Lemon verbena
Lemon verbena

Background

Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) is a flowering shrub native to South America. Its leaves and flowering tops are used in foods, drinks, and medicine.

Lemon verbena contains chemicals that might reduce swelling. Essential oils made from lemon verbena contain chemicals that might kill mites and bacteria.

People use lemon verbena for muscle damage caused by exercise, insomnia, joint pain, multiple sclerosis (MS), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses
When taken by mouth: Lemon verbena is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when used in larger amounts as a medicine, short-term. It's usually well-tolerated.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if lemon verbena is safe. Some people might experience an itchy rash.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if lemon verbena is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Effectiveness

There is interest in using lemon verbena for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
Likely ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions

Dosing & administration

Lemon verbena is commonly consumed in foods and drinks. As medicine, lemon verbena leaf extract and essential oil have most often been taken by mouth in adults. But there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose might be. Speak with a healthcare provider before use.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Sedative medications (Benzodiazepines)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Lemon verbena might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Medications that cause sleepiness and drowsiness are called sedatives. Taking lemon verbena along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness and trouble breathing.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 17/10/2023 11:00:00 and last updated on 04/12/2020 23:05:50. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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