Lemon verbena

Aloysia citrodora

Aloysia citrodora, lemon verbena, is a species of flowering plant in the verbena family Verbenaceae, native to South America. Other common names include lemon beebrush. It was brought to Europe by the Spanish and the Portuguese in the 17th century and cultivated for its oil.This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Lemon verbena leaves are used to add a lemon flavor to fish and poultry dishes, salad dressings, jams, puddings, Greek yogurt, and beverages. It is used in Peru’s national soft drink, Inca Kola. It is the best-selling soft drink in the country, ahead of Coca-Cola and Pepsi Cola. Verbena is therefore a national pride for Peruvians. The fragrant verbena leaves, fresh or dried, can be used to flavor certain culinary preparations (sauces, marinades, cakes, ice cream ...) Its lemon flavor is particularly suitable for cakes, desserts and creams. Lemon verbena is used to make herbal teas and as a liqueur flavoring. The leaves are used in infusions, and can be used to make delicious liqueurs. 

An essential oil is extracted from it, which is used in perfumery and toiletries.

Verbena is used in traditional medicine in Latin-American countries. It is febrifuge, antispasmodic, antifungal, mildly sedative and eupeptic. It also has mosquito repellent properties. The leaves are also used in potpourri.