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.

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

Contraindicated in:

• None.

Use Cautiously in:

• Pregnancy and lactation (insufficient information).

Derm: contact dermatitis (topical).

GU: kidney irritation from volatile oil excretion.

Natural-Drug Products:

• None known.

• Bulk leaf: ^OTC;

• 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.

Aloysia triphylla, herb louisa, louisa, Verveine citronelle

• Essential oil may contain bactericidal and irritant compounds.

• Digestive regularity.
• Relief of anxiety.
• Sedation.

Therapeutic Classification: antianxiety agents, gastrointestinal anti-inflammatories, sedative/hypnotics

Absorption: Unknown.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown.

Half-life: Unknown.

• 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.