Lemon verbena leaves make delightful herbal infusions that are bright and lemony with hints of natural sweetness. Finely chopped leaves are used to flavor desserts, adding a refreshing lemon taste without excess sugar.
Research shows that Lemon Verbena benefits include calming effects on the nervous system. It is also a natural sleep aid.
Bright & Lemony Flavors
Lemon verbena leaves and flowers are used to flavor beverages, such as lemon tea, and desserts, including cakes, cookies, and ice cream. It also enhances savory dishes such as poultry, soups, salads, and sauces. The essential oil is also used to repel mosquitoes and other insects.
The herb is a perennial shrub that can grow to be three to six feet tall in the right conditions. Gardeners propagate plants by taking semi-ripe stem cuttings in the summer. Using a sterile tool, cut a four to six-inch flower-free stem above a leaf node. Place the cutting in a pot filled with soil and water it until moist but not drenched.
Lemon verbena grows quickly and needs regular fertilization during its active growing season. A standard water soluble fertilizer applied monthly will suffice. If you live in a cold climate, plant your lemon verbena in a sheltered full sun location and mulch it with a deep layer of woodchips or bark over winter to protect the roots from frost.
Infuse Your Dishes & Beverages with the Refreshing Notes of Lemon Verbena!
Lemon verbena leaves and flowers lend their fresh, herbal fragrance to a variety of dishes. Finely chop lemon verbena leaves and infuse sauces, syrups, iced tea, and other beverages. Add a lemon verbena-infused vinaigrette to a green salad for extra zesty flavor. Use lemon verbena in a zingy herb pesto that pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables and chicken: Lemon Verbena Pesto. Add a sprinkle of chifroaded lemon verbena to cakes, cookies, and other desserts for fragrant floral notes.
Drink a refreshing cup of lemon verbena tea for an aromatherapeutic beverage that also has some health benefits: Lemon verbena is anti-inflammatory and may lower oxidative stress markers in the body (8). To make lemon verbena tea, steep a teaspoon of dried or fresh leaves in boiling water for 5 minutes. Enjoy the bright citrusy flavor and natural subtle refreshing fragrance!
Easy to Grow & Harvest
Lemon verbena is a fairly easy plant to grow, even for beginner gardeners. Its leaves can be used fresh or dried to add a citrusy zing to teas, salads and other dishes. Lemon verbena is also a wonderful addition to the home garden or patio container.
As long as it doesn't experience frost, lemon verbena will remain green year-round in climates warmer than zone 7. However, if grown outdoors, it will need to be brought indoors for the winter. If you plan to bring your lemon verbena inside, be sure to provide it with a warm, sunny location that is protected from harsh winds.
You can start lemon verbena from seeds, cuttings or by purchasing plants from trusted sources like Gardenuity. If starting from seeds, sow them in spring or summer and keep the soil consistently moist until roots develop. If planting transplants, dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and backfill with moist soil.
Easy to Store
The lemony scent and flavor of this herb can be preserved year-round by drying the leaves. This is easy to do in a food dehydrator or by tying up bunches of the leaves together and hanging them upside down until they are brittle and snap when bent. Dried leaves retain their flavor and can be stored in the pantry.
Fresh leaves can be added to garden salads, stuffing, vegetable marinades, sauces, vinegar, infused beverages, and fruit. They are also a great ingredient for making refreshing herbal teas.
Lemon verbena tolerates full sun, but prefers moist rich soil that drains well. A thick layer of mulch helps prevent soggy soils and protects plants over winter in colder climates.
Lemon verbena is resistant to most pests except for aphids (from the superfamily Aphidoidea) and mealybugs (from the family Pseudococcidae). If you have large infestations of either of these, they can weaken or even kill lemon verbena. Avoid using this herb if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It can irritate the kidneys.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are healing flowers?
Healing flowers are plants that promote peace and tranquillity. They help us unwind after a stressful day and make us feel more relaxed.
They also help us connect to our inner selves and reconnect with nature.
These beautiful blooms are used for meditation, prayer, and contemplation.
We call hundreds of varieties of flowering plants ‘healing’ because they provide such a fantastic experience.
This list includes roses, lilies, irises, daffodils, peonies, tulips, hyacinths, and many more.
But there are two species that I find particularly special. These are the Geranium and Lilium.
