LEMONVERBENA

S. Name: Aloysia citrodora

Description

It's a perennial plant that can reach up to 3 meters high. It is cultivated in gardens and orchards as an aromatic plant, as a medicinal plant and is also used in gastronomy. Its leaves and flowers have a slight lemon scent.

Distribution & habitat

It is native to South America where it was later extended to Europe and where it began to be cultivated in areas with temperate climates.
For its cultivation it prefers warm climates with sun exposure and somewhat humid, it is tolerant to frost.

Properties

1. Its digestive, carminative and antispasmodic properties are very useful to reduce flatulence and swelling.
2. It is antibacterial and helps facilitate the elimination of mucus by being benefhicial in case of a cold or mild bronchitis.
3. Contains very useful anti- inflammatory properties to relieve minor pain.
4. Contains antioxidant properties which help fight oxidative stress and prevent aging
   Thanks to its melatonin content, it helps fight insomnia and to control nervous states.
5. Help fight bad breath.

Uses

Internal use

• It is widely used in infusions thanks to its excellent properties.
• Add a spoonful of dried leaves to the water when it reaches about 90° and wait beteen 3-5 minutes before serving.

External use

• For external use it can be applied in the area to be treated as a compress or infusion being very suitable to relax and tone the nerveS.

Precautions

Contact with this plant can cause allergic reactions in people more sensitive to this genus.
Its use is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation period.