By Linda Lee Smith
Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla) is in the Verbenaceae family and the oil comes from steam distillation of the freshly cut herb. The oil is mainly produced in southern France and North Africa. This perennial shrub can grow upwards to 15-16 feet. It has a woody stem, very fragrant, delicate, pale green lance-like leaves arranged in threes. It has small, pale purple flowers and is often grown as an ornamental bush in gardens. Traditionally, this plant has been used in similar ways as mint, orange flowers and Melissa. The dried leaves are still used as a tea especially in Europe. It is considered a refreshing, uplifting tea to help restore the liver especially after a hang-over.
How Can Lemon Verbena Help Us Today?
Today, lemon verbena has many great actions-it is antiseptic, antispasmodic, detoxifying, good for the digestion, is a stimulant for the liver and gallbladder, and has sedative properties for the nervous system. It has been used for cramps, indigestion, and liver congestion, for anxiety, insomnia, nervous tension and stress-related conditions. Lemon verbena can be taken internally, inhaled or diffused. It can be applied to the skin but it is recommended that it be diluted first because of its high citral levels which can be sensitizing to the skin.
As for safety, lemon verbena is non-toxic but because of its high citral levels, can be sensitizing to the skin. Caution should be used in purchasing lemon verbena oil. True verbena oil is virtually non-existent. Most so-called verbena oil is either from the Spanish verbena which is an inferior oil or a mix of lemongrass, lemon, citronella, etc.
Want to learn more about the healing properties of lemon verbena and other essential oils? Consider becoming a certified aromatherapist. Educational courses in healing energy and aromatherapy can help you understand how essential oils heal the body/mind/spirit.
Check this out for more information on learning to heal through the art of aromatherapy as a clinical aromatherapist. http://www.ISHAaromatherapy.com For educational courses on healing energy and the laying-on of hands, you can go to http://www.HTSpiritualMinistry.com You can also read more about aromatherapy and lemon verbena essential oil in Linda Smith's books: Called into Healing, Reclaiming our Judeo-Christian Legacy of Healing Touch, and Healing Oils Healing Hands, Discovering the Power of Prayer, Hands On Healing and Anointing. You will also find a 3-ebook series on "Harnessing the Power of Essential Oils" in which over 100 essential oils are discussed. Find these books and ebooks as well as much more on my web site at http://www.ISHAhealing.com/HealingStore/tabid/348/Default.aspx
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