Lemon verbena is a species of flowering plant in the verbena family Verbenaceae, native to the western South America. Another names given to the plant include lemon vervain and lemon beebrush. The plant was brought to Europe by the Spanish and the Portuguese in the 17th century and cultivated for its oil.

Lemon verbena leaves are used to add a lemon flavor to fish and poultry dishes, vegetable marinades, salad dressings, jams, puddings, Greek yogurt and beverages. It is also used to make herbal teas, or added to standard tea in place of actual lemon, as is common in Moroccan tea. It can also be used to make a sorbet. In addition the plant offers anti-Candida albicans activity. In the European Union, verbena essential oils and derivatives other than absolute are prohibited when used as a fragrance ingredient.

Some of the most fascinating health benefits of lemon verbena include its ability to help with weight loss goals, protect the muscular system, reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, calm the stomach, reduce fevers, soothe nerves and clear up congestion. The essential oil of the plant, when extracted, contains a high concentration of powerful antioxidant compounds, including verbascoside, nerol, geraniol and citral. The most common use of verbena outside of herbal pill supplementation is as an herbal tea. The leaves can be dried and then steeped for a powerful boost to many of ones organ systems and metabolic processes.

Medicinal Applications:

Verbena is particularly effective when consumed for weight loss. There are only 2 calories per serving and the rich mix of organic compounds has an effect on the body that reduces the desire for binge eating, thereby preventing from snacking between meals. Also, the important metabolic effects of lemon verbena tea can help increase fat-burning by optimizing various bodily processes.

One of the most unique qualities of the herb is the protection it offers to the muscular system. Verbena tea can be used as an exercise supplement, as research has shown that the high antioxidant potential decreases damage done to the muscles during a workout, without inhibiting the body's development of additional muscle mass and increased stamina. This makes verbena plant perfect as a pre-workout supplement, or after-workout to rehydrate and reduce the induced inflammations caused by exercise.

Lemon verbena has been directly linked with reduced joint pain and aching, and faster recovery time for joint-related injuries, primarily due to the impressive antioxidant performance of this unassuming little herb.

Oxidative stress is a result of free radicals activity and presence throughout the body's organ systems, which weakens the immune system by stretching it too thin and distracting it with cellular mutation and chronic disease. Research has connected lemon verbena supplementation with lowered oxidative stress levels and better overall health of the body, evidence by a decisive increase in white blood cells, the first line of defense our immune system has to utilize.

Lemon verbena tea also has certain soothing qualities that have been traditionally relied on to relieve stomach issues and indigestion in many different cultures. This herbal preparation has anti-spasmodic qualities that help it calm the stomach and eliminate cramping and bloating, which can lead to discomfort and more serious gastrointestinal issues. Despite the aforementioned weight loss properties of lemon verbena tea, it also helps to regulate the appetite, which of course may mean stimulate it, in some cases, leading to healthy nutrient intake to optimize ones metabolic processes.

This is to inform you that we are not doctors. What is written above has a simple character and in no way replaces medical application. Always consult your doctor about your health issues.