Lemon Verbana

Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) is a fragrant herb with a long history of traditional and modern medicinal use. Its leaves are rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and essential oils, offering a wide range of health benefits:

Key Health Benefits of Lemon Verbena

• Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects
  Lemon verbena is high in phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which help neutralise free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and lower inflammation in the body. Clinical studies have shown it can decrease markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein, and protect against cell damage.

• Muscle Recovery and Exercise Support
  Supplementation with lemon verbena extract has been shown to reduce exercise-induced muscle damage, decrease muscle soreness, and lower oxidative stress after intense physical activity. This makes it popular among athletes for sports recovery.

• Digestive Health
  Traditionally, lemon verbena is used to relieve indigestion, bloating, constipation, cramping, and flatulence. Its antispasmodic properties help soothe the digestive tract and alleviate discomfort.

• Stress Reduction and Sleep Support
  Lemon verbena has calming and mildly sedative properties that help reduce stress, anxiety, and nervous tension. Drinking lemon verbena tea can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, making it useful for insomnia and acute stress-related sleep disturbances.

• Immune System Boost and Detoxification
  The herb's antioxidant activity supports immune function and aids detoxification by helping the body eliminate free radicals and toxins.

• Pain and Joint Relief
  Its anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce pain and discomfort from conditions like arthritis and joint pain. Studies suggest it can improve joint function, especially when combined with omega-3 fatty acids.

• Respiratory and Fever Relief
  Lemon verbena has expectorant properties, helping to clear phlegm and congestion in the respiratory tract. It is also traditionally used to reduce fever due to its antipyretic (fever-lowering) effects.

• Weight Management
  Naturally calorie- and sugar-free, lemon verbena tea may help suppress appetite and reduce sweet cravings, supporting weight loss efforts.

• Skin Health
  The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in lemon verbena can help protect and nourish the skin, reduce signs of ageing, and improve overall skin

Lemon verbena is a versatile herb that supports antioxidant defence, muscle and joint recovery, digestion, stress relief, sleep, immune function, respiratory health, and more. It is most commonly enjoyed as a caffeine-free herbal tea, providing both health benefits and a refreshing lemony flavour.

Citations:

1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lemon-verbena-uses
2. https://www.medicinenet.com/8_health_benefits_of_lemon_verbena/article.htm
3. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-632/lemon-verbena
4. https://healthtea.ie/product/lemon-verbena/
5. https://www.area2farms.com/almanac/lemon-verbena
6. https://www.indigo-herbs.co.uk/natural-health-guide/benefits/lemon-verbena
7. https://tofillo.com/en/lemon-verbena-benefits/
8. https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/lemon-verbena/
9. https://www.firebellytea.com/blogs/all/lemon-verbena-benefits