Description
Lemon verbena oil is extracted from Lippia citriodora – also known as Aloysia triphylla (also known as A. citriodora, Lippia triphylla and Verbena triphylla) from the Verbenaceae family and is also known as verbena or herb Louisa.
This essential oil is great to banish blues and depression while boosting liver function and helping the digestive and respiratory system and at the same time softening the skin and reducing puffiness.
Oil properties
Lemon verbena oil has a lemony, sweet fresh aroma and is pale olive or yellow in color.
Origin of Lemon verbena oil
It is a deciduous, perennial shrub that grows up to 5 meters (16 feet) in height and has a woody stem, very fragrant, delicate, pale green leaves and small, purple flowers. It is a native of Chile and is named after Marie Louisa, Princess of Parma.
Lemon verbena oil must not be mistaken with “Spanish verbena”, also referred to by some as “verbena oil”, or with Verbena officinalis, which refers to the herb Vervain.
Extraction
Lemon verbena oil is extracted from the freshly harvested leaves by steam distillation.
Chemical composition
The main chemical components of lemon verbena is borneol, geraniol, linalool, nerol, citral, dipentene, limonene and myrcene.
Precautions
There is not much safety data regarding lemon verbena oil, but since it has a high citral level it may cause sensitization and is phototoxic.
Therapeutic properties
The therapeutic properties of lemon verbena oil are antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, digestive, emollient, febrifuge, hepatic, insecticide, sedative, stomachic and tonic.
Uses 
In the digestive system, lemon verbena oil helps with cramps, indigestion and liver congestion and is helpful to restore the liver after a binge and when suffering from a hangover.
The stimulant action on the digestive system helps to digest fats and the excellent action on the liver helps in cases of cirrhosis, as well as alcoholism. It soothes the respiratory tract and calms heart palpitations. The calming action of the oil helps in sexual matters.
Lemon verbena oil helps to banish depression and relaxes as well as refreshes the body and mind, while uplifting the spirits and promoting stress control.
Summary
This oil helps with nervous conditions, especially those that manifest as digestive complaints and is a wonderful liver tonic, while it has a softening effect on the skin and help to reduce puffiness as well.
- Burners and vaporizers
- In vapor therapy lemon verbena oil can be used for nervous conditions, when trying to deal with stress, or when feeling down and depressed.
- Blended massage oil or in the bath
- As a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath, lemon verbena oil can help with digestive problems and is a boost for liver functions, insomnia and the nervous system, helping to ease respiratory problems, such as bronchitis and sinus congestion. It is also used to tone the skin. Keep the possible sensitization of your skin in mind when adding it to your bath or massage blend.
- Cream or lotion
- In a cream or lotion it can help to reduce puffiness and soften the skin, but use with care as it can sensitize the skin and cause phototoxicity.
Lemon verbena oil blends well with
Although essential oils blend well together, Lemon verbena oil blends particularly well with lemon, elemi, neroli and palmarosa.
Skin & Hair Care ~ protects the skin from ageing ~ softens & tones skin & reduces puffiness ~ antiseptic properties ~ treats acne, pimples, blemishes, boils ~ cleanses the pores ~ helpful for oily & greasy hair
Body Care ~ aphrodisiac properties ~ calming effect helps to enhance sexual drive ~ treats impotency & frigidity
Digestive System ~ recommended for the treatment of cramps, indigestion, digestive upsets
Immune System ~ brings the body back into balance
Lymphatic System ~ removes toxins from the body ~ boosts liver function ~ treats congestion of the liver ~ helps restore the liver after a hang-over
Musculoskeletal System ~ tones muscles ~ encourages healing of weak connective tissues
Nervous System ~ recommended for treating depression, anxiety, stress related conditions, nervous tension, insomnia ~ relieves tiredness, apathy, listlessness ~ promotes stress control ~ stimulates brain function & increase concentration
Respiratory System ~ helps to ease respiratory problems ~ bronchitis, sinus congestion
Urinary System ~ helps UTI infections
Emotional ~ Spiritual ~ ideal for those who continue to live in the past or who miss opportunities & the beauty of the present moment ~ refreshes the body & mind ~ uplifts the spirits ~ awakens the environment to fresh, uplifting clarity ~ offers harmonious vibration to the earth energies
Blends Well with ~ Amyris, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Elemi, Geranium, Grapefruit, Grapefruit Pink, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Balm, Lemongrass, Lemon Myrtle, Lemon Verbena, Mandarin, May Chang, Melissa, Neroli, Orange, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Rose, Rose Geranium, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Tangerine, Aniseed, Amyris, Allspice, Benzoin, Bergamot, Cardamon, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Clove, Coffee, Copaiba, Fennel, Frangipani, Geranium, Grapefruit, Grapefruit Pink, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Balm, Lemongrass, Lemon Verbena, Lotus Pink, Mandarin, Manuka, May Chang, Melissa, Myrrh, Neroli, Nutmeg, Orange, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Peppermint, Peru Balsam, Petitgrain, Rose, Rosemary, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Spearmint, Tangerine, Vanilla, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang
Safety ~ Non-toxic, non-irritant & non-sensitising
