Health Benefits
1. Improving Muscles and Joints Function
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary published a research in 2011 that showed the effect of Lemon Verbena on joints health. In this study the effect of food supplements like Lemon Verbena was investigated on 45 volunteers for 9 weeks. The researchers found that after three to four weeks it reduces general pain in joints and increases joints moving. These findings indicate the Lemon Verbena plant has powerful antioxidant properties that we can use it as a powerful supplement drug. The other research that was published in practical physiological journal in Europe in 2011 the results of that research showed that the use of Lemon Verbena extract in the people that work for at least 90 minutes in a day for a period of 21 days reduces muscular injuries. The use of this supplement had no effect on their ability and work speed.
2. Calming Anxiety and Stress
In a research was done in 2014 the effect of Lemon Verbena was investigated on oxidative under stress cells. The results showed that the plant can protects cell death in optimal densities (25 and 50 micro molar) of neuron-liked cells. Oxidative stress is the main factor for neuron destruction in many nervous disorders. Oxidative stress is like an injury to DNA, increasing lipid and protein oxidation that are the main factor for neuron destruction disorders. Therefore the use of herbal medicine with antioxidant property for decreasing oxidative stress and as a result decreasing neuron destruction can be one of approaches that treat these nervous disorders. This study provides evidences that are expressive of medicinal property of Lemon Verbena plant on nervous disorders. In other research on laboratory mice it was found that liquid extract of Lemon Verbena has calming effect with mechanism like Benzodiazepines on mice.
3. Anticonvulsant
In a research investigating the anticonvulsant effect of Lemon Verbena extract on mice shows that Lemon Verbena extract has anticonvulsant activity. This activity is due to presence of flavonoids and Alkaloids in it. The extract of this plant enhances inhibition effect of GABA that is probably relates to activate Benzodiazepines receptors. Based on other research findings that were published in International Journal of Preventive Medicine in 2016 Flavonoids delayed convulsion time and reduced its period of time.
4. Regulating Blood Pressure
A research on laboratory mice showed Lemon Verbena extract can help reducing blood pressure depending on dose and as sectional and finally can show effect of this plant on anxiety reducing. The results show that blood pressure regulating property in this plant is due to its flavonoids. The results of this research published in Latin American Journal of Pharmacy.
5. Improving Digestive System Function
The researches show that tea or herbal tea of Lemon Verbena due to having anti-contraction (anti-spasm) property helps to calm the stomach and prevents bloating and indigestion. In a research anti-contraction effects of liquid extract of Lemon Verbena in laboratory mice was investigated , this plant broadly uses for curing digestive disorders and easy digestion of food in south America countries. The property of anti-contraction of Lemon Verbena extract is due to activation of K+ channels. Lemon Verbena extract calms contraction caused by a lot produce of K+. In low densities, the Lemon Verbena extract prevents aerobic metabolism. Vitexin flavonoid is responsible of this property of Lemon Verbena.
6. Anti-Microbial
Researchers in a study considered the antibacterial effect of ethanolic and liquid extracts of Lemon Verbena in 2013. The results of this study were published in Annals of Biological Research journal that indicated this plant has antibacterial property and antibacterial effect of its leaf ethanolic extract against Gram-positive bacteria is more powerful than its effect on Gram-negative bacteria.
Bioactive Compounds
Limonene, Neral, Geranial, Geranyl Acetate, Beta-Caryophyllene, Alpha-Curcomin, Sabinene.
Traditional Use
Lemon Verbena traditionally used to cure indigestion, bloating, dizziness nervous pains and cold symptoms. Leaf and flowered head of this plant are stimulant, anticonvulsant, lowering the degree of heat and fever in different diseases. Its leaf repels stomach ache, palpitations disease, feeling important voices in ear and nervous states and psychological tiredness. Lemon Verbena is in the ranks of the best medicines for stomach strengthening that it is better always use as brew like tea.
Some Questions about Lemon Verbena
What is lemon verbena good for?
Lemon verbena is a plant commonly used to prepare herbal teas due to its citrusy flavor and potential health benefits. Lemon verbena uses include:
• Lemon verbena and blood pressure: Some studies have shown that lemon verbena, due to its flavonoid compounds, has the ability to reduce blood pressure. However, most research in this area is in the preliminary stages, and more detailed studies are needed to establish a definitive link between lemon verbena consumption and blood pressure regulation.
