For health complaints sometimes help herbal alternatives to drugs of conventional medicine. For example, lemon verbena can provide relief from pain or muscle tension.
Occurrence and cultivation of lemon verbena
For the treatment of various ailments, a tea is made from the herb. Originally, the lemon verbena comes from South America. There it grows especially in Uruguay and Chile, where it can be found in nature, among other places. In the meantime, however, the plant is also cultivated in many parts of Europe and used for medicinal purposes. The lemon verbena found its way to Europe in the 17th century via Spanish sailors. Even today, part of its origin can be found in the generic name of the lemon verbena. This is Aloysia citrodora, which refers to the wife of King Carlos IV, who ruled at the time. In general, the lemon verbena is a perennial shrub. It can reach a height of about two meters during its life. However, cultivated in Europe, the maximum is often 1.20 meters. In Germany, lemon verbena is often referred to as lemon shrub. It survives mild winters where minus five to minus eight degrees prevail. Lemon verbena has light green leaves with a pointed end. The leaf is largely hairless and can range in size from three to ten zeniths. On the upper side there are small dots that have essential oil, thus giving lemon verbena its typical smell. The lemon verbena blooms between July and September. Each individual flower is composed of four petals and stamens. While the petals are white, the color of the stamens changes to yellow. Within the fruit maturity the flower carries ovaries. Within these are fruits that can take on a lighter or darker brown.
Effect and use
The application of lemon verbena is varied. In Europe, it is used especially in the kitchen to flavor dishes. However, in addition, its medicinal use is not uncommon. In most cases, a tea is made from the herb for the treatment of various ailments. If the leaves are still fresh, two teaspoons should be used, if the leaves are dried, one teaspoon is enough. This is poured over boiling water and left for about ten minutes. After the time, the leaves can be removed and the tea drunk. In addition, it is also possible to make a cold extract from lemon verbena. For this, the leaves are placed in cold water and stored in the refrigerator overnight. A slice of lemon can intensify the aroma. The next morning, all solid components can be separated, for example, with a sieve. Another option is the use of essential oil. This is relatively expensive, but economical in practice. Among other things, the oil can be put in a fragrance lamp, where it spreads a pleasant smell in the room. Furthermore, a few drops are suitable as massage oil. At the same time, essential oils should never be applied undiluted to the skin, because otherwise irritation and other discomfort will occur. Instead, it should be mixed with another vegetable oil. A dosage of about 10 drops of lemon verbena essential oil and 100 milliliters of neutral vegetable oil is recommended. If the leaves of the plant are placed in a small bag made of cloth, they will not only spread a fresh scent, but also repel mosquitoes and other insects.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Lemon verbena is suitable for the treatment of various symptoms. In some countries of South America, its effects are considered officially confirmed. In this regard, the medicinal properties of the plant come about due to its ingredients. These are mainly flavonoids and essential oil. Lemon verbena may be used internally and externally. However, the essential oil is an exception: it should not be used internally because the oil may irritate the mucous membranes. In general, lemon verbena is said to be antioxidant, analgesic, antibacterial, antipyretic, muscle relaxant and diuretic. Due to these properties, it can be used for various symptoms, such as a cold accompanied by fever.Existing bacteria are killed and any pain is relieved at the same time. In case of an infection of the urinary tract, the intake of lemon verbena via a tea is especially recommended. In addition, a lot of water should be drunk. The more frequently the affected person urinates, the faster the pathogens leave the body, allowing the inflammation to subside. Women in particular suffer more from urinary tract infections because their urethra is much shorter than that of men. If symptoms such as pain during urination occur for the first time, a doctor should always be consulted. The same applies to blood in the urine. Here, the use of lemon verbena is not recommended without medical advice. In addition, the plant can have a positive effect on mental illnesses, the nervous system and the digestive tract. Constipation and digestive weakness are regulated by developing a calming effect. For nursing mothers, tea from lemon verbena leaves stimulates milk production. At the same time, daily consumption should not exceed three cups. In general, it is important that the medicinal use is initially limited to six weeks. After that time, it is recommended to take a break, during which it is possible to resort to another tea with similar effects. After another six weeks, medicinal treatment with lemon verbena may be resumed without any problems.
