Botanical name: Aloysia citrodora

Family: Verbenaceae

Lemon verbena, Luisa, Lemon beebrush, Verbena triphylla, Verbena citriodora, Lippia triphylla, Lippia citriodora,Cedron, Lemon Luisa and Yerba Louisa.

Plant Description

Lemon verbena is a deciduous perennial shrub. Its flowers are fairly unassuming, although more noticeable than flowers of say vervain. The plant grows to a height of 2 metres and gives out a powerful lemony scent which intensifies when the leaves are rubbed or crushed.

Constituents

Lemon verbena extract containing 25% verbascoside showed strong antioxidant capacity, especially in a lipophilic environment, which was higher than expected as concluded from the antioxidant capacity of pure verbascoside, probably due to synergistic effects. The capacity of verbascoside to act as an effective radical scavenger in lipophilic environments was also shown.

THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS & USES IN OUR DAYS

Lemon verbena is considered an extremely effective herb for slimming because it stimulates general metabolism and has the ability to melt fat while fighting cellulite.

It soothes the stomach and digestive system, so it is indicated in cases of indigestion, bloating, colic stomach and intestinal disorders.

It has antipyretic, and considered effective in case of diarrhea or bleeding.

It is categorised among the tonic herbs, but lemon verbena also has the ability to offer a peaceful sleep, soothing tension and stress. It is known for its diuretic action, so it is recommended in cases where the body has a tendency to create kidney stones(nephrolithiasis). Recommended in cases of halitosis.(bad smell of breath and mouth).

MODERN STUDIES and PUBLICATIONS

According to scientific research, the herb lemon verbena, along with omega -3 fatty acids, enhances memory and gives mental clarity.

A study published in The Journal of Nutrition showed that this plant contains the flavonoid luteolin . It is a substance with a particularly beneficial effect on the human body.It works as a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory , anti-asthmatic and anti-allergic properties . The study concluded that luteolin can lower levels of inflammation in the brain by 70 %, which prevents cell degeneration and abnormality responsible for the attenuation of brain functions such as attention and awareness.

Moreover, researchers at the University of Northumbria in Britain after studies done, argue that the combination of the herb lemon verbena with supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids (found mostly in fatty fish and seafood) improves blood flow to the brain during a cognitive activity. These findings do scientists believe omega-3 fats along with verbena can be the secret to the general good our mental state.

Another awarded study of a homogeneous scientist Tom Karagiannis , Director of the Department of Molecular and Gene Baker Research Institute in Melbourne showed that hydroxytyrosol destroys cancer erythroleukemia K562 cells but not mononuclear peripheral blood cells and prevent their proliferation .Finally, he underlines that the anticancer effect of hydroxytyrosol is difficult to dispute because of the large number of existing proofs.

Note that hydroxytyrosol exist also in Cretan dittany, lavender, lemon verbena, grapes, carob and privet.

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