With its bright citrusy aroma and flavor, lemon verbena tea is a refreshing herbal beverage that is sure to delight your senses. The leaves of the lemon verbena plant contain volatile compounds like citral and geraniol which give this tea its strong lemony scent and taste.
Beyond being a flavorful drink, lemon verbena tea comes packed with potential health benefits that make it more than just a tasty treat. Read on to learn all about this tangy herbal tea, lemon verbena tea benefits, how to brew it, and any possible side effects you should know about.
Lemon Verbena Tea Benefits: All You Need to Know!
Lemon verbena leaves contain several beneficial plant compounds, including flavonoids like quercetin which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The primary antioxidants in lemon verbena are terpenoids, citral, and nerol. These scented oils are thought to be some of the main therapeutic constituents behind the It has long been valued in herbal medicine traditions for its soothing properties. Modern research has started to confirm some of the popular uses of this plant.
lemon verbena benefits for skin
- Anti-Inflammatory – Lemon verbena contains compounds that help reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin.
- Antioxidant Protection – Rich in antioxidants like verbascoside, it helps neutralize free radicals that contribute to premature aging.
- Oil Control – The astringent properties of lemon verbena can help regulate excess oil production.
- Skin Brightening – Lemon verbena has mild skin-lightening effects that can help fade hyperpigmentation over time.
- Antibacterial – It has natural antibacterial abilities that may help prevent and treat acne breakouts.
- Skin Toning – The astringent nature of lemon verbena can help tighten pores and tone skin for a smoother appearance.
- Soothing Properties – It has calming effects that can ease irritation, rashes, eczema flare-ups, etc.
- Wound Healing – Lemon verbena promotes faster healing of cuts, burns, and other skin injuries.
When used topically in skin care products or home remedies, lemon verbena provides antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial benefits for healthier skin.
lemon verbena benefits for hair
Here are some potential benefits of lemon verbena for hair:
- Promotes Hair Growth – Lemon verbena contains vitamins and antioxidants that may stimulate hair follicles and encourage new hair growth.
- Adds Shine and Luster – The conditioning properties of lemon verbena can help smooth the hair cuticle, resulting in shinier, more lustrous locks.
- Controls Oily Hair – The astringent nature of lemon verbena helps regulate excess oil production on the scalp.
- Soothes Scalp Irritation – Anti-inflammatory compounds in lemon verbena can calm scalp itching, dryness, and dandruff.
- Strengthens Hair Strands – Nutrients like vitamin C fortify hair strands, preventing breakage and split ends.
- Volumizes Hair – Lemon verbena’s astringent effects can help hair appear fuller and more voluminous.
- Refreshing Fragrance – The light, citrusy aroma of lemon verbena leaves hair smelling fresh and clean.
- Natural Hair Lightener – Lemon verbena may help gradually lighten and brighten hair color when used regularly.
Whether used in hair masks, rinses, or styling products, lemon verbena offers a host of benefits to promote healthy, beautiful hair.
Lemon verbena Tea and Pregnancy
Here are some key points about drinking lemon verbena tea during pregnancy:
- Generally Considered Safe – Lemon verbena tea is regarded as likely safe for consumption during pregnancy when consumed in moderate amounts as a beverage.
- Source of Antioxidants – Lemon verbena is rich in antioxidants like verbascoside that may benefit maternal health.
- May Ease Nausea – Some find the citrusy aroma and flavor of lemon verbena tea helpful for reducing pregnancy-related nausea.
- Potential Diuretic Effects – Lemon verbena contains compounds that may increase urination, which could potentially lead to dehydration if consumed excessively.
- Avoid Essential Oils – Concentrated lemon verbena essential oils are not recommended during pregnancy due to a lack of safety data.
- Consult Your Doctor – As with any herbal product, it’s advisable to discuss lemon verbena tea consumption with your OB/GYN to ensure it’s appropriate for your specific pregnancy.
- Moderation is Key – Drinking 1-2 cups per day is generally regarded as a safe amount, but excessive intake should be avoided.
Overall, lemon verbena tea can likely be enjoyed in normal beverage amounts during pregnancy but should be limited and discontinued if any adverse effects occur.
Health benefits of Lemon Verbena tea
Extracts from the leaves of lemon verbenea have exhibited antioxidant properties in studies which may help protect body cells from damage. There’s also evidence that the antioxidants in lemon verbena may help support healthy inflammation levels in the body when consumed regularly.
