Lemon verbena – what is this plant? Discover its properties, effects and how to drink it!

Are you looking for an infusion with a refreshing citrus aroma that can also help you unwind after a long day? Lemon verbena is here to help! Have you ever wondered what verbena is and why it has become so popular among fans of herbs, teas and a healthy lifestyle? Its unassuming leaves contain a wonderfully refreshing character that makes them suitable for any time of day. It is an ideal choice for anyone who appreciates natural and delicious ways to support their everyday wellbeing.

This remarkable plant from South America is not only a wonderful addition to classic tea or yerba mate, but also an excellent base for infusions prepared on its own. Whether you are looking for gentle, plant-based support as part of your daily routine or simply want to break up familiar habits with an intriguing new flavour, this citrusy herb is sure to impress. In this article, we will take a closer look at its characteristics and traditional uses. You will learn about the lemon verbena properties hidden in its leaves, its traditional applications and the forms in which it works best in everyday life.

Table of contents:

1. What is lemon verbena?
2. Lemon verbena – properties and effects
3. Lemon verbena – uses in cooking and infusions
4. How to prepare lemon verbena for drinking?
5. Dried verbena – which one should you choose?
6. Lemon verbena – contraindications
7. Is it worth drinking lemon verbena?

What is lemon verbena?

When browsing the ingredients of your favourite tea and herbal blends, you may come across various unfamiliar names. In the case of today’s featured herb, it is natural to ask: what is verbena, exactly? Put simply, it is a plant that has won over fans of natural infusions around the world with its powerful, fresh aroma and mild, highly pleasant flavour. Before we move on to how to brew it and how its components may interact with the body, it is worth exploring its history and South American roots.

Verbena – what kind of plant is it and where does it come from?

Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora), originates from the sunny regions of South America, particularly areas that are now part of Argentina, Chile and Peru. For the Indigenous people of these lands, it was much more than an ordinary plant. For centuries, it was traditionally added to hot infusions, including yerba mate. Why? Primarily to soften the natural bitterness of mate tea, but also as a traditional herbal ingredient used to ease the feeling of heaviness after a substantial meal.

Today, high-quality dried lemon verbena is thankfully easy to find, so you do not need to travel across the ocean to enjoy its flavour. A great way to begin exploring this herb is Vivarini dried lemon verbena, which captures the traditional South American character of the plant and offers excellent quality. If you are also interested in other natural infusions and herbal ingredients, take a look at the “Herbs” category in our shop, where you will find plenty of plant-based inspiration from around the world.

What makes lemon verbena distinctive?

Beginners often confuse lemon verbena with common vervain, which grows wild in many parts of Europe. The difference, however, is significant. What immediately sets this South American species apart is its captivating, intensely fruity and refreshing aroma. If you are wondering what lemon verbena works best with, the answer is simple: anything that benefits from a fresh and light character.

Its unique sensory profile comes from the abundance of natural essential oils found within the plant. These compounds are what make verbena tea so pleasant and potentially relaxing. The most notable components include compounds with highly scientific-sounding names, such as citral, nerol and geraniol.

Verbena leaves – aroma and uses

In the fascinating world of herbs, different parts of a plant can have entirely different uses. Sometimes we use the roots, sometimes the flowers, but in this case verbena leaves play the leading role. They are the most valuable and aromatic part of the plant used for preparing infusions.

• ✔️ A fresh lemon verbena leaf is slightly rough to the touch and has a beautiful light green colour. Rub it gently between your fingers and it releases an intense burst of fresh citrus notes.
• ✔️ Properly prepared dried verbena retains most of these appealing aromatic qualities, allowing you to enjoy them throughout the year.

So how can you use lemon verbena in everyday life? Above all, it is an excellent ingredient for delicious and relaxing herbal infusions. A warm verbena infusion or tea with added verbena is often enjoyed after dinner or before bed because of its calming character. The leaves also work well as an original culinary ingredient, an addition to homemade lemonades and even as part of a relaxing home spa routine.

