Verbena and lemongrass are becoming more and more popular. And not only because of its refreshing lemon aroma, but above all - thanks to their health-promoting properties. What properties do these plants have? How are they used?
For years known and used in the perfumery and cosmetics industry, more often are also used as an aromatic ingredient in dishes. What’s more, lemongrass and verbena are also becoming increasingly popular because of the wealth of ingredients that have a positive effect on our health. Used not only in the form of infusions and herbal teas but also as an ingredient in preparations for improving immunity, strengthening the body and its natural vitality.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass (also known as citronella) is a small plant that has been used in natural medicine in Asia and South America for centuries. The lemongrass oil contained in it is mainly responsible for the medicinal properties of this plant. The ingredients contained in lemongrass have a wide application. This plant was used as an antitussive, antispasmodic, for headaches, for the treatment of indigestion and lack of appetite.
Lemongrass is also a rich source of vitamins and minerals, needed in metabolic processes, energy production and distribution, and for muscle work. This plant contains, among others vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin A, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, sodium and potassium.
In South America, lemongrass is added to the infusion obtained from yerba mate. It gives it a refreshing and slightly lemon aftertaste. However, it’s not just about the aroma. Yerba mate is a stimulating brew, increasingly popular outside of South America, with coffee-like properties. The addition of lemongrass further improves vitality, brightens the mind and improves concentration. Scientific research confirms the beneficial effects of lemongrass on balancing blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
Lemongrass is a common addition to dishes in eastern cuisines. Due to its unique aroma, it gives a specific flavour to dishes. But not only. In addition, it warms up and adds energy. It is eaten raw, dried or frozen. In the herbal and pharmaceutical industry, lemongrass extract is used as ingredients in preparations for strengthening the body, adding energy and improving vitality.
Lemon verbena
Lemon verbena naturally occurs in the Americas and Europe. It is easy to recognize it by its characteristic arrangement of leaves and intense lemon scent. For many years it has been valued for its health-promoting properties, due to its refreshing aroma, it is also used in the cosmetics and perfumery industry.
It has properties somewhat similar to lemongrass but also has antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. It relaxes, has relaxing properties, relieves migraines and neuralgia, improves digestion. Also used as a remedy for stress, calms and makes it easier to fall asleep. Lemon verbena infusion should be used as a way to strengthen immunity, not only in the state of the cold or flu.
Due to their anti-inflammatory, antiviral, analgesic and antibacterial properties, preparations based on verbena extracts have a positive effect on the immune system. It is worth using them all year round to strengthen immunity. However, they are especially recommended in the autumn and winter, during the increased amounts of bacteria and infections around.
The ingredients contained in it help reduce fever, relieve cough, and according to the latest research - they are even able to inhibit the development of Staphylococcus aureus.
