A delightfully fragrant and herbaceous plant with an intense lemony zest; lemon beebrush, or lemon verbena that also goes by the scientific name Aloysia Citriodora/Lippia Citriodora is a perennial shrub from the family of Verbenaceae. Primarily native to southern regions of America, people have been using lemon verbena for ages across Europe and Asian countries. In addition, the herb is famous for its pleasant and uplifting aromatic qualities and contains healing plant compounds with several health benefits. Therefore, lemon beebrush extracts are popularly relished in herbal drinks and teas. Moreover, it provides a soothing scent that brings wonderful wellness incentives to the human body and mind.
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How And Why Is Lemon Verbena Used?
Different parts of lemon verbena such as leaves and flowering tops serve many purposes and are used in foods, and drinks, as well as to make various medicines. The plant goes very well in various sweet and savory food preparations. The extracts of this coniferous herb have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and sedative qualities and hence is a potent cure for minor to severe inflammation and several diseases like heart conditions, gingivitis, rhinosinusitis, depression, sleep disorders, and anxiety. Rich in melatonin- it has a hormone in our bodies that acts as a sleep inducer. The essential oil from this herb is steam distilled from lemony leaf extracts and is pleasant and uplifting. It is extensively used in aromatherapy and has potent benefits to cure sleep issues and, alleviate stress. The oil can blend very well with all the oils that have aromatic citrusy classifications and are minty or fruity.
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Lemon Verbena Health Benefits
Here are some of the health incentives that herbs can bring to the table and cures the following:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Stress
- Indigestion
- Depression
- Puffiness under the eyes
- Disturbed sleep
- Aiding weight Loss
- Joint functioning
Precautions
People who have renal problems should refrain from using lemon verbena as it may be harmful to the kidneys. Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should also restrain from using the plant. If you plan to use the herb in concentrated doses, always speak with your doctor first.
Home Remedies
Here are some easy and effective home remedies that can be easily made from the fragrant herb for curing these bodily illnesses
Lemon Verbena Extracts To Bolster Skin Radiance And Decrease Puffiness
You Need:
A handful of fresh lemon verbena leaves
Half a cup of almond oil
Method:
In a blender or food processor, blend both and blend for about five minutes
Strain through sieve
Pour the oil into a dry airtight glass jar
Refrigerate
Use it every night before bedtime
How Does It Work?
The versatile herb has flavonoids, and phenolic acids, and is jam-packed with many polyphenols and other plant-based compounds that can help fight inflammation and puffiness on the face and under the eyes. Moreover, antioxidants can assist in the removal of dirt, pollutants, and sebum from the skin. By fighting oxidative stress, the active components can impart a glow and promote skin health.
Lemon Verbena Tea For Sleep Disorders
You need:
8 to 10 mint leaves
10 to 12 verbena leaves
Method:
Add water and bring it to a boil
Let it steep for about five minutes
Infuse whole leaves until the colour turns pale yellow
Strain the tea and drink hot
How Does It Work?
Verbascoside is one of the main chemical components of the herb that can cure stress and anxiety. With its relaxing properties, mint verbena infusion soothes the mind, relieves stress and cures insomnia
Lemon Verbena For Aromatherapy
You Need:
A handful of verbena leaves/lemon verbena essential oil
A bowl filled with distilled water
Method:
You can place the leaves in the water or soak them in water and then put them in a spray bottle. Every morning and night, spray it around for that fresh lemony fragrance. Lemon verbena essential oil can be simply put in an oil diffuser to get the same benefits.
How Does It Work?
Lemon verbena with its refreshing and calming scent can be very soothing for the mind and relax the nerves. The herb is rich in a compound called melatonin, which is one of the contributing factors to inducing sleep. By promoting melatonin production, lemon verbena can also reduce stress besides calming a hyperactive and anxious mind.