The information given is informative. In case of doubt, consult the doctor. "Botanical" is not responsible for damages caused by self-medication |
|
A detail of the plant |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Common noun : Herb Louisa, Lemonscented Verbena | ||
| Scientific noun: Lippia triphylla (L'Hér.)
O. Kuntze. Lippia citriodora ( Cav.) Kunth |
||
| Family . Verbena Family - Verbenaceae - | ||
| Habitat: Native from South America, it can be found cultivated in many gardens and orchards, because its lemon-like scented leaves and flowers and because of its medicinal properties. | ||
|
|
Characteristics : Scented, deciduous shrub of the
Verbena Family - Verbenaceae - up to 2,5 m Erect stems , ligneous above.
Lanceolate leaves, till 10 cm, in verticils of 3, petiolated. Flowers
gathered in racemes, bell-shaped, purplish outside, more whitish inside.
The fruit is a drupe. Native from South America, it can be found cultivated
in many gardens and orchards, because its lemon-like scented leaves and
flowers and because of its medicinal properties.
|
|
|
Components:
Essential oil very rich in: - Citral: antibacterial, antihistaminic, fungicide, expectorant, anticancerous. Furocumarines Verbenone Flavonoids |
||
|
|
Internal use
Carminative: Very
useful to expel the gases of the digestive tract, avoiding flatulences
and aerofagia. (Infusion of a spoonful of dry leaves for each cup
of water. Two cups a day) Stomach: To make digestion easier or in weak or nervous stomachs, it exercises a stomachic, digestive and tranquilizing tonic function, avoiding the spasms and the dyspepsia - bad digestions accompanied by gases, vomiting sensation and stomach pain - Borneol and limonene are responsible for this last property. (Infusion of a spoonful of dry leaves for each cup of water. Three cups a day, after meals) Bad breath: When one has the tendency to have halitosis,o bad breath it is very useful to carry out mouthwashes with the infusion of a spoonful of leaves and dry flowers for each cup of water. Respiratory system: The infusion
of a spoonful of leaves and dry flowers are beneficial for the affections
of the respiratory system , especially to expel the mucous, reason
why it exercises an expectorant function. In the same way the same preparation
is appropriate to combat cough. Relaxant:It is very appropriate
the infusion of this plant to relax and to strengthen the nerves.
This same infusion one can be added to the water of the bath to get
the mentioned tranquilizing effect.
Another uses : Kitchen : Herb louisa is used in the kitchen like an aromatic plant, to flavor many dishes: fish, chicken, salads, pastries, etc. It also enters in cocktails , sherbets, or cold drinks to whom it contributes with a very exotic touch. Equally interesting it is for " chefs " the sauce of Herb louisa that is elaborated with its leaves, with sugar, flour, butter and lemon juice.
Perfume industry :Being its essential oil very rich in aromatic components and because of its germicide properties, it is used in the industry of the perfumery, entering in the composition of many cleaning products , like soaps, shampoos, tooth pastes, hair lotions, etc. |
|
|
|
||
 |
Picking-up and storing : Flowers will be picked up in summer.
It is convenient to pick up the leaves before the plant bloom. Both
should be dried in the shade and stored in cloth bags in a fresh and
dry place. |
|
