Lemon Verbena

Lemon verbena (Aloysia citriodora) is a fragrant, tropical perennial shrub native to South America known for its strong, refreshing citrus scent and flavor.  

Plant Overview

• Appearance: A perennial woody shrub growing up to 6 to 7 feet tall with pale green, glossy leaves.

• Key Compounds: Rich in verbascoside (a potent polyphenol antioxidant) and essential oils like citral, neral, and geranial.

• Common Uses: Brewed into herbal teas, used as a culinary flavoring, or processed into essential oils and supplements.

Potential Health Benefits

• Reduces Inflammation: Contains antioxidants like verbascoside that may help lower markers of inflammation and oxidative stress.

• Relieves Stress and Promotes Sleep: Traditional use and preliminary studies suggest it may calm the nervous system, lower cortisol, and improve sleep quality.

• Aids Digestion: Acts as a mild antispasmodic, traditionally used to soothe an upset stomach and relax the gastrointestinal tract.

• Protects Muscles: Some sports nutrition research indicates lemon verbena extracts may reduce exercise-induced muscle damage.