{"id":13387,"date":"2024-08-10T15:52:18","date_gmt":"2024-08-10T14:52:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=13387"},"modified":"2025-07-15T10:14:57","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T09:14:57","slug":"lemon-verbena","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/lemon-verbena\/","title":{"rendered":"Lemon verbena"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":13391,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"ead51426-2446-40e2-ae98-08c33d8213dd","beyondwords_preview_token":"f6069e24-39b8-4565-bc3c-e43e71eba601","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[],"conditions":[696,685,699],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[17,31,786,30],"western_action":[993,994,1132,996,997,1003,1017,1018,1019,1021],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1490,1499,1382,1488,1496,1494],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-13387","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","conditions-nervous-system","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-musculoskeletal-system","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-aromatic","sense-astringent-taste","sense-cooling","sense-sharp","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-antioxidant","western_action-antipyretic","western_action-antirheumatic","western_action-antispasmodic","western_action-carminatives","western_action-nervine","western_action-relaxant","western_action-sedative","western_action-stomachic","energetics_action-relaxing","energetics_action-astringent","energetics_action-cool","energetics_action-moist","energetics_action-sour","energetics_action-sweet","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20240810","herb_author":1235,"banner_text":"Lemon verbena supports the digestive, nervous and musculoskeletal systems","latin_name":"Aloysia citrodora<\/em>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Verbenaceae","herb_summary":"Lemon verbena is used to treat anxiety and nervous tension. It has also been the subject of scientific research for use in sports recovery.","key_benefits":"Mood disorders\r\nSports recovery\r\nAntioxidant\r\nDigestive complaints\r\nAnti-inflammatory\r\nManagement of colds and fevers","how_does_it_feel":"Fresh lemon verbena tea is the best way to experience its potent aromatic qualities. It has a distinctly lemony, fresh, green flavour and is mildly astringent. <\/span>","hdif_image_1":13393,"hdif_image_2":13390,"hdif_image_3":13392,"hdif_video":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/iwMlWbUG85k","sense":[17,31,786,30],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"[caption id=\"attachment_13394\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Lemon Lemon verbena leaves (Aloysia citrodora<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nLemon verbena has a wide range of uses in home herbalism. It has relaxant and mildly sedative qualities that may be used to help about bring a sense of clarity and calmness. It is also an uplifting medicine for those experiencing mental stress, anxiety and low mood in the short term.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt is specific for nervous tension and nervous digestive disorders which are caused by stress. It may also be used to help relax the mind in order to address sleep disorders and acute stress-related insomnia (1).<\/span>\r\n\r\nLemon verbena has antispasmodic and stomachic actions, which are useful for a number of digestive disorders. Drank as a tea, it can be a great help for stomach ache, indigestion, bloating, flatulence, colic, diarrhoea and dyspepsia (2,4).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIts antipyretic and cooling properties may help in fever management where the cold or flu virus is concerned. It also assists in clearing stagnation and phlegm in the <\/span>respiratory system<\/span><\/a> through its expectorant and decongestant actions (4).<\/span>\r\n\r\nA number of studies have identified potent antioxidant effects for lemon verbena. These actions mean that regular use of lemon verbena has a protective effect and can help to reduce free radicals that are known to cause cellular damage and increase the risk of a wide range of diseases (5).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nLemon verbena has also been found to reduce exercise induced muscular damage. It can be taken regularly to help with sports recovery both in the short term and long term. Studies have shown that it can help reduce exercise-related loss of muscle strength and movement induced pain as well as reducing muscular fatigue (5,6).<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_13390\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Lemon Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nLemon verbena is energetically sweet, sour, cooling and slightly moist with relaxant and aromatic properties. It has an uplifting effect which makes it an excellent remedy for those experiencing emotional challenges and stress. It can be a useful medicine for both anxiety and depression due to its relaxing and uplifting virtues.<\/span>\r\n\r\nIts aromatic compounds have a direct effect on elevating the vital energy in the body and mind. Where there is emotional stagnation, low mood or nervous tension lemon verbena creates lightness and opens the higher centres in the mind whilst also working as a relaxant to soothe nerves and reduce the effects of emotional stress (7).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIts cooling aromatic properties help to clear excess heat throughout the body, but particularly where there is heat and irritation in the <\/span>digestive<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>musculoskeletal<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>nervous systems<\/span><\/a>. It also has a clearing and purifying effect, which makes it effective for encouraging expectoration and sweating, which reduces inflammatory heat through the lungs and skin (4).<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"Lemon verbena is traditionally used in its native region of South America for an expanse of indications. Its relaxant action in the lower digestive tract lends it well in the treatment of diarrhoea and flatulence. It is also used traditionally for sleep disorders and insomnia. Some references suggest that it is also used traditionally for rheumatism (3).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe Spanish bought lemon verbena to Europe in the 17th century. Many of its traditional\u00a0 medicinal uses have long been known to be attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and antioxidant actions. It was also used in the treatment of <\/span>asthma<\/span><\/a>, due to this anti-spasmodic action.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nAs an anti-inflammatory agent, lemon verbena has some traditional uses for arthritic and rheumatic conditions, skin problems and varicose veins. Its uplifting and tonic effect on the <\/span>nervous system<\/span> are considered to help sharpen cognitive function and concentration (8).<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"[caption id=\"attachment_13392\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Lemon Lemon verbena flowers (Aloysia citrodora<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Nervous system<\/span><\/h3>\r\nLemon verbena has a wide range of effects upon the <\/span>nervous system<\/span>. It is a relaxant and sedative due to its effects on GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors. GABA is a neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve signal transmission, assisting in the relaxation of the nervous system in preparation for sleep (2).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt has a long standing traditional use for <\/span>stress-related<\/span><\/a>\u00a0anxiety and nervous tension and has been shown to produce anxiolytic effects. It may be used in conjunction with other nervine relaxant herbs to help support those experiencing high levels of stress and anxiousness (2). Herbs for anxiety include<\/span> motherwort<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>skullcap<\/span><\/a>. Lemon verbena also works well along with aromatic nervine herbs such as<\/span> lavender<\/span><\/a>,<\/span> lemon balm<\/span><\/a> and<\/span> chamomile<\/span><\/a> with nervous trophorestoratives such as<\/span> oat straw<\/span><\/a> or<\/span> ashwagandha<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\r\n\r\nLemon verbena also has a mildly tonic effect upon the nervous system and has been shown in modern in vitro studies to have neuroprotective and antioxidant effects (3). Due to its uplifting nervine action it can also be used as a mood enhancer to counter depressive mood states (1).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe volatile oil compounds in lemon verbena, such as geranial and neral, are considered to be responsible for producing its calming and mood-enhancing effects on the central nervous system (5).<\/span>\r\n

