Lemon Verbena essential oil

Product Info

Important distinction: Lemon Verbena (Aloysia Citrodoraou Lippia Citrodora) is different to Wild Verbena (Lippia Javanica), Spanish Verbena (Thymus Hyemalis) and Common Verbena (Verbena Officinalis). They are all called Verbena or Verbena oil, but chemical composition, color, consistency and uses are different. Be sure to choose the essential oil you are looking for.

Brief History

Aloysia Citrodora is commonly known as Lemon Verbena, Lemon Beebrush or Lemon Vervain. It is a perennial shrub of the Verbena family which is a species of plants that are well known for their fragrance. The flowering shrub is native to South America and was introduced to Europe through Spanish and Portuguese in the 17^th century after the discovery of the new world. Now, this shrub is widely cultivated across the globe.

General information and uses

The Lemon Verbena plant grows to a maximum height of 2-3 meters and has long glossy leaves that are rough to touch. The leaves are about 3 inches or 8 centimeters long and produce the classic lemon fragrance when crushed. The plant is used for culinary purposes and is often included in herb gardens. The leaves of the Lemon Verbena are used to add a lemony zing to salads and hot dishes. It is steeped to make a soothing herbal tea and is also used for flavoring liqueurs and beverages.

However, the plant is also known for its essential oil that is distilled from its leaves and used extensively in making balms, salves, tinctures and disinfectants. It has excellent anti-microbial qualities and a soothing effect on the mind and body and thus is widely used in aromatherapy.

Lemon Verbena essential oil is rich in Citral. Citral is the mixture of Geranial and Neral. That’s why in the composition of this essential oil, sometimes we can find the quantity of Citral, and sometimes it's divided between Geranial and Neral. Citral is the chemical component that brings the lemony scent of the essential oil.

Lemon Verbena’s soothing effect is perfect for de-stressing, relaxation and relieving anxiety. It also features an anti-inflammatory effect and is often used for treating digestive disorders.

Lemon Verbena For Relaxation

Lemon Verbena relaxing effects is mainly coming from the sedative properties of the Geranial and the Neral, which directly act on the whole nervous system.

Also, the sweet citrusy smell with undertones of mint and hints of floral aroma is the perfect remedy for relaxation. Lemon Verbena is well-known for its de-stressing and anti-anxiety qualities. With a calming effect on the nerves, it helps to uplift the spirits.

Its mood enhancing qualities make it a great choice to alleviate depression, insomnia, nervous tension, stress and stress-related problems.

To fight insomnia and stress, add 3 drops of Lemon Verbena and 3 drops of Lavender essential oil to a diffuser. Place the diffuser near your bed or sofa when relaxing, sleeping or reading. You can also add several drops in your bath for a deep relaxing moment.

Anti-inflammatory Properties of Lemon Verbena

Lemon verbena has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial qualities in clinical studies. It contains verbascoside which helps to reduce inflammation as it can interact with the cells in the body. It is also an antioxidant and helps to reduce muscle damage and exercise fatigue by decreasing the oxidative stress thus reducing inflammation and pain. It helps in removing free-radicals and enhances quicker recovery.

It can be used as a topical application in the form of a balm to reduce inflammation and pain.

Lemon Verbena essential oil may cause irritation to skin. It is recommended to test this essential oil before using on a larger scale and to apply a dilution of maximum 1%.

Chemical composition of the Lemon Verbena essential oil

Lemon Verbena essential oil is rich in Citral (Geranial + Neral). It also contains verbascoside which has anti-inflammatory action:
_ Geranial
_ Citral
_ Limonene
_ 1,8 Cineole
_ Verbascoside

Suggested directions.

The best way to use the Lemon Verbena essential oil is by diffusion or inhalation. For diffusion, add 3 to 5 drops in a diffuser.

To create a massage oil, add 5 to 10 drops to a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or almond oil. Lemon Verbena essential oil may cause irritation to the skin and need to be highly diluted (maximum 1%).

Do not absorb this essential oil orally.

Lemon Verbena essential oil mixes very well with lavender, frankincense, Citruses, lemongrass, rosemary, patchouli and thyme essential oils.

Additionnal information:

Botanical Name: Aloysia Citrodora
Common names: Lemon Verbena, Lemon Beebrush, Lemon Vervain
Extraction method: Steam distillation
Color: Pale Yellow
Consistency: Thin
Origin: Organic
Country of origin: Marocco
Botanical family: Verbenaceae
Plant part used: Leaves and Flowers
Odor: Lemony, floral

Caution:

Essential oils are concentrated and should be used with caution. Keep out of reach of children.

Avoid contact with the eyes.

Do not ingest. This essential oil should not be taken internally unless recommended and supervised by someone who is qualified.

Do not use if pregnant, nursing, elderly and for children under 7 years of age. If suffering from any medical condition, consult a healthcare practitioner before using.

Do feel free to ask for further information and applications.

DISCLAIMER: Essential oils are not meant to cure diseases and illnesses. They may ease some health problems and bring comfort. We suggest you consult a physician and do your own research for each essential oil that interests you.

To get more safety information, read our article about the risks of using essential oils.