The citrusy extract has also shown promising effects on defending against harmful organisms. The antimicrobial capabilities of lemon verbena tea could make it a useful addition to an overall wellness regimen.
The polyphenols found in lemon verbena leaves are also considered antimicrobial agents, meaning they can help inhibit the growth of potentially harmful organisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Studies have shown extracts from this plant to have antiviral effects against animal influenza viruses. The antimicrobial capabilities might also make lemon verbena a useful herbal addition for protecting gut health and promoting healthy digestion.
Through these mechanisms, regular consumption of lemon verbena tea could help slow down oxidative damage to cells. It also offers systemic protection against inflammation in the cardiovascular system and elsewhere in the body. More research is still needed, but these abilities likely form the basis of many lemon verbena tea benefits.
Sipping lemon verbena tea could help restrict the activities of unwanted organisms that can cause stomach upset. More research is still needed to confirm its effects in humans, but the antimicrobial qualities of lemon verbena extract show promise.
How to make lemon verbena tea?
Now, let’s learn how to make lemon verbena tea. Lemon verbena makes for an easy, aromatic tea that can be enjoyed hot or chilled. To make lemon verbena tea at home,
- Start by bringing water to a boil.
- Remove from heat and add in about 2 teaspoons of dried lemon verbena leaves per 8 oz. of water.
- Allow the herbal tea to steep for 5-7 minutes to fully extract the citrusy flavors and aromatic compounds from the dried leaves.
You can adjust the steeping time to achieve your preferred strength and flavor. Serve the tea hot, or let it chill in the refrigerator before pouring over ice for a refreshing twist. Garnish your glass with lemon slices or sprigs of fresh mint to complement the bright, lemon-lime notes.
Lemon Verbena tea side effects
While generally safe when consumed in moderation as a beverage, there are some lemon verbena tea side effects one should look out for.
Lemon verbena leaves contain volatile compounds and acids. They can cause gastrointestinal distress if consumed in excess, especially by those with sensitive digestive systems.
Cases of contact dermatitis and skin irritation have also been reported when using the undiluted essential oil topically. As such, lemon verbena tea should not be ingested in high doses over long periods.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should exercise caution and consult their doctor before regularly consuming this or any herbal tea.
Bottom Line
With its intense citrusy fragrance and flavor, lemon verbena makes for an uplifting and refreshing tea that stimulates the senses. The leaves of this flowering plant contain antioxidant flavonoids. It also contains several antimicrobial plant oils that underlie many of lemon verbena tea’s proposed wellness benefits.
Sipping this vibrant herbal infusion may help defend cells against oxidative stress, offer systemic anti-inflammatory effects, and support healthy digestion. The polyphenols and terpenes that give lemon verbena tea its therapeutic qualities also provide its bright, zesty profile – making every cup feel like a dose of liquid sunshine.
Easy to prepare by steeping dried leaves in hot water, lemon verbena tea can be enjoyed first thing in the morning or between meals as an aromatic pick-me-up. While generally safe for most people when consumed in moderation, be mindful of potential lemon verbena tea side effects like stomach upset with excess intake.
Pregnant women should exercise additional caution and consult their doctor before adding this tea to their diet. As research continues to unveil the health-promoting capacities of lemon verbena, this delightful plant beverage is likely to keep rising in popularity.
So if you’re looking to add some citrus spark to your usual tea rotation, why not give lemon verbena a try? The dynamic medley of flavors and potential wellness boons in each vibrant cup make this zesty herbal brew a refreshing delight indeed.
References
- Ebadi M., Sefidkon F., Azizi M., Ahmadi N. Packaging methods and storage duration affect essential oil content and composition of lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora Kunth.) Food Sci. Nutr. 2017;5:588–595. doi: 10.1002/fsn3.434.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5448364/ - Funes L., Carrera-Quintanar L., Cerdán-Calero M., Ferrer M.D., Drobnic F., Pons A., Roche E., Micol V. Effect of lemon verbena supplementation on muscular damage markers, proinflammatory cytokines release and neutrophils’ oxidative stress in chronic exercise. Eur. J. Appl. Physiol. 2011;111:695–705. doi: 10.1007/s00421-010-1684-3.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20967458
