Lemon verbena has a wide range of uses in home herbalism. It has relaxant and mildly sedative qualities that may be used to help about bring a sense of clarity and calmness. It is also an uplifting medicine for those experiencing mental stress, anxiety and low mood in the short term. 

It is specific for nervous tension and nervous digestive disorders which are caused by stress. It may also be used to help relax the mind in order to address sleep disorders and acute stress-related insomnia (1).

Lemon verbena has antispasmodic and stomachic actions, which are useful for a number of digestive disorders. Drank as a tea, it can be a great help for stomach ache, indigestion, bloating, flatulence, colic, diarrhoea and dyspepsia (2,4).

Its antipyretic and cooling properties may help in fever management where the cold or flu virus is concerned. It also assists in clearing stagnation and phlegm in the respiratory system through its expectorant and decongestant actions (4).

A number of studies have identified potent antioxidant effects for lemon verbena. These actions mean that regular use of lemon verbena has a protective effect and can help to reduce free radicals that are known to cause cellular damage and increase the risk of a wide range of diseases (5). 

Lemon verbena has also been found to reduce exercise induced muscular damage. It can be taken regularly to help with sports recovery both in the short term and long term. Studies have shown that it can help reduce exercise-related loss of muscle strength and movement induced pain as well as reducing muscular fatigue (5,6).

Lemon verbena is energetically sweet, sour, cooling and slightly moist with relaxant and aromatic properties. It has an uplifting effect which makes it an excellent remedy for those experiencing emotional challenges and stress. It can be a useful medicine for both anxiety and depression due to its relaxing and uplifting virtues.

Its aromatic compounds have a direct effect on elevating the vital energy in the body and mind. Where there is emotional stagnation, low mood or nervous tension lemon verbena creates lightness and opens the higher centres in the mind whilst also working as a relaxant to soothe nerves and reduce the effects of emotional stress (7).

Its cooling aromatic properties help to clear excess heat throughout the body, but particularly where there is heat and irritation in the digestive, musculoskeletal and nervous systems. It also has a clearing and purifying effect, which makes it effective for encouraging expectoration and sweating, which reduces inflammatory heat through the lungs and skin (4).

Lemon verbena is traditionally used in its native region of South America for an expanse of indications. Its relaxant action in the lower digestive tract lends it well in the treatment of diarrhoea and flatulence. It is also used traditionally for sleep disorders and insomnia. Some references suggest that it is also used traditionally for rheumatism (3).

The Spanish bought lemon verbena to Europe in the 17th century. Many of its traditional  medicinal uses have long been known to be attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and antioxidant actions. It was also used in the treatment of asthma, due to this anti-spasmodic action. 

As an anti-inflammatory agent, lemon verbena has some traditional uses for arthritic and rheumatic conditions, skin problems and varicose veins. Its uplifting and tonic effect on the nervous system are considered to help sharpen cognitive function and concentration (8).

Nervous system

Lemon verbena has a wide range of effects upon the nervous system. It is a relaxant and sedative due to its effects on GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors. GABA is a neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve signal transmission, assisting in the relaxation of the nervous system in preparation for sleep (2).

It has a long standing traditional use for stress-related anxiety and nervous tension and has been shown to produce anxiolytic effects. It may be used in conjunction with other nervine relaxant herbs to help support those experiencing high levels of stress and anxiousness (2). Herbs for anxiety include motherwort and skullcap. Lemon verbena also works well along with aromatic nervine herbs such as lavender, lemon balm and chamomile with nervous trophorestoratives such as oat straw or ashwagandha.

Lemon verbena also has a mildly tonic effect upon the nervous system and has been shown in modern in vitro studies to have neuroprotective and antioxidant effects (3). Due to its uplifting nervine action it can also be used as a mood enhancer to counter depressive mood states (1).

The volatile oil compounds in lemon verbena, such as geranial and neral, are considered to be responsible for producing its calming and mood-enhancing effects on the central nervous system (5).

