Verbena

An herb originally from the American continent which has become acclimatised to the Mediterranean. It has beneficial properties, a strong lemony flavour and a lovely fragrance.

Properties-Uses: One of the most celebrated herbs for combating obesity and burning cellulite. (Drink a cup of the beverage about 20 minutes before every meal for one or two months and combined with the right diet it will help you regulate your weight.) It has diuretic, detoxifying, antipyretic and antidiarrhoeal properties, while it is also a powerful antioxidant and stimulant. It helps combat bad breath. For a soothing hot drink before going to bed, have a cup of louisa with honey. It should be avoided by people with low blood pressure because of its strong diuretic affects.

Preparation: Boil a teaspoon of louisa in 250 ml water for ten minutes, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a further 5 minutes. Drink hot or cold. You can prepare a larger quantity and keep it in the fridge or take it with you to work.