Digestive system<\/span><\/h3>\r\nMany of lemon verbena\u2019s effects on the <\/span>digestive system<\/span><\/a> may relate to its direct relaxant action on the intestinal smooth muscle. It works on the upper and lower digestive tract exerting an anti-spasmodic action. This may be useful to address overactivity in the gastrointestinal tract which leads to symptoms of indigestion and dyspepsia or diarrhoea and lower abdominal discomfort (2,5).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Musculoskeletal system<\/span><\/h3>\r\nLemon verbena\u2019s mildly analgesic actions combined with its anti-inflammatory effects are thought to be partly responsible for its anti-rheumatic properties. Research has identified that lemon verbena can significantly improve parameters of pain and joint function in cases of mild <\/span>arthritis<\/span><\/a> (5,9). As with the treatment of any chronic condition, the best outcomes in the treatment of inflammatory joint conditions arise from concurrent dietary and lifestyle changes alongside herbal support.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nLemon verbena may work well with herbs that modulate the immunological factors of rheumatic disease, herbs that detoxify the blood, and herbs that address systemic inflammation. Some herbs to consider may include\u00a0<\/span>turmeric<\/span><\/a>,\u00a0<\/span>ginger<\/span><\/a>,\u00a0<\/span>boswellia<\/span><\/a>,<\/span> rosehip<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>willow bark<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>devil\u2019s claw<\/span><\/a>. Dietary intake of essential fatty acids such as flax or linseed and hemp are also valuable in the treatment of joint inflammation.<\/span>\r\n\r\nLemon verbena also protects neutrophils against oxidative damage and reduces inflammatory markers that contribute to muscular damage (5). Due to this, it has a well established use as a herb for athletes, to reduce muscle damage and enhance recovery after intense workouts. Athletes may use lemon verbena as a regular tonic to help improve recovery from sports training or sustain muscle strength (6,10).<\/span>\r\n

