Lemon verbena Aloysia triphylla

Originally found growing in rocky areas of Chile and Argentina, lemon verbena is now cultivated
worldwide both as a highly aromatic garden ornamental and for use in perfumery. It is also used
in potpourri or in cooking to give a strong lemony taste to desserts, marinades, and fruit drinks.
It is traditionally regarded as both soothing and uplifting, so is used in restorative teas.

LEAVES
The leaves are steam-distilled to make an essential oil, which is used in aromatherapy
for digestive and nervous problems.


FLOWERS
Tiny white or pale lilac flowers appear in summer, which is generally when the
leaves are harvested.





PARTS USED Leaves, essential oil
MAIN CONSTITUENTS Volatile oil (incl. citral, nerol, and geraniol)
ACTIONS Sedative, carminative,antispasmodic, febrifuge, stimulates liver
and gall bladder function, some antifungal activity (to Candida albicans) reported.


HOW TO USE



INFUSION Use 1⁄2 tsp dried leaves per cup (p342) after meals for flatulence or at night
for insomnia. Combine with dandelion leaves and drink 3 times daily to improve
liver function. Can be used to ease feverish conditions in children; consult a herbalist
for advice on dosage.

BATHS Add 1 cup of above infusion to bathwater to ease stress and tension.

MASSAGE OIL True lemon verbena oil is difficult to obtain, as it is often adulterated
with other lemon-scented oils. Use 5 drops in 1 tbsp (15ml) of almond oil as a massage
for cramps, indigestion, anxiety, insomnia,or other stress-related conditions.


HOW TO SOURCE


GROW Prefers full sun and moist but well-drained soil. Usually propagated by
heeled softwood cuttings in summer; it also self-seeds if it sets fruit after a hot summer.
It is not frost-hardy, so in colder areas is best grown in containers and over-wintered
under glass. Alternatively, cut back to the wood, keep dry, and protect with fleece or
straw lagging in winter (it should survive temperatures as low as 5°F/-15°C).


FORAGE Unlikely to be found growing wild outside South America, although
self-seeding in warmer areas is possible.
HARVEST Collect the leaves in summer.


CAUTION Prolonged use or large internal doses can cause gastric
irritation. The oil can irritate sensitive skin and is photosensitizing, so avoid
bright sunlight if using it externally.