Aloysia citrodora, also known as lemon verbena plantLemongrass, lemon verbena or Indian verbena, is a plant native to the countries of South America and belongs to the Verbenaceae family. It has been cultivated since ancient times as an ornamental plant and by all its medicinal properties It is consumed in the form of infusions. Who has not ever taken a lemon verbena tea to calm a stomach ache or reduce nerves?
The first appearances of this infusion were recorded in countries such as Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, Bolivia, Colombia and Peru. However, in the 17th century, after the conquest expeditions, it was transported to Europe, where it began to be cultivated in the more temperate zones. Thats why he lemon verbena tea Today it is an infusion that is taken in many parts of the world and, due to its properties and benefits, it is also increasingly recommended.
Lemon verbena tea: what is it for?
Lemon verbena, prepared as an infusion, has benefits and properties that help relieve some pain or discomfort. For example, stomach or intestinal pain, especially when the ailments have a nervous origin. In addition, this plant is also used to reduce and prevent gastrointestinal colic and gas.
On the other hand, this infusion is prepared and consumed by women in some specific stages of their life. In this way, lemon verbena tea can be a great ally when it comes to combating menstrual and muscle pain associated with the menstrual cycle.
But also the lemon verbena tea in pregnancy could be beneficial, since thanks to its properties, it can relieve muscle pain and stomach discomfort typical of the first months of pregnancy. Therefore, for women of all ages, lemon verbena tea is a great option.
Relieves menstrual, muscle and stomach pain.
Lemon verbena tea: properties
The main properties of this plant are:
- It is antioxidant
- It is anti-inflammatory.
- Helps to facilitate and speed up digestion.
- Soothes muscle pain.
Lemon verbena tea: Benefits
Undoubtedly, in addition to all the properties, lemon verbena tea has multiple benefits for the body. Among them, the most notable are:
-Accompanying meals, lemon verbena tea facilitates digestionand avoid some discomfort related to indigestion.
-Favors the elimination of gases.
-Helps you relax at night and fall asleep.
-Control nerves, stress and anxiety.
-Reduces inflammation and abdominal swelling.
-Eliminates toxins and other harmful substances from the body, which help prevent diseases and delay aging.
-Controls pain and stomach spasms.
-Due to its properties, it is excellent for controlling and losing weight.
Preparing lemon verbena tea is very easy and can be made with leaves of the plant or bags
How to prepare lemon verbena tea
To prepare lemon verbena tea only three ingredients are needed: lemon verbena leaves, hot water and a sweetener, which can be white or black sugar, honey or sweetener. Obviously, tea bags can also be used instead of leaves.
Recommendation: Extracting the leaf directly from the plant is always better since it is the most natural way that exists. Also, lemon verbena leaves can be used for tea even when dried. In that case, storing them in a bag or glass jar is super useful.
Prepare lemon verbena tea: step by step
To prepare two large cups, you will need to boil a liter of water, add the lemon verbena leaves (approximately a handful) and boil for another 5 minutes.
Then serve in cups and sweeten to taste. Although the leaves are usually strained when serving, there are also those who leave them and drink the tea with a straw, making the infusion more and more flavorful.
How do I care for a lemon verbena plant?
If you are thinking of growing your own lemon verbena plant to constantly have leaves and enjoy the rich tea, the good news is that care is few and basic. First of all, it is necessary to know that yes or yes it is a plant that has to be planted in a space where it constantly receives a lot of sun.
Although it also usually resists frost well, if it is continued it can lose leaves. Therefore, it is best to cover it with plastic during very cold winter days.
Finally, it needs good drainage, fertile soil and during the summer it is recommended that it is always moist.
On the other hand, it is a plant that can be multiplied very easily. It is even possible to reproduce it through cuttings or the famous “little children”, so it can even be useful to give to other people and extend the benefits of lemon verbena tea to loved ones.
And you, have you ever tried lemon verbena tea? What do you think about it?
Sources: Easy cooking, El Universal and Wikipedia.