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(NaturalNews) Lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla - previously Lippia citriodora) is a richly scented herb and has a long history as a sacred and medicinal plant. Garlands and wreaths of it were commonplace at festive ceremonies as well as its use in teas and drinks for festive occasions and for bridal posies and festive parades. Considered to be a calming and gentle medicine, its history is lost in the mists of time. But every village square and place of worship had lemon verbena planted around it and hedges of it protected graveyards, inns and places of family gathering.

Originating in Argentina and Chile, Lemon Verbena was introduced to the rest of the world in the late 1700`s. Its refreshing lemon fragrance made it an instant favorite especially in the perfume industry and it was one of the ingredients in a popular cologne made in France around the 1850`s. Its use in the perfume trade declined due to the expensive oil extraction process, but as a garden plant, in pot pourri, as an air freshener and a soothing tea, Lemon verbena remains a valuable herb in the world today.

Lemon Verbena Uses - Therapeutic Properties and Health Benefits

• Lemon verbena makes an excellent tea - place four leaves in a cup of boiling water, let it stand for five minutes, stir, strain, add a slice of lemon and a touch of honey and sip slowly to ease tension, anxiety, stress and indigestion and to reduce fever. Its calming, soothing properties seem to ease a feverish cold, relax muscles, ease asthma, colic, flatulence and diarrhea.
  
  
• A sprig of Lemon verbena can be added to a teapot of Ceylon tea or rooibos tea, served sweetened with a little honey and without milk. This is considered to be an excellent digestive tonic, that will calm nervousness and shakiness.
  
  
• The strong citrus scent of Lemon verbena is an excellent insect repellent. In years gone by, bunches of Lemon verbena were hung over stable doors and it was rubbed onto door frames and thrown onto stable floors where horses would trample it, keeping the flies away.
  
  
• Lemon verbena leaves tucked behind books or placed on shelves keep fish-moths away. Place a sprig in your vacuum cleaner bag to help freshen the air in your home.
  
  
• Tie a bunch of fresh Lemon verbena sprigs over the hot water tap and make a fabulous scented bath. This helps tired muscles relax; aching shoulders release their tension and even the nasal passages are opened by the strong refreshing scent.
  
  

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