Lúcia Lima, scientific name Aloysia citrodora , is a medicinal plant originating in South America and is considered truly miraculous due to its relaxing properties that help calm the nervous system and relieve the dreaded migraines, in addition to being a great ally for who is lacking in sleep, as it helps to regulate it. This plant is a shrub that can reach from 3 to 7 meters in height and exudes a strong lemony aroma, it is a species of angiosperm of the verbenaceae family popularly known as Bela Luísa, Erva Luísa, Doce Lima among others.
Coming from countries like Brazil, Peru, Argentina and Chile, it was taken to Europe where it enchanted 18th century perfumers thanks to its lemon-like aroma. They ended up including Lúcia Lima in the essences used for the production of perfumes at the time. This plant is rich in essential oils, mainly citral (30% of its total), limonene, cryonelol, eucalyptol and geraniol, which guarantees a very pleasant aroma and were responsible for its introduction in European perfumery. On the European continent it is only cultivated in some areas of Southern Europe.
Index
PROPERTIES
- Antioxidant
- Calagoga
- Anti-inflammatory
- antibiotics
- spasmolytic
- digestive
- Carminative
- Hypertensive
BENEFITS
Lúcia Lima, in addition to being known as a relaxant, is quite famous for its digestive properties, helping to alleviate that malaise after a heavy meal such as feijoada, for example, relieving the feeling of nausea. However, it is good to pay close attention, as the prolonged use of Lúcia Lima can even harm the stomach instead of helping to treat it.
It is also carminative, that is, it acts as a buffer for intestinal gas. As it is antispasmodic, it acts on the digestive system, helping to prevent gastrointestinal cramps and the uncomfortable menstrual cramps. As a hypertensive, Lúcia Lima helps to lower blood pressure.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Lúcia Lima, as mentioned above, can harm the digestive system if consumed for a very long period.
HOW TO USE IT?
Plants can be used as a repellent for mosquitoes and insects. Its leaves can be used as a seasoning for salads, vegetables, fish dishes and even some drinks. You can still enjoy its medicinal properties through a tea or herbal tea, just add a tablespoon of Lúcia Lima to a cup of boiling water. Drink twice a day preferably without added sugar.
