What is Aloysia triphylla (Lemon Verbena)?

Aloysia triphylla is a lemon-scented herb traditionally used in teas and extracts. It contains polyphenols and essential oils that may contribute to antioxidant and calming effects.

What are the potential benefits of Lemon Verbena?

It is commonly used for digestive comfort, relaxation and sleep support, and general antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support. Evidence in humans exists but is limited and not definitive.

How much Lemon Verbena extract is typically used?

Common supplemental ranges are about 400–600 mg per day of extract. Product strength varies, so follow the label and consider professional guidance if you have medical conditions.

Can Lemon Verbena help with sleep?

Some small clinical studies suggest Lemon Verbena extract may support sleep onset and perceived sleep quality. Effects can vary by individual and formulation.

Is Lemon Verbena safe, and who should avoid it?

It is generally used as a tea or supplement, but safety depends on dose and individual factors. Pregnant or breastfeeding people, those with allergies, or anyone taking medications should consult a clinician before use.

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Aloysia
triphylla

Limited research available·3/10

A higher score indicates better study conditions, but not necessarily effectiveness.

Aloysia triphylla (Lemon Verbena) is a lemon-scented herb used in teas and supplements for digestive, anti-inflammatory, and calming effects, though robust clinical evidence remains limited.

Digestion & Gut Health Sleep Improvement Exercise Recovery Anti-inflammatory Antioxidant Anxiety Relief Weight Management

dose range

400–600 mg/day

once daily or divided doses

Consumption

Take with or after meals. Lemon Verbena tea can be consumed with food or in the evening.

Not fat-soluble.

Best time

Often used after meals or before bedtime for digestive or sleep support.

Description

Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla) is a South American herb traditionally used for its refreshing aroma and medicinal properties. Its leaves are rich in polyphenols and essential oils that may yield antioxidant and calming effects. It is commonly consumed as tea or in extract form.

benefits

Main effects with level of evidence

Limited

Note on evidence

There is promising but preliminary evidence from human and animal studies for several applications, but large and well-controlled trials are lacking.

Supports digestive health

Limited

Traditionally used to relieve digestive complaints such as indigestion, gas, and colic; lab and anecdotal data suggest possible antispasmodic effects in the gut.

Particularly relevant for: adults with mild digestive discomfort

S1 · WebMD - Lemon Verbena S2 · Healthline - Lemon Verbena: Benefits, Side Effects, and More

May aid sleep and relaxation

Limited

Several small clinical studies suggest Lemon Verbena extract may improve sleep onset and quality, particularly in people with insomnia.

Particularly relevant for: individuals with mild insomnia or occasional sleeplessness

S7 · PubMed: Lemon verbena as a sleep aid in insomnia

Provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

Limited

Supplementation reduced markers of inflammation (e.g., C-reactive protein) and oxidative stress in limited clinical studies and laboratory models.

Particularly relevant for: adults seeking antioxidant support

S3 · PMC Article: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits of lemon verbena S5 · Examine.com - Lemon Verbena

May reduce muscle damage after exercise

Limited

Preliminary trials indicate Lemon Verbena extract may protect against exercise-induced muscle damage, potentially improving post-exercise recovery.

Particularly relevant for: athletes · exercise enthusiasts

S3 · PMC Article: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits of lemon verbena S5 · Examine.com - Lemon Verbena

Safety & Information

Important safety information & known risks

For educational purposes only • not medical advice

Lemon Verbena appears safe for most adults when used in moderate amounts, but high doses or use by high-risk groups may pose a risk.

warning notices

Short-term use of standardized extracts is generally well-tolerated.
Kidney irritation has been reported with excessive use or in sensitive individuals.
Dermatitis is possible in rare cases, likely due to skin contact or topical exposure.
Safety during pregnancy and lactation is not established.
Avoid use during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.
Do not use in large amounts if you have kidney conditions as it may cause irritation or worsen kidney disease.
Monitor for skin reactions; discontinue if dermatitis develops.
Use caution and consult a clinician if you take sedative medications as effects may be enhanced.

Known interactions with medications

Sedatives or CNS depressants
Nephrotoxic agents

Contraindications / special precautions

Kidney disease
Pregnancy
Breastfeeding

interactions

Important interactions between active ingredient ↔ supplement / medication / food

Aloysia triphylla may interact with medications that have sedative effects and may exacerbate kidney concerns when combined with nephrotoxic agents.

May increase effects of sedative drugs

drug · Sedative medications

CautionLimited

Why

Lemon Verbena has mild CNS depressant or sedative-hypnotic effects based on preliminary studies.

recommendation

Use with caution and consult a healthcare provider before combining with sedatives.

S1 · WebMD - Lemon Verbena S2 · Healthline - Lemon Verbena: Benefits, Side Effects, and More

May increase risk of kidney irritation with nephrotoxic medications

drug · Nephrotoxic drugs

CautionLimited

Why

High doses of Lemon Verbena may irritate the kidneys, potentially adding risk if used with medications harmful to kidney function.

recommendation

Avoid high intake and consult a specialist if you have kidney concerns or take nephrotoxic drugs.

S1 · WebMD - Lemon Verbena S6 · EFSA Journal - Scientific Opinion on the safety of lemon verbena

mechanisms of action

Brief explanations of how it works

Polyphenol-mediated antioxidant activity

Rich in verbascoside and other polyphenols, Lemon Verbena scavenges free radicals and downregulates inflammatory pathways in preclinical models.

S3 · PMC Article: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits of lemon verbena S5 · Examine.com - Lemon Verbena

Mild sedative and antispasmodic actions

Extracts may act on neurotransmitter pathways to promote relaxation and may relax smooth muscle in the digestive tract, contributing to digestive and calming benefits.

S2 · Healthline - Lemon Verbena: Benefits, Side Effects, and More S7 · PubMed: Lemon verbena as a sleep aid in insomnia