Lemon Verbena or Louisa
Aloysia citrodora is a species of flowering plant in the verbena family (Verbenaceae). In Greece known as Louisa. It originates from Latin America when in the 17th century A.D. was transported in Europe by Spanish explorers. Lemon Verbena is a medicinal and aromatic plant with many uses in cooking and personal care. The leaves are lanceolate and the flowers vary in colour and are small with characteristic intense aroma reminiscent of lemon. Blooming takes place during the summer months, when is also the ideal time for collection. The plant leaves are collected in late summer. Its leaves give the scent of lemon in many dishes, sauces, jams, puddings yoghurt, alcoholic drinks and hot beverages. It has anti-fungal properties and can be used to treat Candida albicans.
As a hot beverage it can treat muscle spasms, stomachaches, dysmenorrhea, stress and
fever.