Lemon Verbena is the common name of Aloysia triphylla species, from Verbenaceae family.
Also known as: 檸檬馬鞭草 (ning meng ma bian cao).
Lemon verbena flowers and leaves.
Image credit: RickP
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Features of Lemon Verbena
Height to 120 inches. Spread to 96 inches. Zone 8. Deciduous perennial
woody stem.
lance-shaped, lemon-scented leaf.
tiny, white and purple flower.
Growing Lemon Verbena
- by cutting during spring.
- by seed during spring.
- transplant: 3 feet apart.
- trimming: trim unhealthy branches to stimulate growth.
History tells us little about this extraordinary plant.
Lemon verbena is originally a native to Argentina and Chile.
The Spanish brought it to Europe around the 1790s; Europeans then cultivated lemon verbena for perfume oil.
Lemon verbena has a pure and intense lemon scent. It makes a calming herbal tea, and adds an aromatic lemon zest to your favorite drinks, fruit salads, muffins, deserts, and seafood dishes.
Using Lemon Verbena
Cosmetic
Infusion
An infusion can reduce puffiness around eyes. Allow the infusion to cool before applying around eyes. (Use leaf)
Culinary
Dessert
A little bit of lemon verbena adds a sharp lemon scent to fruit, cakes, and ice-creams. (Use leaf)
Drink
Infuse as a herbal tea, or add chopped leaves to iced tea and soft drinks. (Use leaf)
Fish and seafood
Use moderately to flavour stuffings and sauces. (Use leaf)
Meat
Use moderately to flavour stuffings and sauces. (Use leaf)
Sauce
Small amount of lemon verbena adds zest to sauces. The taste can become too strong if used excessively. (Use leaf)
Household
Fragrance
Use in bath bags, potpourri, and sachets. (Use leaf)
Medicinal
Essential oil
Treat mood problems in aromatherapy.
Tea
A sedative tea to soothe cold symptoms, indigestion, flatulence, and nausea. (Use leaf)
Traditional Remedies
- Respiratory » sinus
- Digestive » indigestion, flatulence, stomach cramps
- Mood » depression, anxiety
- Disorder » nausea
Traditional remedies may or may not be supported by scientific evidences.
Cautions
- Dosage » May cause stomach irritations if used in large amounts over long period.
- Please consult with your doctor before using lemon verbena for health related purposes.
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