Product Spotlight: Lemon Verbena

What does happiness smell like? Scarlett O’Hara, from the iconic book Gone with the Wind, would have answered this question with two words: Lemon Verbena. And Laura Ingalls, from Little House on the Prairie, would’ve agreed. Both of these fictional characters connected the scent of Lemon Verbena with beloved people from their childhood. When Scarlett O’Hara picked up on its fresh, fruity, citrus notes she was instantly reminded of her mother’s favorite perfume, while Laura Ingalls associated its aroma with her charming schoolteacher, Miss Beadle.

In the 1970’s, Lemon Verbena saw somewhat of a resurgence in its popularity, which may explain its many mentions in the Little House on the Prairie television series filmed during the same decade, even as the show was based on characters from the previous century. In the 1800’s, Miss Beadle would’ve probably been using a primitive, homemade, DIY concoction of boiled leaves in an alcohol carrier reduced multiple times over the course of months to create her perfume. But since the Victorian Era, Lemon Verbena and its essential oil have gradually become quite prominent in modern perfumery, as many others agree it is indeed a “scent of happiness.” But why is Lemon Verbena a necessity today? Let’s discuss more…

What is Lemon Verbena? How does it differ from other Lemon Varieties?

Lemon Verbena (Lippia citriodora) originated in South America where it had been used for centuries as a crucial element within native folk medicine. This stands in contrast to other varieties of Lemon which are native to different areas of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Many consider the aroma of Lemon Verbena to be the most pleasant, clean, and sweet of all Lemon varieties. The plant’s most obvious distinction is that it does not actually grow lemons, but instead has similarly scented leaves and blossoms which have been used as a viable substitute for traditional lemon fruit flavoring and perfumery since the Spanish brought it to Europe in the 18^th Century. It is now also cultivated throughout Europe and North Africa.

In regard to the Lemon varieties of essential oil, Lemon Verbena stands out as the only one steam-distilled from the leaves of its plant. Traditional Lemon and Lemon Spatafora Essential Oils are both cold pressed from fruit peels. Lemon Verbena Essential Oil is more calming and less stimulating than other varieties of Lemon, even as it still shares their abilities to uplift the mind and deter fatigue.* Its aroma is known to evoke the time of morning when everything is fresh, new, and promising. Amrita is proud to source its Lemon Verbena Essential Oil from France, where it is wildcrafted and held to the utmost standards of quality and purity.

What are the Therapeutic Benefits of Lemon Verbena? Why use you be using it?

The refreshing, citrusy, floral-fruity, aroma of Lemon Verbena Essential Oil is almost universally enjoyable. Known to uplift the spirit while simultaneously alleviating anxiety, it is favored by many as the “queen of all Lemon scented oils.”* As previously mentioned, Lemon Verbena is more calming to the mind and spirit than other Lemon varieties, though it still combats mental apathy and brain fog in a similar manner to Lemon Spatafora and Lemon (yellow) Traditional.* It is also known to tackle digestive issues such as nausea and flatulence.* This is because Lemon Verbena exhibits stomachic and carminative properties.*

Lemon Verbena is additionally known to demonstrate anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic abilities which can address pains, aches, migraines, joint stiffness, muscle soreness, and cramping.* Its antiseptic and detoxifying properties can assist the liver in healthy functioning while it also prevents respiratory and other types of infections.* It is also classified as a febrifuge, meaning it has the ability to help reduce fevers.* And last, but not least, Lemon Verbena is regarded as having tissue-softening qualities as well.*

How would one use Lemon Verbena Essential Oil?

Along with the list of therapeutic benefits associated with Lemon Verbena Essential Oil comes a number of application methods for maximizing your desired results. Apply topically via whole body massage or aromatic bath to enjoy its benefits to your tissues and to the nervous system, while it also physically soothes aches, pains, cramps, and even fever.* Or, topically apply to specific areas in order to maximize effects on localized areas of need, such as on the stomach to alleviate cramping, or on the temples to tackle brain fog.* Keep in mind, however, that due to the phototoxicity of Lemon Verbena Essential Oil, areas of application should not be exposed to sunlight for up to 8 hours after use.* Also, it is recommended to first perform a spot-check on a small area in order to ensure there is no dermal irritation or sensitization before applying broadly.*

Alternatively, another favorite way of enjoying the evocative essence of Lemon Verbena Essential Oil is through diffusion and inhalation. Its scent is simultaneously uplifting and calming, combatting mental fatigue while also soothing frazzled nerves and alleviating stress.* This method of application not only accentuates its effects on the nervous system, but also the digestive and immune systems, while eliminating any potential concerns about phototoxicity or dermal sensitivity.*

