Scientific name: Aloysia citrodora Palau, Lippia triphylla (L'Hér.) Kuntze
Vernacular names: Lemon shrub, Aloysia, verbena, verbena herb
Family: Verbenaceae (verbenafamily )
Origin: Originally from the subtropical areas of South America, such as Chile and Peru.
Growing areas: Primarily in southern France and Morocco
Botany: Lemon verbena is a small perennial shrub with small lance-shaped leaves.
Harvest time: July or October
Parts of plant used: The fragrant extract is obtained by steam distillation from the leaves of the herb.
In the 18th century, the west wind brought a very special fragrance - when from the subtropical regions of South America lemon verbena arrived in Europe. Even when lightly rubbing the leaves, the plant named after the future Queen of Spain reveals a fresh, stimulating citrus aroma.
But not only the latter quickly met with approval in our latitudes; also medicinally Aloysia revealed numerous talents - for example, in digestive disorders, nervousness, and externally in poorly healing wounds and in circulatory and lactation disorders.
From perfumed bath water to fragrant soaps and refreshing teas, the intense aroma of lemon verbena means that it can be used in a wide variety of ways. In the meantime, Aloysia has even made it into the range of kitchen herbs and gives numerous dishes that "certain something".
While the French herbalist Maurice Mességué (1921-2017) attests to the healing powers of vervain for migraines, dizziness and digestive problems, aromacology also attributes a broad spectrum of effects to the fragrant herb: it is said to refresh the mind, promote concentration and help to renew inspiration.
Although lemon verbena belongs to the verbena family, it is not to be confused with the "true verbena" (Verbena officinalis) - which in turn has a long tradition in herbal medicine dating back to ancient times.
Because of its high price, verbena oil is also often adulterated or replaced by so-called Spanish verbena oil (from Thymus hyemalis) or by lemongrass oil (from Cymbopogonn citratus).
In verbena oil: essential oils (citral, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes).
Par leur parfum, les huiles essentielles influencent notre bien-être au quotidien.
De l'arnica à la verveine citronnée: lire maintenant le lexique des plantes Kneipp.
Une alimentation saine est un élément important de l'enseignement de Sebastian Kneipp.
Les parfums ont un effet subconscient sur ton humeur. Nous expliquons comment.
