Lemon Verbena - Aloysia triphylla

Common Names: Lemon Verbena, Aloysia, Lemon Beebrush, Aloysia citriodora, Aloysia triphylla, Verbena odorosa, Herb Louisa, Hierba Luisa, Louisa, Citron-aloysia, Zironenduftstrauch, Citron Verbena, Citronverbena, Citromverbéna, Sitruunaverbena, Citrininé Aloyzija

Latin Name: Aloysia triphylla

Origin: Asia, Europe, South America

Short Introduction

Outside its South American homeland, Lemon Verbena is widely cultivated around the Mediterranean. Although sensitive to frost and losing its leaves below 0°C, its branches can survive temperatures as low as –10°C. For year-round cultivation in temperate climates, place the plant in a bright, airy, frost-free location (around 2°C in winter is often sufficient). Overwintered plants benefit from regular feeding. Lemon Verbena prefers a sunny spot, alkaline, well-drained soil, and ample water.

Detailed Description

Lemon Verbena is a South American herb celebrated for its significant antioxidant and digestive benefits.

Botanical Information

The genus Aloysia includes many deciduous species, but Lemon Verbena stands out due to its beauty and remarkable properties. Lemon Verbena is a perennial shrub reaching heights of 2–3 meters, and in its native environment can grow up to 6 meters tall. Its branches are four-angled and delicately striped. The leaves, which are up to 8 cm long and 5–30 mm wide, are rough, lance-shaped, either entire or slightly toothed, long-tapered, and light green, usually arranged in groups of three in whorls. Tiny white to pale violet flowers are grouped in loose terminal panicles up to 25 cm long, sometimes at the ends of shoots or in the leaf axils. Lemon Verbena blooms from June to September. The fruit is ovoid, measuring 1.0-2.0 x 0.5-0.7 mm.

Origin and Distribution

Lemon Verbena is native to South America, most likely originating from present-day northwestern Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, the mountainous regions of Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Uruguay. It has also become naturalized in Brazil and Mexico. Around the Mediterranean, it grows outdoors, while in colder regions it is cultivated indoors or in pots. In many regions, including Central Europe, Lemon Verbena is present but not as a wild plant. It prefers forests, borders, roadsides, sunny locations, and thrives at elevations from 500 to 3,500 meters above sea level.

Usage / Dosage

Lemon Verbena was first described for Europe by botanist Philibert Commerson, and later named by A.P. y Verdera in a Madrid botanical garden. Its name was published in "Parte Práctica de Botánica." In cuisine, Lemon Verbena is prized for its citrus flavor, often added to Greek yogurt, beverages, juices, and ice creams. At home, Lemon Verbena oil can be included in skincare routines to help reduce puffiness under the eyes and swelling. Tea prepared from its leaves delivers a delightful aroma and refreshing taste and is enjoyed on any occasion.

Preclinical studies suggest Lemon Verbena's compounds may offer protective benefits against autoimmune conditions related to diabetic pathologies. Flavonoids appear to support the vascular endothelium and renal function, improving detoxification and diuretic abilities. Some research has confirmed increased renal function efficiency.

Its phytochemicals produce relaxing and mildly anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects, potentially helping mild sleep difficulties when used alongside good sleep hygiene. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recognized Lemon Verbena's sedative properties. In vivo studies suggest potential for therapeutic use in depression.

Lemon Verbena's anti-inflammatory effects help manage joint inflammation and age- or hormone-related movement difficulties, as well as reinforcing muscle bundles under strain. Essential oils from the leaves have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, demonstrated in vitro. Traditionally, the plant is used for treating and preventing digestive and respiratory infections, and to complement antibiotic therapies, particularly against strains like Candida albicans. Regular washes or baths with Lemon Verbena decoction may help reduce skin microorganisms. Geraniol contributes antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory benefits, and may act as a mosquito repellent.

The essential oils also show marked anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, useful in managing digestive complaints and upper respiratory issues. Preclinical studies confirm its efficacy by neutralizing free radicals at the inflammation site. Lemon Verbena’s antioxidant properties protect the immune system from oxidative damage and aid in recovery from muscle stress. Extracts, especially those rich in verbascoside, are used in cosmetics and dietary supplements for their beneficial effects.

Some components of Lemon Verbena enhance and soothe digestion, act as carminatives, relieve bloating, reduce nausea, and stabilize upset stomach. They also help detoxify the digestive tract from harmful substances. Flavonoids support gastric health and may affect the development of gastric and intestinal inflammation and ulceration, with benefits for digestive ailments and bloating. The leaves can soothe irritated airways, which underpins their traditional use for coughs and respiratory issues. Further, some flavonoids help calm the nervous system and may modestly reduce heart palpitations and tachycardia, with evidence hinting at benefits for migraine, neuralgia, tissue regeneration, and cell protection.

Alkaloids in Lemon Verbena offer analgesic effects for migraines and neuropathic pain, have a calming action on the CNS, promote sleep, and support metabolism. Tannins (mainly tannin) coagulate proteins, helping prevent inflammation and stop bleeding when applied locally. The adstringent qualities help soothe digestive discomfort, especially diarrhea.

Traditional and Folk Uses

In Ayurveda, Lemon Verbena is valued for its calming effects on anxiety, stress, and sleep issues. Folk use includes regular administration for colic, bloating, or cramps, and high doses for colds, fever, or upper respiratory tract infections. The plant is also used in antibacterial and antiviral treatments, especially for managing symptoms of acute rhinitis, bronchial inflammation, and cough. Infusion and tincture are routinely used for gastric and intestinal dyspepsia, including nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness. Its adstringent effect is beneficial in calming digestion and managing functional diarrhea.

Active Compounds

Lemon Verbena leaves are rich in central nervous system–active alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins (mainly tannin), and essential oils (notably the aromatic citral, limonene, geraniol, pinene, nerol, cineol, citronellol, dipentene, linalool, carvone, citronellal, cineol, linalool, alpha and beta pinene, eugenol, and more with antimicrobial and antiviral effects). Other key compounds include verbascoside (a hydroxycinnamic acid derivative) and verbenalin (an iridoid glycoside).

Traditional Dosage

Folk medicine recommends about 5 g of dried Lemon Verbena leaves once daily with a main meal, or in smaller portions throughout the day to help lower caloric intake and support dieting.

Traditional preparation calls for one teaspoon of dried herb per 250 ml of hot water, covered and steeped for about 10 minutes to preserve the essential oils. Drink up to three times daily. The infusion has a pleasant, lemony aroma.