lemon verbena

Complementary/Alternative Medicine: This monograph describes a natural or herbal product that is not subject to FDA guidelines for medicines. Patients and clinicians are advised to read package labels carefully to ensure safe and efficacious use.

REMS

Digestive disorders (diarrhea, dyspepsia, constipation), agitation and insomnia; flavoring agent

Action ⬆ ⬇

Essential oil may contain bactericidal and irritant compounds.

Therapeutic effects:

Digestive regularity.
Relief of anxiety.
Sedation.

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Unknown.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown.

Half-Life: Unknown.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO	unknown	unknown	unknown

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

Contraindicated in:

None.

Use Cautiously in:

Pregnancy and lactation (insufficient information).

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

Derm: contact dermatitis (topical)

GU: kidney irritation from volatile oil excretion

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Natural-Drug Products:

None known.

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

PO (Adults ): 1 cup tea 2–5 times daily. Tea is made by steeping 5–29 g leaf in 1 L of boiling water for 10–15 min then straining.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

Assessment ⬆ ⬇

Assess patient for epigastric or abdominal pain, frank or occult blood in the stool that may be indicative of an ulcer. Evaluate frequency and consistency of stool and amount of herb that is consumed.
Assess degree and manifestations of anxiety and response and quantity of herb consumed.

Implementation ⬆ ⬇

Steep leaves, strain and drink as a tea.

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Avoid contact with skin (may cause irritation). If this does occur promptly wash the area with free running water.
GI: Encourage patients to use other forms of bowel regulation, such as increasing bulk in diet, increasing fluid intake, and increasing mobility. Normal bowel habits are individualized and may vary from 3 times/day to 3 times a week. Warn patients that chronic use of laxatives may create dependence so that having a bowel movement without assistanc may become more difficult.
Inform patients to report chronic diarrhea or persistent epigastric pain that does not improve or the need for consistent use of this herb to their health care provider.
GU: Warn patients that this herb may affect the kidneys. Consistent, excessive use should be reported to the health care provider so kidney function may be assessed.
Anxiety/Hypnotic: Inform patients that the need for consistent use to manage anxiety or to induce sleep should be reported to their health care provider. Encourage patients to manage anxiety and difficulty sleeping with other natural therapies such as relaxation techniques inclusive of meditation.

section name header

Classifications ⬇

Indications ⬆ ⬇