Lemon Verbena: A Calming Powerhouse for Digestion, Sleep and the Nervous System

If you're searching for a herb that soothes both the body and the mind, lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) might just be your new herbal favourite.

This fragrant plant, often overshadowed by more well-known calming herbs, is a powerful ally in supporting digestion, relaxation, and emotional balance. With its citrusy aroma and gentle strength, lemon verbena has earned its place in both traditional herbal medicine and modern wellness routines.

Let’s dive into its properties, uses, and why it’s one of the key ingredients in my herbal tea blend Deep Sleep.

What is Lemon Verbena?

Lemon verbena is a perennial shrub native to South America, prized for its refreshing lemon scent, delicate flavour, and impressive therapeutic potential. In herbal medicine, we mainly use the leaves, either fresh or dried, to prepare infusions, tinctures, or as part of more complex herbal formulas.

Key Benefits of Lemon Verbena

🌿 1. Supports the Digestive System

Lemon verbena is a classic carminative – a herb that helps reduce bloating, flatulence, and digestive discomfort. It soothes spasms in the gut and may relieve symptoms of indigestion, cramping and nausea.

🌿 2. Relieves Stress and Promotes Calm

Traditionally used to ease anxiety, irritability and mild insomnia, lemon verbena works as a mild nervine – a calming tonic for the nervous system. It’s perfect for those experiencing mental fatigue or emotional overwhelm.

🌿 3. Rich in Antioxidants

Packed with polyphenols and flavonoids, lemon verbena offers antioxidant support, helping the body reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.

🌿 4. Mildly Sedative and Sleep-Supportive

Its gentle calming effects make it a wonderful evening herb, especially when combined with other relaxing botanicals. It doesn’t knock you out – it helps you unwind naturally.

How to Use Lemon Verbena

The most common way to enjoy lemon verbena is as a herbal infusion (tea):

👉 Use 1 tablespoon of dried leaves per 250ml of boiling water.
Cover and steep for 10–15 minutes.
Enjoy 1–3 cups per day, especially after meals or before bed.

It can also be used in herbal baths, facial steams, or as a gentle hydrosol toner for irritated or tired skin. In aromatherapy, lemon verbena essential oil is uplifting and balancing – but it must always be diluted properly and not applied before sun exposure due to its phototoxicity.

Are There Any Contraindications?

Lemon verbena is generally safe in culinary and medicinal doses. However, there are a few important considerations:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Not recommended due to insufficient safety data.

• Kidney conditions: High doses over long periods may irritate the kidneys.

• Allergies: Rare, but always do a patch test with the essential oil or try a small amount of tea first.

• Essential oil use: Should always be diluted and used externally only.

Why Lemon Verbena is in My Deep Sleep Herbal Blend

This soothing herb is a star ingredient in my Deep Sleep herbal tea – a calming night-time infusion designed to help you unwind, release tension, and prepare for restful sleep. Its synergy with herbs like passionflower, lavender, and oat straw creates a gentle yet effective formula for those struggling with racing thoughts, restlessness or light sleep.

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