quickly from branches rising from the base of the plant in elegant curves. Snipping back keeps the plant more compact and bushier, bringing you a healthy harvest through the warmer months that can be used fresh or dried for storage. Grown inside or outside with tiny white flowers that appear in clusters in June.
Lemon Verbena is also known as the Enchanter's Herb for its magical qualities. It was used in spiritual practices by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and pagan Druids.
I hope you enjoy discovering the life-giving and healing benefits of Lemon Verbena - a wonderful addition to any diet with many different recipes for your general good health, relaxation and wellbeing.
Folklore
Lemon Verbena has been cultivated in Europe since the 17th century.
Native to the Andes Mountains in South America, it has been used as an ingredient for cooking and medicine since ancient times. The Inca boiled the leafy stems to make a medicinal tea as a trusted botanical for reducing fevers and treating a variety of digestive disorders (see below). In Argentina, Lemon Verbena tea is used as an antidote for the bites of poisonous animals.
In Pagan times, Lemon Verbena was placed under one’s pillow to keep away bad dreams. It was a traditional herb used for bringing luck as it was said to convert misfortune to good luck. It was also used for cleansing, protecting, uncrossing and for attracting love. It was also used as a strengthening herb, adding potency to anything to which it is added for a positive effect.
Lemon Verbena is yet another cleansing and protecting herb that crosses over into a natural pest repellent. It can be grown and used to keep mosquitoes away due to its strong, lemony aroma covering up the human scent detected by female mosquitoes.
In herbal lore, Lemon Verbena symbolises romance and sensitivity, and was used to transmit messages between lovers.
Nutrition
Lemon verbena is highly beneficial for any stress related disorders due to its calming properties. It also a mild antiseptic with anti-inflammatory, expectorant and powerful anti-fungal properties. Lemon Verbena is particularly good for the nervous system as it helps to relax the nerves and muscles, calm the mind, alleviate depression, ease anxiety and provide a general overall feeling of peace.
Lemon Verbena is effective at clearning the lungs and sinus passages and can help to provide relief from the symptoms of colds, coughs, flu, asthma, and sinus and respiratory infections. It is also helpful in reducing fever in the body and helping women to help regulate their menstrual cycle and reduce the pre-menstrual symptoms.
Lemon Verbena contains hastatosides and verbenalin. These are volatile oils known as monoterpenoids. They can help to relieve insomnia by activating the GABA system. GABA is a brain chemical that switches off the transmission of nerve signals, helping to calm the mind and nervous system in readiness for sleep.
One of the main chemical components of Lemon Verbena is called verbascoside which is responsible for many of its health benefits. This powerfully anti-inflammatory compound has been studied in conjunction with omega 3 as an alternative treatment for joint pain.
Lemon Verbena provides a rich source of vitamin C and has a variety of health benefits. It is known to lower oxidative stress, enhance sleep and help with weight reduction as it has been shown to burn fat, break down cellulite and regulate the metabolism.
Further information: Medical Medium - Lemon Verbena
Remedies
Lemon Verbena's healing properties bring health benefits to the skin. The leaves can be applied as a topical poultice where its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties can help in healing varicose veins, acne, boils and external hemorrhoids.
To make a poultice, take a handful of Lemon Verbena, chop them into small pieces on a cutting board and transfer to a mortar and pestle to crush to a pulp. As you chop and mash or blend, the herbs will release their natural juices so that the leaves become softer. Spread the crushed herbs onto the desired area of the skin or wrap the area with a layer of gauze or muslin to hold the paste in place. You can also apply a layer of plastic wrap to the outside of the finished poultice to prevent the juices from leaking.
Lemon Verbena Potpourri is another way to enjoy the fresh fragrance of Lemon Verbena in the home. Mix together the dried peel of 1 x Lemon, 2 x cups dried Lemon Verbena leaves, 1 x cup dried Chamomile flowers, 1 x Cinnamon stick and 2 to 3 drops of Lemon Verbena Essential Oil.
Place in a bowl to scent the room (cover when not in use to retain the scent) or place in a drawstring bag to hang in your wardrobe.
Lemon Verbena Essential Oil can also be added to natural Jojoba Oil or Cocoa Butter to nourish the skin. A few drops can be made into an aromatic hydrosol that creates a light mist to refresh the face and skin with its antibacterial and astringent properties.
Recipes
Lemon Verbena and Mint Herbal Tea
Fresh (or dried) Lemon Verbena combined with Mint makes a deliciously refreshing healing herbal tea. This herbal tea works as detoxifier, cleansing the body and boosting immunity. The combination of lemon and mint also very useful in helping to relieve headaches, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.
Ideally, steep a good handful of fresh Lemon Verbena (or half to one teaspoon of the dried herb) and some fresh Mint leaves in hot filtered water for at least 10 minutes or soak overnight in a pitcher of filtered water to sip throughout the following day.
Add organic Raw Honey and fresh Lemon juice for added nutrients, sweetness and flavour.
Lemon Verbena Sponge Cake
Add 3 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh Lemon Verbena to any light sponge cake mixture for a moist and tender cake with a deliciously tangy lemon and fresh floral flavour.
COMING SOON!
I hope you are enjoying this ongoing series of posts about the healing powers and health benefits of herbs that can be grown in any sized garden - and in pots too!
Thank you for joining me on this exciting journey of herbal delights and discovery. I hope you enjoy adding Lemon Verbena to your herbal teas and other recipes and remedies.
Lots more to come and I look forward to seeing you again soon.
Other Herbs to explore …
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I love this herb as well! Yum...Lemon Verbena Cake!!
This series is so packed with information, thank you ❣️🪴