Aloysia citrodora

Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) has long been brewed as a soothing tea in many parts of the world. In the Mediterranean, the Italian folk tradition records that the leaves are steeped for digestive upset and to calm nerves (Cavallini, 1998). In Mexico, the Nahua people prepare a decoction of fresh leaves to relieve colds and sore throats, a practice documented in the ethnobotanical survey of the Sierra Norte (García‑Pérez & López, 2015). In Brazil, the Amazonian Kayapó use a macerated leaf infusion as a mild diuretic and to treat menstrual cramps, a use noted in the ethnopharmacological review of the Xingu region (Silva & Santos, 2019). These traditions all involve infusions or decoctions of the aromatic leaves, the primary part used for medicinal purposes.

**Practical recipe – Lemon Verbena Tea**
Take 1 tsp (≈2 g) of dried lemon verbena leaves and add to 250 ml of boiling water. Let steep for 5–7 minutes, then strain. For a stronger flavor, add a few fresh mint leaves or a slice of lemon. Drink 1–2 cups per day. Pregnant women should limit intake to one cup, as high doses may stimulate uterine contractions. No serious contraindications are reported, but as with any herbal tea, individuals with known allergies to Lamiaceae should exercise caution.

**Active constituents**
The therapeutic effects of lemon verbena are largely attributed to its essential oil components, especially citral, limonene, and linalool, which have documented anti‑inflammatory, antispasmodic, and mild anxiolytic properties. Flavonoids such as luteolin and apigenin, present in the leaves, contribute antioxidant activity that supports the anti‑inflammatory profile.

**Modern relevance**
Recent pharmacological studies confirm the antispasmodic and anti‑inflammatory actions of lemon verbena extracts, supporting its traditional use for gastrointestinal discomfort and mild pain (Ribeiro et al., 2022). Commercially, the plant is available as dried leaf tea, essential oil, and in dietary supplements marketed for relaxation and digestive health. Its continued use in both home remedies and modern herbal formulations underscores its enduring value as a gentle, aromatic aid for everyday wellness.

Fragrance and cosmetics:
Lemon verbena leaf essential oil (often referred to as “Verbena oil”) is a high-c citral oil used in perfumery to impart a sharp, lemon-like note to fine fragrances and related products (fragrance compounds, soaps, detergents). The fragrance profile is driven by citral (neral and geranial), with limonene and geraniol as minor constituents, and is specified in ISO 3216 for Lemon verbena (Lippia citrodora) oil. Industry practice follows IFRA Standards for essential oils and citrus-derived materials, including restrictions on phototoxic柑橘类精油的使用 and dermal sensitization limits to ensure consumer safety.

Food and beverages (non-medicinal):
A. citrodora leaf oil and extracts function as natural flavoring ingredients. The oil is used at low levels in flavor blends to supply lemon notes for beverages, confectionery, and baked goods, and as a flavor component in liqueurs and spirits. The essential oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food use in the United States (FEMA GRAS 2327) and recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a natural flavoring in accordance with common flavoring practice.

Properties relevant to use:
The essential oil is characterized by high citral content (typically 50–75%) which confers a strong lemon odor and high aldehyde character; it is noted for a low α-pinene content relative to other citrus-scented oils. These compositional features underpin its effectiveness as a fragrance and flavor material. Oleoresins and tinctures are used where a different organoleptic profile or volatility is desired.

Standards and regulation:
The oil and extracts are subject to industry practice under the IFRA Code of Practice and the ISO 3216 specification for Lemon verbena (Lippia citrodora) oil. Food and beverage applications comply with GRAS and national flavoring regulations where applicable. Additionally, ECHA and national chemical inventories typically list the substance as a perfume ingredient subject to standard CLP labeling.

Sustainability and sourcing:
Commercial supply is primarily cultivated (not wild-harvested) and sourced from regions with established essential-oil production; quality and compositional consistency are managed through agronomic practices and post-harvest processing. Supply chains adhere to IFRA guidance, and increasingly to sustainability frameworks common to essential oils to address traceability, production impacts, and worker safety.

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