Digestive system

Many of lemon verbena’s effects on the digestive system may relate to its direct relaxant action on the intestinal smooth muscle. It works on the upper and lower digestive tract exerting an anti-spasmodic action. This may be useful to address overactivity in the gastrointestinal tract which leads to symptoms of indigestion and dyspepsia or diarrhoea and lower abdominal discomfort (2,5). 

Musculoskeletal system

Lemon verbena’s mildly analgesic actions combined with its anti-inflammatory effects are thought to be partly responsible for its anti-rheumatic properties. Research has identified that lemon verbena can significantly improve parameters of pain and joint function in cases of mild arthritis (5,9). As with the treatment of any chronic condition, the best outcomes in the treatment of inflammatory joint conditions arise from concurrent dietary and lifestyle changes alongside herbal support. 

Lemon verbena may work well with herbs that modulate the immunological factors of rheumatic disease, herbs that detoxify the blood, and herbs that address systemic inflammation. Some herbs to consider may include turmeric, ginger, boswellia, rosehip, willow bark and devil’s claw. Dietary intake of essential fatty acids such as flax or linseed and hemp are also valuable in the treatment of joint inflammation.

Lemon verbena also protects neutrophils against oxidative damage and reduces inflammatory markers that contribute to muscular damage (5). Due to this, it has a well established use as a herb for athletes, to reduce muscle damage and enhance recovery after intense workouts. Athletes may use lemon verbena as a regular tonic to help improve recovery from sports training or sustain muscle strength (6,10).

Metabolic and cellular

Lemon verbena is high in phenolic compounds which are known to exert potent antioxidant activity against free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and strengthening the immune system (5).

There has been some interesting research on lemon verbena with clinical trials on in vivo and in vitro studies. A number of these studies have been included below to demonstrate the mechanism of actions discussed in this monograph.In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated a mechanism of action for lemon verbena’s sedative effects by its affinity for GABA receptors. This receptor activity is responsible for the direct relaxing action of lemon verbena on intestinal smooth muscle, as well as its traditional use in treating anxiety and sleep disorders (2).

Effects of dietary supplementation with lemon verbena extracts on serum inflammatory markers of multiple sclerosis patients

A double blind randomised controlled trial was carried out to evaluate the effect of lemon verbena supplementation in pro- and anti-inflammatory serum biomarkers in patients with different clinical subtypes of multiple sclerosis (MS).

The supplement given to the treatment group was standardised to 10% verbascoside and taken for 28 days. Thirty patients were divided into the treatment or control group. Each classified in relapsing-remitting, primary progressive and secondary progressive MS presentations.

The study results showed that serum levels of C-reactive proteins were significantly reduced. Additionally the serum count of eight different cytokines and inflammatory markers were also shown to be significantly lowered compared to the placebo group. These findings show promise for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant rich herbs such as lemon verbena to ameliorate the pathophysiology of MS (11).

Effect of lemon verbena supplementation on muscular damage markers, pro-inflammatory cytokines release and neutrophils’ oxidative stress in chronic exercise

A clinical study was carried out to determine the potential of lemon verbena extract to reduce muscular damage inflicted by exercise. The subjects who were healthy male volunteers were put through a 90-min running exercise protocol for 21 days.

The study results showed that supplementation with moderate levels of lemon verbena extract did not block the cellular adaptive response. Most importantly, the treatment group also displayed reduced exercise-induced oxidative damage of proteins and lipids in neutrophils and decreased myeloperoxidase activity as well as maintained or decreased serum transaminases activity which shows a clear mechanism for protection of muscular tissue. 

The study concludes that lemon verbena extract protects neutrophils against oxidative damage and decreases the signs of muscular damage in chronic running exercise without blocking the cellular adaptation to exercise (6).

Effects of lemon verbena extract (Recoverben®) supplementation on muscle strength and recovery after exhaustive exercise: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial

A randomised, placebo, controlled clinical study was undertaken to investigate the effects of a proprietary lemon verbena extract (Recoverben®) on muscle strength and recovery after exhaustive exercise. 44 healthy active males and females aged between 22–50 years old were randomised to receive 400 mg lemon verbena extract once daily or a placebo. The intervention was provided for 15 days which was delivered 10 days preceding the exhaustive exercise day, then at one day during the test and for four days after. Muscle strength, muscle damage, oxidative stress, inflammation) and volunteer-reported muscle soreness intensity were assessed pre and post exercise.

