lemon verbena

General

Trade Name(s)

• Aloysia triphylla

• herb louisa

• louisa

• Verveine citronelle

Ther. class.
antianxiety agents
gastroinestinal anti inflammatories
sedative/hypnotics

Action

Essential oil may contain bactericidal and irritant compounds.

Therapeutic Effect(s):

• Digestive regularity.

• Relief of anxiety.

• Sedation.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Unknown.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism and Excretion: Unknown.

Half-life: Unknown.

TIME/ACTION PROFILE

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO	unknown	unknown	unknown

Contraindication/Precautions

Contraindicated in:
None.

Use Cautiously in:
Pregnancy and lactation (insufficient information).

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Derm: contact dermatitis (topical).

GU: kidney irritation from volatile oil excretion .

*CAPITALS indicates life-threatening.
*italic indicates most frequent.

Interactions

Natural Products-Drug
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

• Bulk leaf:^OTC

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.

Potential Nursing Diagnoses

• Diarrhea

• Anxiety

• Deficient knowledge , related to medication regimen (Patient/Family Teaching)

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.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

• Normalization of bowel regimen.

• Elimination of epigastric discomfort.

• Reduction in anxiety.

• Restful sleep.