Lemon verbena essential oil is derived from Lemon verbena (Aloysia Citrodora Paláu) through steam distillation. This medicinal plant is native to North America, South America, and South of Europe. [1]
The herb has been quite popular since ancient time for culinary uses. It’s because lemon verbena has amazing citrusy smell and flavor. The essential oil is also quite popular for its uplifting aroma and numerous health benefits.
Lemon verbena oil comes with numerous therapeutic properties. Due to these components, the oil has a wide range of health applications.
Lemon verbena essential oil is rich in antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antiparasitic, and antispasmodic properties. [2,3]
This essential oil is pale yellow and comes with a fresh aroma. It’s mostly used in cosmetics and perfumes. But, the oil also has some other uses that make it quite famous.
Chemical Compositions of Lemon Verbena Essential Oil
The key chemical components of lemon verbena essential oil are:
Citral: This chemical is responsible for the plant’s citrus smell and taste. It comes with antibacterial properties.
Verbascoside and luteolin 7-diglucuronide: These chemicals protect us from UV rays and wilting.
Eucalyptol (1,8-cineole): This component can reduce inflammation.
Geranial: This component possesses antibacterial properties.
Sulcatone (6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one): This chemical makes the oil great for flavoring.
Benefits of Lemon Verbana Essential Oil
1. Lemon Verbena Essential Oil Can Reduce Anxiety.
Inhaling the lemon verbena oil can be an effective way to reduce stress and anxiety.
Also, its antioxidant properties can balance your hormone when taken as a tea.
In a study published in 2017, the anti-anxiety effects of lemon verbena in mice were evaluated. [4]
The mice were divided into 11 groups. The group that received lemon verbena showed better results in reducing anxiety and stress level. [4]
If you suffer from chronic stress using lemon verbena essential oil can be a good choice.
2. It is an Anti-Parasitic.
Lemon verbena oil can be a good treatment for Chagas disease caused by T.cruzi parasite.
Research conducted in South America was published in 2012. It showed that the oral application of lemon verbena oil reduced T.cruzi parasite by 85%. [5]
Researchers used this essential oil at a dose of 250 mg. They also observed that the oil decreased inflammatory cell infiltration in the heart. [5]
3. Lemon Verbena Essential Oil Can Treat Helicobacter Pylori.
Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria responsible for stomach cancer. It grows in the digestive system and attacks the lining in the stomach.
Research conducted in Japan showed that lemon verbena essential oil effectively destroyed the Helicobacter pylori virus in mice. [6]
Besides, the virus couldn’t become resistant to this essential oil treatment. The researchers even considered lemon verbena oil as a potential treatment for this virus. [6]
4. It May Prevent Dengue Fever.
Dengue is a chronic illness transmitted by the mosquitoes. It can cause hemorrhagic fever.
In a study published in 2013, researchers evaluated the efficacy of some anti-dengue medicinal plant. Lemon verbena was one of them. [7]
The essential oil also contains antibacterial, antiviral, and other medicinal properties from the plant. So, topical application on the mosquito bite may help prevent dengue.
5. Lemon Verbena Essential Oil Can Treat Candida.
Lemon verbena oil can be a treatment for Candida, a fungal infection caused by yeast.
A 2005 study reviewed 35 medicinal plants for their anti-Candida effects. They found that 13 of them were effective in treating Candida. Lemon verbena was one of them. [8]
Another study published in 2016 reported that lemon verbena could be the replacement of drugs for Candida Albicans treatment. [9]
6. It Can Boost Immunity.
Lemon verbena essential oil is rich in antioxidant properties. These compounds help fight the damage done by the free radicals. [10]
Oxidative stress can affect our body and compromise the immune system.
A study was conducted on Wistar rats suffering from colitis. They had to drink water or lemon verbena infusion for 14 days. The result showed lemon verbena infusion showed some antioxidative protection during the trial. [11]
7. Lemon Verbena Essential Oil Can Reduce Joint Pain.
As we continuously use our joint and muscle, their functionality tends to break down, resulting in inflammation.
Lemon verbena essential oil is rich in anti-inflammatory properties. [12] Thus, it can reduce pain and inflammation due to arthritis or achy muscle.
The antioxidant properties of this oil can also help reduce joint pain and speed up the healing process.
8. It Can Act Like an Insecticides.
Lemon verbena oil has antimicrobial and antibacterial components. So, it may work as an effective insecticide. [13]
This essential oil helps kill bacteria and viruses, protecting you from illness. It also helps keep your home clean and fresh.
9. Lemon Verbena Essential Oil Can Fight Skin Disease.
Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components, lemon verbena oil can fight numerous skin problems. A topical application may reduce the appearance of acne, boils, and cysts.
Although there’s no scientific proof, it’s claimed that this oil can treat eczema. Regular use of this oil may also improve your complexion.
How to Use Lemon Verbena Essential Oil
There are some ways that you can try for using this essential oil.
Tea
- It’s one of the popular ways to use lemon verbena essential oil. Just mix a few drops of this oil in water to make the tea.
Massage
- Dilute a few drops of lemon verbena oil with a carrier oil and use it for topical application.
- You can also blend it with some other essential oils.
- Lemon verbena essential oil blends well with neroli, palmarosa, lemon, vanilla, ylang ylang, bergamot, cedarwood, cistus, and elemi oil.
Diffuser
- Pour a few drops of lemon verbena oil into a diffuser. Let the fragrance spread into your house. Inhale the aroma to calm your mind and body.
Side Effects of Lemon Verbena Essential Oil
Lemon verbena oil also comes with some side effects. You can avoid these adverse effects by making the right use of this oil.
- Lemon verbena oil can make your skin photosensitive. So, avoid sun exposure after topical application of this oil.
- If used in high dosages, lemon verbena leaves can create stomach irritation. So, you’re recommended not to ingest its essential oil in high dosages as well.
- This oil can irritate the skin sometimes. So, you need to do a patch test before using this oil.
- If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding your child, consult with a doctor before using it.
- Read the label on the bottle carefully. Make sure you’re buying the pure organic lemon verbena essential oil.
Conclusion
Lemon verbena essential oil is quite famous as a versatile oil. But, it takes a lot of plants to create a small amount of essential oil. So, this oil can be a bit pricey.
However, a little amount of this essential oil goes a long way. So, you may consider it a worthwhile investment.
While you’re using lemon verbena oil for its benefits, be aware of its side effects as well. Use it moderately to avoid any negative reaction.
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