Lemon Verbena

I first saw a lemon verbena plant on a gardening show on tv. I never really knew what it was, but the guy on tv had said you can use it in cooking and so i was intrigued and within a few weeks i had my own plant to enjoy.

Lemon verbena is native to South America, it has largely become a globally accessible plant and herb due to its powerful medicinal effects and qualities as a food additive.

What is Lemon Verbena?
Lemon verbena is a perennial shrub. A perennial shrub is a plant that lives for more than two years. 

​​Growing Lemon Verbena

Lemon Scented Verbenas reach about 2 meters high. They grow well in a warm, sheltered spot in well drained soil. 
​Lemon verbena's are heavy feeders and, unlike many herbs, benefits from frequent fertilization.
They are a great natural pesticide and i have my plant in the middle of my garden bed to deter bugs and it does a great job!

​Health Benefits

​Lemon verbena is highly used for its medicinal purpose and is used for digestive disorders including indigestion, gas, colic, diarrhea, and constipation. It is also used for agitation, joint pain, trouble sleeping (insomnia), asthma, colds, fever, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, skin conditions, and chills.

​Cooking

Lemon verbena leaves are used to add a lemon flavor to fish and poultry dishes, vegetable marinades, salad dressings, jams, puddings, Greek yogurt and beverages. It also is used to make herbal teas, or added to standard tea in place of actual lemon. When making teas, it is said to help with muscle spasms, stomach pain, menstrual cramping, anxiety, and a fever reducer. 
Masterchef UK once used lemon verbena in a sorbet and that something i really want to try.

Click here for my Lemon Verbena Shortbread Recipe

Credits
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/lemon-verbena.html
https://bonnieplants.com/growing/growing-lemon-verbena/
​​​http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-632-lemon%20verbena.aspx?activeingredientid=632&activeingredientname=lemon%20verbena
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloysia_citrodora
​www.facebook.com/organicfacts