Essential Oil Profile / Monograph

Botanical Name: Aloysia citrodora

Common Names: Lemon verbena

Plant Family: Mint

Countries of origin: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay

Extraction Method: Steam distillation

Parts Used: Leaves and twigs

Essential Oil smell: Spicy, lemony, sweet

Essential Oil Color: Yellow to greenish yellow

Viscosity: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top

Strength of Aroma: Strong

Blends Well With: Bergamot, citronella, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, juniper berry, lavender, lemon, lime, neroli, orange, palmarosa, petitgrain, rosemary, ylang-ylang

Therapeutic Properties: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, carminative, cordial, deodorant, Digestive, diuretic, febrifuge, insecticide, nervine, stimulant (digestive and uterine), stomachic, tonic, vermifuge

Uses: Anxiety, muscle pain, indigestion, fever, insects, nervousness

Side effects: Lemon verbena essential oil is considered safe when used in diluted form. However, the oil should not be taken internally unless under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner. The oil may cause skin irritation when used undiluted. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult your healthcare practitioner before using lemon verbena essential oil.

Contraindications: The oil should not be taken internally unless under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner. The oil may cause skin irritation when used undiluted. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult your healthcare practitioner before using lemon verbena essential oil.

Chemical Constituents with percentages:

Citronellal (30-40%), geranial (10-20%), neral (10-15%), limonene (1-5%)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lemon Verbena?

Aloysia citrodora, lemon verbena, is a herbaceous perennial plant in the mint family, native to South America. The plant can grow up to 4 meters tall and has lanceolate leaves with a lemon scent. The flowers are white or pale lilac. The name “lemon verbena” is derived from the Spanish word for lemon, “limón”, and the Latin word for verbena, “verbenaca”.

What are the benefits of Lemon Verbena Essential Oil?

Lemon verbena essential oil is thought to have several benefits, including reducing anxiety, improving sleep quality, and relieving muscle pain. The oil is also used in aromatherapy and skin care products.

What are ways to use Lemon Verbena Essential Oil?

There are several ways to use lemon verbena essential oil. The oil can be used in diffusers, added to baths, or diluted and applied topically.

How can I use Lemon Verbena Essential Oil internally?

Lemon verbena essential oil should not be taken internally unless under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.

How can I use Lemon Verbena Essential Oil topically?

To use lemon verbena essential oil topically, dilute the oil in a carrier oil and apply it to the desired area.

Diffuser blends for aromatherapy with Lemon Verbena Essential Oil:

Relaxation Blend: 3 drops lavender, 3 drops chamomile, 2 drops lemon verbena

Stress Relief Blend: 4 drops geranium, 3 drops lavender, 2 drops lemon verbena

Energizing Blend: 2 drops grapefruit, 2drops rosemary, 2 drops lemon verbena

Happy Mood Blend: 3 drops bergamot, 2 drops geranium, 2 drops lemon verbena

Concentration Blend: 3 drops rosemary, 2 drops basil, 2 drops lemon verbena

Detoxifying Blend: 4 drops grapefruit, 3 drops rosemary, 2 drops lemon verbena

Relaxing Bath Blend: 5 drops lavender, 5 drops chamomile, 5 drops lemon verbena

How can I use Lemon Verbena Essential Oil in bath?

To use lemon verbena essential oil in a bath, add 5-10 drops of the oil to a warm bath.

Historical use of Lemon Verbena as a herbal medicine:

Lemon verbena has been used for centuries as a herbal medicine. The oil was used to treat fevers, indigestion, and muscle pain.

Is Lemon Verbena Essential Oil safe for kids?

Lemon verbena essential oil is considered safe for kids when used in diluted form.

Can Lemon Verbena Essential Oil be used on pets?

Lemon verbena essential oil is considered safe for use on pets when used in diluted form.

DIY recipes using Lemon Verbena Essential Oil:

Body Butter: 1 cup shea butter, 1/2 cup coconut oil, 1/2 cup almond oil, 10 drops lemon verbena essential oil, 5 drops vitamin E oil

Sugar Scrub: 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup olive oil, 10 drops lemon verbena essential oil

Body Wash: 1 cup liquid castile soap, 1/4 cup honey, 10 drops lemon verbena essential oil, 5 drops vitamin E oil

Room Spray: 1 cup water, 10 drops lemon verbena essential oil, 5 drops lavender essential oil

Linen Spray: 1 cup vodka, 10 drops lemon verbena essential oil, 5 drops lavender essential oil

References:

Antioxidant and Antiproliferation Activities of Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora): An In Vitro and In Vivo Study