The study results showed that lemon verbena experienced significantly less muscle damage as well as faster and fuller recovery compared to placebo. The treatment group also showed significantly less exercise-related loss of muscle strength, improved glutathione peroxidase activity and less movement induced pain (10).

Lemon verbena is thought to symbolise sensitivity in the language of flowers.

Ladies in the Victorian era sewed leaves of lemon verbena into the darts of their dresses, tucked them into handkerchiefs and nose gays. They were also floated in finger bowls of water as a freshener due to their aromatic qualities (8).

The native range of lemon verbena is south Bolivia to north west Argentina. It is a shrub and grows primarily in the subtropical biome (14).

Lemon verbena is classified as ‘not threatened’. This means that it currently does not face any imminent threat of extinction (14).

Habitat loss and over-harvesting from the wild are two of the biggest threats faced by medicinal plant species. There are an increasing number of well-known herbal medicines at risk of extinction. We must, therefore, ensure that we source our medicines with sustainability in mind.

The herb supplement industry is growing at a rapid rate and until recent years a vast majority of medicinal plant produce in global trade was of unknown origin. There are some very real and urgent issues surrounding sustainability in the herb industry. These include environmental factors that affect the medicinal viability of herbs, the safety of the habitats that they are taken from, as well as the welfare of workers in the trade.

The botanical supply chain efforts for improved visibility (transparency and traceability) into verifiably sustainable production sites around the world is now certificated through the emergence of credible international voluntary sustainability standards (VSS). 

Read our article on Herbal quality and safety: What to know before you buy and Sustainable sourcing of herbs to learn more about what to look for and questions to ask suppliers about sustainability.

A 50% loss in the oil content of the leaves during flowering has been observed. This suggests that harvesting before flowering will offer a higher level of its medicinally important volatile oils (2).

Herbal medicines are often very safe to take, however, it is important to buy herbal medicines from a reputed supplier. Sometimes herbs bought from disreputable sources are contaminated, adulterated or substituted with incorrect plant matter.

Some important markers for quality to look for would be to look for certified organic labelling, ensuring that the correct scientific/botanical name is used and that suppliers can provide information about the source of ingredients used in the product.

A supplier should be able to tell you where the herbs have come from. There is more space for contamination and adulteration when the supply chain is unknown.

Lemon verbena is easy to grow in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained, alkaline to neutral soil. It requires full sun exposure. It thrives in containers or can be incorporated into wild flower borders or meadow gardens. In the ground it can grow up to six feet tall in warm climates and is hardy in zones 8–11, the contained plant will grow a little less tall. Lemon verbena can be raised from seed in warm or tropical climates. However, in the UK climate, it is best to grow from softwood cuttings or seedlings purchased at a garden centre.

• Softwood cuttings can be taken from the new growth in late spring. Or by semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or early autumn. Grow on in pots for the first two years so the plant can mature in a frost-free environment.
• Lemon verbena may be grown from seed in the correct tropical climes. It is best sown directly in late summer or early autumn in a sheltered location where it is not overly exposed to high winds.
• Water around twice a week or more during periods of dry weather.
• To maintain the shape of your lemon verbena plant once it is well established. Prune back to just above a leaf node in late spring, after all the threat of frost has passed (13).

Lemon verbena hydrosol

A hydrosol is an aqueous extract used in herbal medicine. It can be taken as an internal medicine as well as used topically and cosmetically. Hydrosols are made via steam distillation usually using aromatic herbs, either fresh or dried.

The plant material is added to boiling water and then reduced to a simmer, to create steam. The steam is a product of the plant material in distilled water which then rises to the top after passing through ice (which is designed to cool it down- preserving the highest amount of aromatic compounds). 

The collected condensate of this steaming process is what makes the hydrosol. The essential oil floats on the surface and the remaining water is the true hydrosol.

Hydrosols are highly aromatic, containing many therapeutic properties of their corresponding essential oil as well as some of the bioactive compounds and properties of the whole plant. as used in herbal medicine.

