Lemon balm, fragrant plant with countless properties!

Lemon Verbena, also known as Lemon Balm, or Cedrina, or Scented Verbena, has the scientific name Lippia Citriodora or Aloysia Citriodora, and belongs to the Verbenaceae family. It is a shrub-like perennial plant, with a woody stem that can reach two or even three meters in height when the plant is in a climate favorable to its growth.

The leaves are deciduous, lanceolate, and leafless, light green, and very aromatic, with a fragrance similar to that of lemon balm and lemongrass. An essential oil is extracted from them with an intense lemon scent.

The flowers of the plant are small, white with violet hues, gathered in terminal spikes, and appear at the end of the summer season. Propagation occurs in July, when a cutting of about eight centimeters is taken from the branches and stem, which is then planted in a mixture of peat and sand. The rooted cuttings are then planted in the following May, when they will have gained enough strength and robustness.

This is an aromatic plant with a thousand virtues: its use is highly appreciated in the kitchen, as an ingredient in numerous recipes, as well as in herbal medicine, for remedies and infusions capable of alleviating certain disorders. Its use as a component for the production of liqueurs should not be forgotten.

To be used, the leaves should be collected and quickly dried to avoid losing their essence, although sometimes they are also used fresh. They can be used to prepare infusions or herbal liqueurs, to flavor oil and vinegar, or to make jams, fruit salads, jellies, ice creams, and much more. The fragrance of the leaves is very persistent, and they are often used in potpourri compositions.

LEMON VERBENA: HOME GROWING

Lemon Verbena can only be planted in the ground in regions with milder climates. In other areas, it is recommended to cultivate it in pots, which must be kept indoors from autumn until the following spring. The plant should be placed in a sunny and sheltered location: the ideal would be against a south-facing wall. If the area is warm enough, it can be cultivated in moist, drained, sandy garden soil.

During the summer, it needs to be watered frequently to keep the soil consistently moist. In winter, however, it should be barely watered. Pay attention to water drainage, as stagnation can cause the leaves to turn yellow. If the tips of the leaves and shoots wilt, it means the plant is suffering from drought.

In April and August, apply a complete fertilizer. Lemon Verbena does not require special pruning, except to remove dry and damaged parts that could compromise the health of the plant. It is very robust and is not prone to attacks from specific pests or diseases.

LEMON VERBENA: THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES

Lemon Verbena is rich in astringent substances, with calming effects, as it is a source of melatonin, known for being a natural relaxant. For this reason, it is widely used in herbal medicine for infusions and digestive teas and to promote nighttime sleep. The teas are also very useful for eliminating intestinal gas, combating the feeling of bloating. It is also very helpful for those who suffer from loss of appetite, perhaps due to treatments, as it stimulates appetite. The infusion with Lemon Verbena is prepared in doses from 5 to 20 grams per liter depending on its function, from simple digestive to antispasmodic for stomach pain.

Lemon Verbena also has antipyretic properties: a hot infusion can lower fever and treat colds and respiratory tract inflammation. Used externally, it is effective for those suffering from teenage acne and for treating boils and cysts. Used as a compress on the eyes, it can help relax them and combat redness or swelling caused by daily stress and urban smog.

For herbal use, young leaves and flowering tops are dried, which should be collected twice a year, in late spring and early autumn. Drying takes place in dark, ventilated places, where the leaves are stored in cloth bags.

Fresh Lemon Verbena leaves can also be used, for example, for a refreshing bath or to create a natural tonic solution for facial skin.

The oil extracted from Lemon Verbena is widely used in the cosmetic industry: it is used to make soaps, toothpastes, and various beauty products.

LEMON VERBENA: TIPS FOR USE IN THE KITCHEN

Lemon Verbena is often used in cooking to flavor dishes, thanks to its delightful lemon aroma, which does not overpower but rather enhances the taste of food. It is perfect for fillings, to flavor meat, fish, chicken, and other poultry dishes, particularly for game, as it mitigates the unpleasant "gamey" aftertaste for many. It is delightful in salads, fruit salads, ice creams, and is often used to prepare jellies, jams, fruit cakes, and even herbal liqueurs.

A very inviting and easy recipe to make is Spring Vegetables with Lemon Verbena. To prepare this tasty dish, you will need potatoes, carrots, pearl onions, peas, mint, basil, and Lemon Verbena, along with oil, salt, pepper, and vegetable broth.

Cut the vegetables (except for the peas) into pieces and sauté them in a pan with seasonings and herbs for about ten minutes. The peas should be blanched separately in vegetable broth with a grind of pepper until they become tender. Add them to the vegetables in the pan, continue cooking for a few more minutes, and serve. Enjoy your meal!

Among sweet recipes, the basil and Lemon Verbena sorbet is undoubtedly the most tempting! It pairs very well after a fish-based lunch, but is also enjoyable as an intermezzo for an aperitif on a warm summer afternoon. To prepare it, use a lemon, basil, Lemon Verbena, water, sugar, a not too sweet sparkling wine, and an egg white.

For preparation, you need to make a syrup of water and sugar and let it cool. Then combine it with the Lemon Verbena and basil leaves and blend everything. Add the lemon juice and sparkling wine, mix well, and put it in the freezer. Whip the egg white until stiff peaks form. Remove the mixture after half an hour, crush it with a fork, and fold in the whipped egg white. Return to the freezer for another half an hour, then remove and crush again with a fork. At this point, your sorbet will be ready. Serve, and cheers!

Lemon Verbena can be very useful both for preparing a delicious dish and as an herbal remedy: truly a precious help at home!

S&M