Lemon Verbena: Uses, Benefits & How to Use This Fragrant Herb

The lemon verbena herb, which originated in South America, was introduced to North America in the 1800s. The plant has a distinct and clean lemon scent and is best enjoyed when cut in the summer.

Personal Fragrance

• Lemon verbena is added to colognes and toilet water to use as a personal scent and is put into bathing soaps for fragrance.

Hair

• You can boil the plant's leaves in water and rinse your hair with it after shampooing and conditioning to improve the circulation in your scalp.

Household

• The herb can be dried and included in potpourris or sachets that can be tucked into closets and drawers to keep them smelling fresh.

Health

• Infusions that contain lemon verbena are recommended for reducing stress, clearing up a cold and improving digestion.

Cooking

• If a recipe calls for lemon zest or you simply want to give dishes like salads, fish, rice, pasta and pastries flavoring, verbena can be used.

Tea

• This herb is known for making a refreshing cup of hot tea when combined with mint.