2. Relieves Joint Pain
As we age, taking care of the health of our joints is vital. Research has found that lemon verbena might help maintain joint health. In fact, one study found that consuming a supplement with antioxidant-rich lemon verbena as well as omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) can be an alternative treatment for joint management. In this study, conducted in 45 subjects with joint pain and discomfort, some participants took the supplement for 9 weeks while others took a placebo. At the end of the study, it was found that the former noticed a significant reduction in pain and stiffness as well as improved physical function, while the latter didn’t. And these positive effects began to appear at weeks 3 and 4. While further research is needed to fully validate this benefit, it does make lemon verbena a good addition to an overall healthy diet.3
3. May Help Fight Staph Infections
Staph infections can anything from minor skin irritation, nausea, and vomiting to diarrhea, dehydration, low blood pressure, and life-threatening complications. Fighting them is tricky, especially since antibiotic resistance is on the rise. Finding natural ways to treat it is, hence, vital. Several laboratory studies have found that an ethanolic extract of lemon verbena can prevent the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. One recent study, conducted in animals with skin infections due to staph, divided subjects into 4 groups and treated them for 7 days with either no treatment, a conventional topical antibiotic, ointment prepared from ethanolic extract of lemon verbena, or an injection of lemon verbena solution. The rate of recovery of wounds and the presence of pus were analyzed over the duration of the treatment. Researchers concluded that the ointment was successful at treating and preventing the development by Staphylococcus aureus in the early phases of the infection.4