Metabolic and cellular<\/span><\/h3>\r\nLemon verbena is high in phenolic compounds which are known to exert potent antioxidant activity against free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and strengthening the immune system (5).<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_13395\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"]\"Lemon Lemon verbena plant (Aloysia citrodora<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThere has been some interesting research on lemon verbena with clinical trials on in vivo and in vitro studies. A number of these studies have been included below to demonstrate the mechanism of actions discussed in this monograph.<\/span>In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated a mechanism of action for lemon verbena\u2019s sedative effects by its affinity for GABA receptors. This receptor activity is responsible for the direct relaxing action of lemon verbena on intestinal smooth muscle, as well as its traditional use in treating anxiety and sleep disorders (2).<\/span>\r\n

Effects of dietary supplementation with lemon verbena extracts on serum inflammatory markers of multiple sclerosis patients<\/span><\/h3>\r\nA double blind randomised controlled trial was carried out to evaluate the effect of lemon verbena supplementation in pro- and anti-inflammatory serum biomarkers in patients with different clinical subtypes of multiple sclerosis (MS).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe supplement given to the treatment group was standardised to 10% verbascoside and taken for 28 days. Thirty patients were divided into the treatment or control group. Each classified in relapsing-remitting, primary progressive and secondary progressive MS presentations.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe study results showed that serum levels of C-reactive proteins were significantly reduced. Additionally the serum count of eight different cytokines and inflammatory markers were also shown to be significantly lowered compared to the placebo group. These findings show promise for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant rich herbs such as lemon verbena to ameliorate the pathophysiology of MS (11).<\/span>\r\n

Effect of lemon verbena supplementation on muscular damage markers, pro-inflammatory cytokines release and neutrophils' oxidative stress in chronic exercise<\/span><\/h3>\r\nA clinical study was carried out to determine the potential of lemon verbena extract to reduce muscular damage inflicted by exercise. The subjects who were healthy male volunteers were put through a 90-min running exercise protocol for 21 days.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe study results showed that supplementation with moderate levels of lemon verbena extract did not block the cellular adaptive response. Most importantly, the treatment group also displayed reduced exercise-induced oxidative damage of proteins and lipids in neutrophils and decreased myeloperoxidase activity as well as maintained or decreased serum transaminases activity which shows a clear mechanism for protection of muscular tissue.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe study concludes that lemon verbena extract protects neutrophils against oxidative damage and decreases the signs of muscular damage in chronic running exercise without blocking the cellular adaptation to exercise (6).<\/span>\r\n

Effects of lemon verbena extract (Recoverben\u00ae) supplementation on muscle strength and recovery after exhaustive exercise: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial<\/span><\/h3>\r\nA randomised, placebo, controlled clinical study was undertaken to investigate the effects of a proprietary lemon verbena extract (Recoverben\u00ae) on muscle strength and recovery after exhaustive exercise. 44 healthy active males and females aged between 22\u201350 years old were randomised to receive 400 mg lemon verbena extract once daily or a placebo. The intervention was provided for 15 days which was delivered 10 days preceding the exhaustive exercise day, then at one day during the test and for four days after. Muscle strength, muscle damage, oxidative stress, inflammation) and volunteer-reported muscle soreness intensity were assessed pre and post exercise.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe study results showed that lemon verbena experienced significantly less muscle damage as well as faster and fuller recovery compared to placebo. The treatment group also showed significantly less exercise-related loss of muscle strength, improved glutathione peroxidase activity and less movement induced pain (10).<\/span>","did_you_know":"Lemon verbena is thought to symbolise sensitivity in the language of flowers.<\/span>\r\n\r\nLadies in the Victorian era sewed leaves of lemon verbena into the darts of their dresses, tucked them into handkerchiefs and nose gays. They were also floated in finger bowls of water as a freshener due to their aromatic qualities (8).<\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":108662},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Lemon verbena\u00a0is a half-hardy deciduous perennial herbaceous shrub. In the winter it drops its leaves as it lays dormant until the next growing season. The new leaves reappear late in the spring. It can grow up to 1\u20133 m in height, spreading up to 2.5 m.<\/span>\r\n\r\nIts leaves, which can grow up to to 3\u20134\u201d long, are rough textured, vibrant, pale green and lance-shaped. The leaves are highly aromatic. It has clusters of delicate, small white flowers tinged with lilac in early summer (13).<\/span>","common_names":"