Geraniums are very easy to grow and come in various colors. Liliums are also known as lily-of-the-valley, which means 'lily' and 'valley.' Both of these species are popular garden flowers.
Healing flowers are often found growing near water. They are said to bring peace and calmness to those who meditate with them.
In ancient times, people would light candles in flower petals to symbolize the sun. This way, they could honor the sun without needing to go outdoors.
Some say that when you look at these flowers, you may see angels dancing.
What spices assist in recovery?
The use of spices to aid in healing is an ancient practice dating back centuries. Many spices have been used for their medicinal properties, including ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, turmeric, and garlic. Each of these spices has unique benefits that can help with various health issues.
Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and can help reduce inflammation in the body. It can also be used to soothe an upset stomach or relieve nausea.
Cinnamon has been found to have a wide range of medicinal properties, including antiseptic, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antioxidant agents. It is even believed to help regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial in helping prevent diabetes.
Cayenne pepper has been used for centuries as a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory agent. It is also thought to increase circulation and metabolism, which can help the body heal more quickly.
Turmeric is an herb that contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant. Curcumin is beneficial in treating various conditions, from arthritis and neurological disorders to cancer.
Garlic is packed with nutrients and has many health benefits. It can help reduce inflammation, act as antibiotic, lower cholesterol levels, and even boost the immune system.
These spices are all-natural ways to help the body heal and improve overall health. They can all be easily incorporated into food or taken in supplement form for convenience. While spices alone won't cure any ailments, they can play an essential role in aiding healing.
In addition to spices, there are also other natural remedies for healing, such as herbs, essential oils, and homeopathy. Research has shown that many of these remedies can be effective in treating a variety of conditions. If you're looking for an alternative to conventional medicine, consider incorporating some of these natural remedies into your health routine.
Should You Use Herbs and Spices for Brain Health?
Herbs and spices have been used for centuries to improve brain health. Research shows that these natural remedies may help prevent dementia and Alzheimer's. Some herbs may even boost memory.
However, no scientific evidence proves that eating an herb-rich diet can keep your mind sharp. When it comes to improving cognitive function, there are more effective ways to do it.
One study found that older adults who took 1000 mg of vitamin B6 daily had fewer mental lapses than those taking placebo pills. Another study showed that drinking coffee could increase blood flow to the brain. Other studies suggest that exercise, socialization, and sleep improve brain health.
The bottom line is that herbs and spices probably won't make much difference to your overall health. But they might give you extra energy and focus, which can come in handy during the day.
Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
It is best to pick up fresh herbs whenever possible when using herbs.
Although dried herbs are convenient, they don’t provide the same benefits as fresh herbs.
Fresh herbs contain essential oils that give your food a unique flavor. These oils help preserve the nutrients within the herb.
Dried herbs lose all their flavor after drying, so they cannot replace fresh herbs.
You should only use dried herbs if you absolutely must. Otherwise, you should get your fresh herbs from the market.
Statistics
- For those with high cholesterol, garlic supplementation appears to reduce total and/or LDL cholesterol by about 10-15% (72Trusted Source73Trusted (healthline.com)
- The global herbs market is expected to reach more than $125 billion by the end of 2025.
External Links
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How To
What to look for in herbs?
Herbs contain natural compounds that may help treat various conditions. In addition, herbal remedies may provide relief when used along with conventional treatments.
Herbal remedies include teas, capsules, tablets, ointments, creams, lotions, oils, and topical applications. Some of these products are meant to be taken internally, while others are applied externally.
The most common uses of herbal remedies include relieving minor aches and pains, treating cold symptoms, reducing fever, controlling coughs and sore throats, easing digestion problems, soothing skin irritations, alleviating menstrual cramps, and providing general health benefits.
When buying herbs, look for the following:
- Freshly picked plants. Avoid dried herbs unless they've been stored in a cool place. If possible, buy herbs directly from farmers' markets.
- Pure extracts. These are made by extracting the active ingredients from herbs using alcohol or water. Look for 100% pure extractions.
- Certified organic herbs. Organic herbs must meet strict standards set forth by the USDA.
- Natural flavors. Many herbs have strong scents that can overwhelm other foods. Adding flavorings such as vanilla, almond, or orange helps mask their smell.
- Potency. The amount of active ingredient per unit weight varies depending on the type of herb.
- Packaging. When purchasing herbs, check the packaging to ensure that it's clean and free of chemicals.
Resources:
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