• Overall Topical Application: up to 2-3% dilution
  • To focus on specific areas of need such as headaches, muscle cramps, etc., dilute up to 2-3% Lemon Verbena Essential Oil into Jojoba or Hazelnut Carrier Oil (no more than 10-15 drops of Lemon Verbena per tablespoon of carrier oil) and apply to the skin.* Rub on the chest in order to take its therapeutic effects for the mood and mind wherever you go, enjoying its aromatic essence for hours on end.* Note: Spot-check is recommended, along with no sun exposure to areas of application for 8 hours after use.*

• Whole-Body Massage: up to 2% dilution
  • A second topical option is to apply a slightly lower concentration of Lemon Verbena Essential Oil to the entire body along with a soothing massage.* This is a great way to experience the same great effects obtained from other topically applied methods, but for broader, less localized target symptoms.* For a whole-body massage oil containing Lemon Verbena, dilute up to 2% with Jojoba or Hazelnut Carrier Oil (no more than 10 drops of Lemon Verbena per tablespoon of carrier oil).* This method is, perhaps, the most appropriate choice for maximizing the skin-softening effects of this essential oil.* Note: Spot-check is recommended, along with no sun exposure to areas of application for 8 hours after use.*

• Aromatic Bath: up to 2% dilution
  • The delightful aroma of Lemon Verbena Essential Oil can be seamlessly incorporated into a soothingly aromatic bath. Simply dilute up to 2% into your favorite bath salts or bath milk (no more than 10 drops per ounce of bath salts or bath milk) before adding to a full, warm, tub of water.* This topical option nicely balances the mental and physical benefits offered by Lemon Verbena.* Great for the skin and nervous system, it also helps to deter cramps, aches, and pains.* As a rare treat, or as a soothing part of your daily routine, this method is sure to provide well-deserved comfort and rejuvenation.* Note: Spot-check is recommended, along with no sun exposure to areas of application for 8 hours after use.*

• Diffusion / Inhalation: Add a few drops to a Nebulizer or Nasal Inhaler
  • To maximize the therapeutic effects of Lemon Verbena Essential Oil on the nervous, digestive, and immune systems, diffusion/inhalation is the most potent method of application.* By adding a few drops to a nebulizer or nasal inhaler, you can directly take in its sweet-citrusy aromatic essence. Out of all the Lemon varieties, Lemon Verbena is the most subtle and calming, but it can also uplift the spirit while combatting mental fatigue.* And because it is one of the most universally enjoyed scents offered by mother nature, Lemon Verbena is sure to be one of the most popular aromas enjoyed in shared environments, such as offices, boardrooms, classrooms, gyms, etc.*

What would blend well with Lemon Verbena?

The classically adored aroma of Lemon Verbena can easily co-exist with a number of other essential oils. To encapsulate a broad spectrum of citrus profiles, try blending Lemon Verbena with Bergamot and Blood Orange. To conjure up the aroma of warm apple pie on a crisp fall day, try complementing it with some Tangerine and Cassia, or Cinnamon Bark. And if cognitive performance is your main priority, for meditational focus or for acuity in complex mental tasks, then try a blend of Lemon Verbena with Rosemary and Black Pepper.*

Here are a few DIY recipes for you to try in your nebulizer:

Final Thoughts form the Amrita Team…

The beloved, Lemon Verbena perfume-wearing, one-room schoolteacher on television’s Little House on the Prairie, Miss Beadle, was played by actress Charlotte Stewart. During the first season of the show, the cast had a Christmas celebration. Many members of the show’s cast and crew gifted Charlotte with lotions, soaps, and perfumes scented with Lemon Verbena due to her television character’s association with that particular aroma. Stewart recalls, “That became a tradition for the four years I was on Little House. I had no idea you could find so many lemon-verbena scented things in the world! It became a favorite of mine, and I still wear it today.”

It comes as no surprise that the aroma of Lemon Verbena was invoked to drive home the pleasant attributes of Miss Beadle’s character on the show. Obviously, there is no such thing as “Smell-o-Vision,” so the only way the writers of the show could convey to their audience the cordiality of Miss Beadle was with descriptive language. The uplifting, refreshing, and sweet charm of Lemon Verbena turned out to be an absolutely perfect choice for representing those exact same traits shared by Miss Beadle’s character. So, why not choose to express your cheer, optimism, and charm in the same way? And why not allow Lemon Verbena’s therapeutic benefits to be expressed within your mind, body, and spirit as well?* Wildcrafted in France with the highest standards of quality imaginable, Amrita Aromatherapy’s Lemon Verbena Essential Oil is waiting for you to try today!

Happy Blending!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.