• Lemon verbena and blood sugar: Based on a study on mice, lemon verbena leaf extract reduces blood sugar levels.
• Lemon verbena tea for sleep: Sleep quality can be influenced by various factors, including stress, lifestyle, and diet. Addressing these factors is crucial for improving sleep. Some herbal teas, including lemon verbena tea, have mild calming effects that might enhance sleep quality.
• Lemon verbena tea for fatty liver: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by fat accumulation in liver cells, is closely related to insulin resistance. Therefore, improving insulin resistance is a key therapeutic measure for NAFLD treatment. According to a study, lemon verbena infusion consumption reduces blood glucose levels, fat-producing cells, and insulin resistance. Therefore, it is beneficial for improving non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
• Lemon verbena for cold: Drinking herbal teas during a cold can soothe a sore throat and congestion. Additionally, staying hydrated during a cold is important, and herbal teas can contribute to your fluid intake. Studies have also proven that lemon verbena has antibacterial properties.
• Lemon verbena and menstruation: Lemon reduces premenstrual symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, and depression.
*During menstruation, some individuals may have increased sensitivity to certain foods or beverages, so it's essential to observe how your body reacts to lemon verbena tea or any other herbal tea during this period.
Does lemon verbena help with bloating?
The research shows that the lemon verbena infusion can help soothe the stomach and prevent bloating and indigestion due to its antispasmodic properties. A study examined the antispasmodic effects of lemon verbena aqueous extract on laboratory mice. This plant is widely used in South American countries to treat digestive disorders and facilitate easy digestion of food. The antispasmodic property of lemon verbena extract is due to the activation of potassium ion channels. The lemon verbena extract calms spasms caused by the excessive production of potassium ions.
Does lemon verbena have emotional benefits?
Some people use lemon verbena infusion or its essential oil for relaxation and stress relief, attributing its calming aroma to emotional benefits. However, these effects are often subjective and can vary from person to person. In a scientific study on laboratory mice, it was determined that the aqueous extract of lemon verbena, with a mechanism similar to benzodiazepines, has a calming effect on mice.
Is lemon verbena safe for skin?
Lemon verbena benefits for skin infection were investigated in an animal model. The results indicate that the ethanolic extract of lemon verbena can treat the skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus in the early phase.
Is lemon verbena useful for weight loss?
According to scientific studies, polyphenols in the lemon verbena plant are effective for treating obesity. Moreover, consuming this plant along with hibiscus helps significantly reduce weight, waist circumference, and body fat percentage in overweight individuals. To achieve this, steep both lemon verbena and hibiscus tea bags together in a cup of hot water.
What are the disadvantages of lemon verbena? Is it safe to drink lemon verbena tea?
Lemon verbena tea is generally considered safe for most individuals when consumed moderately. However, specific groups of people should either avoid or limit their intake of lemon verbena infusion. Who should not use lemon verbena?
1. Pregnant women: There is limited information regarding the safety of lemon verbena infusion during pregnancy. It is advisable for pregnant women to avoid it or consult their healthcare provider before consuming.
2. People with allergies: Those who are allergic to plants in the Verbenaceae family, including lemon verbena, may experience allergic reactions like skin rashes, itching, or difficulty breathing. If you have known allergies to plants in this family, it's best to avoid lemon verbena infusion.
3. People with kidney disorders: Lemon verbena contains oxalates, which can crystallize and cause health issues in individuals with kidney problems. People with kidney disorders or a history of kidney stones should limit their intake of foods and beverages high in oxalates, including lemon verbena infusion.
4. People with low blood pressure: Lemon verbena infusion has been known to lower blood pressure. If you already have low blood pressure or are taking medications to lower blood pressure, excessive consumption of this infusion might cause your blood pressure to drop to dangerously low levels.
Always consult a healthcare professional or a qualified herbalist if you have specific health concerns or conditions before incorporating new herbal teas or supplements into your diet, including lemon verbena infusion.
Does lemon verbena tea cause contractions? Dose lemon verbena tea induce labor?
There is limited scientific research specifically examining the effects of lemon verbena tea on contractions. It's important to note that individual reactions to herbal teas can vary, and pregnant women should be careful and consult with a healthcare professional before drinking herbal teas, including lemon verbena tea, to ensure their safety during pregnancy.
