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plant profile
Lemon Verbena
LATIN NAME
Aloysia citriodora
MEANING
Attraction; Love; Sexual Attraction
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Lemon Verbena
About
Lemon verbena’s scientific name is Aloysia citriodora and it belongs to the Verbenaceae family. The aerial parts of this aromatic plant are used.
Active Constituents
Volatile oil, mucilage and verbascoside.
Sowing & Growing
Growing lemon verbena is a rewarding endeavour, whether you start from seeds or cuttings. If you choose seeds, begin indoors about 8-10 weeks before the last frost, using a well-draining potting mix. Sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil, lightly press them in, and then mist them with water. Keep the soil moist and place them in a warm, well-lit spot; they should germinate within 2-3 weeks.
If you're opting for cuttings, take a healthy 4-6-inch piece in spring or summer, remove the lower leaves, and root it in water or well-draining soil. Once your seedlings or cuttings are ready for the outdoors, choose a sunny spot and keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Fertilise every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, and don't forget to prune regularly to encourage bushy growth. Once established, you can start harvesting leaves after a few months for teas and meals.
If you're in a colder climate, just remember to bring your plant indoors for the winter, since lemon verbena isn't frost-tolerant
Harvesting & Prep
To harvest lemon verbena for tea, select healthy leaves from stems that are at least 10 inches long and have multiple leaves on them. Use scissors or shears to cut individual stems or trim the plant back by one-quarter to one-half of its height.
For tea, roughly chop a few leaves and steep them in hot water. The flavour and fragrance are most intense before the plant begins to flower, and the best leaves are located further down the stem.
Therapeutic Properties
Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, carminative, demulcent, diaphoretic and nervine.
Traditional Uses
Lemon verbena, a fragrant and citrusy herb, has a rich history of traditional use as a natural remedy for various ailments.
It has been valued for its effectiveness in reducing fevers associated with coughs, colds, and flu, while also serving as an aromatic treatment for digestive discomforts like bloating, spasms, indigestion, and nausea.
Furthermore, modern research has highlighted lemon verbena's remarkable ability to calm and heal irritation in the digestive system. In addition to its digestive benefits, this herb is also renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, particularly beneficial for soothing joint issues.
