Folklore and history of the lemon verbena
There is a long history of Lemon Verbena consumption in South America, where it is believed that in ancient times, the Incas were the first to discover its beneficial properties.
The lemon verbena was brought from South America to Europe by Spanish explorers.
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Philibert CommersonFrench botanist, named her Aloysia triphylla. Casimiro Gomez Ortega Y Antonio Palau and Verdera provided the botanical name Aloysia citriodora. In Spain, the lemon verbena was known as louisiana.
This aromatic herb became extremely popular with the ladies of the Victorian era who sewed their leaves into the darts of their dresses, put them in handkerchiefs and let them float in bowls of water.
In the herbal tradition, lemon verbena symbolizes romance and sensitivity, and was used for transmit messages between lovers.
Health benefits and traditional use
Native to South America, lemon verbena or lemon verbena is a fresh, lemon-scented herb that has a long history of medicinal and culinary use.
Known as the «Queen of Aromatic Herbs»Luisa herb (or lemon verbena) was traditionally used to brew soothing tea for aid digestion Y relieve colds, flu and lower fever.
also became a ointment or poultice for disinfect wounds and accelerate healingand to relieve joint pain caused by inflammation.
Lemon verbena benefits
digestive health
Luisa herb tea has a long history of use for promote digestion and relieve digestive discomfort.
Have antispasmodic properties that can relieve symptoms of indigestion, digestive cramps, bloating and flatulence.
With powerful properties antifungal (against fungi)is also an excellent remedy for excessive growth of candidawhich can interfere with the nutrient absorption and proper digestion.
Although its exact mechanism is unknown, the mucilage in lemongrass leaves exerts a healing effect on the stomach membrane, protecting it from corrosive acid levels.
It also contains volatile citral oil who works for help the liver reduce toxicity Y helps in the digestion of fats.
joint pain
The verbascoside It is one of the main chemical components of lemon verbena and is responsible for its multiple benefits.
This powerful anti-inflammatory compound has been studied in conjunction with Omega 3 as an alternative treatment for Joint pain.
In a study published in the «Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine,» 45 patients took either a lemon verbena extract and fish oil supplement or a placebo for 9 weeks. Significant improvements in joint pain and stiffness were seen in the supplement group. The researchers concluded that this pilot study warranted further investigation as a natural alternative remedy for joint pain and stiffness.
Muscle repair and exercise recovery
With potent antioxidant capacity, lemon verbena has been shown to reduces oxidative damage that occurs during intense exercise.
The «European Journal of Applied Physiology» published a study in which 15 healthy male volunteers followed a 90-minute running exercise for 21 days while supplementing with lemon verbena extract.
The researchers found that oxidative damage to fat, protein, and muscle was significantly reduced.
Another clinical trial published in the “Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition” looked at Lemon Verbena extract supplementation before and after exhaustive exercise routine in 44 active men and women.
The study found that participants in the lemon verbena group they benefited from less muscle damage, faster recovery, and improved activity of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase.
Insomnia
Lemon Verbena contains hastatosides and verbenaline, volatile oils known as «monoterpenoids». They can help insomnia by activating the GABA system. GABA is a brain chemical that interrupts the transmission of nerve signals, helping to calm the mind and nervous system so they are ready for sleep.
Obesity / Healthy Weight Loss
It has been found that lemon verbena combined with hibiscus benefits weight loss in a recent study.
54 overweight women were given a proprietary supplement containing a 500mg extract of both herbs.
The results showed that this significantly increased satiety and fullness, decreased hunger and food intake compared to placebo after 1 month.
The women experienced weight loss, decreased blood pressure and decreased fat levels.
typical use
Lemon verbena tea
Use ½ -1 teaspoon of dried leaves per person, per cup of boiling water. Let the tea steep for 5 to 15 minutes. Strain and enjoy.
Despite the fact that this herb has great medicinal qualities, you should ALWAYS consult your doctor if you are going to eat something different in your diet and also check if you have any illness or take any medication that could react with the intake of lemon verbena.