To make a hydrosol you will need

• 1 large pot with lid
• 1 large heat-safe bowl
• 1 smaller heat-safe bowl
• Ice
• Freezer bag
• Distilled or spring water
• 5–6 cups of dried or fresh plant material (lemon verbena in this case)

Method

• Step 1: Place the large heat-safe bowl in the centre of the large pot, upside-down with the smaller bowl placed up facing on top (the smaller bowl will collect the hydrosol).
• Step 2: Place your lemon verbena around the sides of the larger bowl and then cover with water no higher than the top of the large bowl.
• Step 3: The pot lid can now be placed onto the the large pot (upside down). Fill a large freezer bag or similar with ice. Seal and place on top of the pot lid.
• Step 4: Bring the water to a boil and then reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes replacing the bag of ice if it melts.
• Step 5: After 30 minutes the smaller bowl will contain the hydrosol. The lid can now be removed and the smaller bowl carefully removed. Pour the collected water into a sterile amber, blue or green glass bottle.

Label with the date and then store in the fridge for the longest shelf life. Use freely in recipes or as a refreshing facial tonic.

1. Aloysia citriodora Lemon Verbena, Lemon beebrush PFAF Plant Database. pfaf.org. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Aloysia+citriodora
2. Verbenae citriodorae folium – herbal medicinal product | European Medicines Agency. www.ema.europa.eu. Accessed July 3, 2024. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/verbenae-citriodorae-folium.
3. Bahramsoltani R, Rostamiasrabadi P, Shahpiri Z, Marques AM, Rahimi R, Farzaei MH. Aloysia citrodora Paláu (Lemon verbena): A review of phytochemistry and pharmacology. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2018;222:34-51. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2018.04.021
4. Lemon Verbena Species (Family) Aloysia Triphylla (L’Her .) B Ritton (Verbenaceae). Accessed July 3, 2024. https://obtrandon.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/aloysia-triphylla-lemon-verbena.pdf
5. 8 Health Benefits of Lemon Verbena: Uses, Side Effects, Tea. MedicineNet. https://www.medicinenet.com/8_health_benefits_of_lemon_verbena/article.htm
6. Funes L, Carrera-Quintanar L, Cerdán-Calero M, et al. Effect of lemon verbena supplementation on muscular damage markers, proinflammatory cytokines release and neutrophils’ oxidative stress in chronic exercise. European Journal of Applied Physiology. 2010;111(4):695-705. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-010-1684-3
7. Admin OM. Lemon Verbena (Verbena officinalis). Organic Merchant. Published August 18, 2020. https://organicmerchant.com.au/lemon-verbena/
8. Did You Know? Accessed July 5, 2024. https://www.herbsociety.org/file_download/inline/ef63c5d1-1958-4643-91d0-854b493d5526
9. Purpura M, Jäger R, Balan K. The effects of lemon verbena extract and hydrolyzed collagen supplementation, either alone or in combination, on subjects with mild arthritis of the knee joints. The FASEB Journal. 2021;35(S1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1096/fasebj.2021.35.s1.03579
10. Buchwald-Werner S, Naka I, Wilhelm M, Schütz E, Schoen C, Reule C. Effects of lemon verbena extract (Recoverben®) supplementation on muscle strength and recovery after exhaustive exercise: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2018;15(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-018-0208-0
11. Mauriz E, Vallejo D, María Jesús Tuñón, et al. Effects of dietary supplementation with lemon verbena extracts on serum inflammatory markers of multiple sclerosis patients. PubMed. 2014;31(2):764-771. doi:https://doi.org/10.3305/nh.2015.31.2.8319
12. Duke J, Bogenschutz-Godwin M, duCellier J, Duke P. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. 2nd ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 2002.
13. All about Herbs: Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citradora). Jekka’s. Accessed July 3, 2024. https://www.jekkas.com/blogs/jekkas-blog/all-about-herbs-lemon-verbena-aloysia-citradora#:~:text=Use%20a%20peat%2Dfree%20soil
14. Aloysia citrodora Paláu | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science. Plants of the World Online. Accessed July 3, 2024.