ALOYSIA TRIPHYLLA (Lemon verbena)
Aloysia triphylla (Lemon verbena) is a perennial shrub, native from Chili, Peru [1] and Argentina. Lemon verbena grows in warm climates and has a very characteristic scent to lemon, that´s where its common name Lemon verbena comes from. The flowers are bright yellow and the fruits encapsulated.
This shrub, which hardly ever reaches two meters tall, has very thin green leafs. The main use of Lemon verbena is culinary, in spite there are reported uses of Lemon verbena essential oils in southern France and northern Africa [2]. Lemon verbena is one of the unique herbs that even dried still retains its original lemon flavor [3], therefore it´s a very practical herb for culinary uses.
Botanical Name and Family
Aloysia triphylla –Verbenaceae-
Active Constituents
Flavonoids, terpineol, curcumene, hispidulin, Triterpenoids, poliphenolic compounds [5].
Traditional medicinal uses
Among the many medicinal herbal uses made of Lemon verbena we can mention its aromatherapy use as essential oil. The fragrance of Lemon verbena essential oils is said to enhance the pace of mental work [4], letting an ambience of peace and calm that will let others visiting you feel as if they were among lemon trees and herbs. It´s certainly a very good herb to take into consideration when making scent potpourris to enhance room ambience. Lemon verbena has also been used to scent cocktails and drinks due to its strong lemon flavour.
Recent studies on the antioxidant properties of Lemon verbena showed its possibilities as powerful antioxidant [5]. In a study performed by the Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid, it was demonstrated that the antioxidant capacity values of Lemon verbena infusion are comparable to those commercial antioxidant drink based on green tea, and therefore its use as a powerful antioxidant in commercial drinks is under investigation.
Side Effects and Precaution
See disclaimer below.
References
