The lemon verbena or maría luisa is an aromatic shrub that is similar to that of lemon, it requires a humid and sunny climate to grow and its uses range from gastronomy, through decoration, to a medicinal plant, thanks to the essential oil that its stems have and leaves and that give it its scent. This plant is native to South America, it blooms in summer and can grow up to 7 meters high. Discover all the properties and medicinal uses of lemon verbena in the following FastlyHealarticle.
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Contraindications of lemon verbena
This herb is considered safe for healthy people and does not have toxic effects, however there are two exceptions to contraindicate lemon verbena:
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, since the oils that the plant has can cause an alteration in the nervous system.
- If you suffer from kidney disease, consuming lemon verbena in high doses can irritate the urinary tract due to its essential oil content. It should be avoided in conditions such as kidney failure or nephritis.
Digestive plant
The lemon verbena has tonic properties, making it ideal for treating nervous stomach pain and facilitating the digestion of weaker stomachs. Thanks to its content of organic compounds such as bormeol and limonene, they provide an antivomitive function, as well as being useful for relieving heartburn. It also helps to expel gases, avoiding ailments such as aerophagia and flatulence. To benefit from these properties, prepare an infusion of lemon verbena with 1 tablespoon of dried leaves per cup of water and drink three cups a day after each meal.
For respiratory diseases and immune system
Another medicinal use of lemon verbena is as an expectorant and antitussive which will help to relieve coughs, thanks to the content of essential oils such as camphene and terpene. Another of its components is citral which works as a natural antihistamine so it will allow you to control allergies. The lemon verbena also has antioxidant properties, allowing a greater production of red blood cells and protecting the body from diseases. In addition, its antibacterial properties allow it to treat wounds and skin lesions externally and it is an excellent natural remedy for bad breath due to its lemon aroma that will refresh your breath.
As relaxing
The lemon verbena has sedative properties that will help you fall asleep , among its components is melatonin , a natural substance that acts on sleep. It also relieves the symptoms of jet lag and promotes sleep for people who have changing work schedules. This sedative effect also benefits people who have stress or anxiety problems.
How to take lemon verbena
Here are the different ways to use lemon verbena :
- In infusion : you must place 1 tablespoon of dried leaves for each cup of water. In case you use it for digestive problems, take it after every meal. If you use lemon verbena to treat insomnia naturally, drink a cup before going to sleep.
- As a mouthwash : use the same infusion and rinse your mouth every day.
- Relaxing baths : another way to treat nerves with lemon verbena is to add the previous infusion to the bath water to relax you.
- To treat wounds : apply the infusion on the affected area or its leaves in the form of a poultice, wrapping them in a handkerchief.
- In the kitchen : it is used as a spice to flavor chicken, fish, cakes and salads and in the preparation of sauces where the leaves are used.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.