Lemon verbena – properties and effects

Now for the details. We know what lemon verbena is and how captivating its aroma can be, so it is time to take a closer look at what this plant contains. Does its wonderful flavour come with any additional benefits? It may well do. If you are wondering about the potential lemon verbena effects and what this herb may offer as part of your daily routine, it is worth remembering that its traditional uses have been valued in South America for centuries. Today, these traditional applications are increasingly being explored in modern scientific research.

The most important properties of lemon verbena

In the world of herbal infusions, it is unusual to find a plant that is both so pleasant to drink and so versatile in everyday use. Thanks to its distinctive chemical profile, lemon verbena has properties that fit particularly well with the needs of a busy modern lifestyle. What does it offer?

• ✔️ A relaxing character – this is one of the plant’s most appreciated qualities. Thanks to its natural essential oils, an infusion may help you unwind and let go of some of the tension that builds up during a busy day.
• ✔️ Support for digestion – lemon verbena leaves have traditionally been used as a natural herbal ingredient after meals, particularly when you experience a feeling of heaviness.
• ✔️ A refreshing and invigorating flavour – its fresh aroma and citrusy taste stimulate the senses, making lemon verbena a pleasant choice both on cooler evenings and during warm summer weather.

💬 Scientific source: R. Bahramsoltani et al., Aloysia citrodora Paláu (Lemon verbena): A review of phytochemistry and pharmacology, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2018.

This extensive review of the scientific literature suggests that, thanks to its rich phytochemical profile, the plant may have antioxidant, antispasmodic and soothing properties. These findings help explain its long-standing use in traditional herbal practices and natural infusions.

Lemon verbena – effects on the body

Let us take a closer look at how this unassuming herb may interact with the body. Researchers, including specialists in pharmacognosy, have been studying lemon verbena for years. Its potential effects are linked not only to fragrant citral, but also to other active compounds, including verbascoside.

Preclinical studies and literature reviews suggest that the plant has considerable antioxidant potential, meaning that its compounds may help counter oxidative stress. Research has also indicated possible antimicrobial properties. Because of its gentle relationship with the nervous system, lemon verbena is also being studied as a natural ingredient that may support sleep quality and everyday stress management.

💬 Scientific source: A. Martínez-Rodríguez et al., Anxiolytic Effect and Improved Sleep Quality in Individuals Taking Lippia citriodora Extract, Nutrients, 2022.

This study involved people leading fast-paced, stressful lifestyles. It found that taking a lemon verbena extract regularly for eight weeks was associated with a significant reduction in participants’ perceived stress, also reflected in measures such as cortisol levels. The researchers also observed an improvement in sleep quality, with participants spending more time in deep and REM sleep and reporting that they felt more rested in the morning.

It is important to remember, however, that lemon verbena is a natural addition to your diet, not a miracle cure. Enjoying it can be one way to support healthy habits and make time for relaxation more enjoyable.

Verbena tea – potential health properties

The most popular, convenient and aromatic way to enjoy this South American plant is as a simple herbal infusion. How can the verbena tea properties fit into your everyday routine? It is very simple.

Enjoyed as a warm infusion, either on its own or as the basis of homemade blends, it can create a welcome moment of calm. If you experience a feeling of fullness after a particularly substantial meal, a cup of warm verbena tea may be a pleasant addition to your after-meal routine. In the evening, unlike traditional tea, which contains caffeine and may make it harder to fall asleep, a caffeine-free verbena infusion can help create a calming bedtime ritual and prepare you for a restful night.

Lemon verbena – uses in cooking and infusions

Now that you know what makes this plant so fascinating, it is time to invite it into your kitchen. Verbena has many culinary uses, but it feels most at home in water – whether warm or chilled. Its citrusy, refreshing profile makes it an exceptionally versatile ingredient. So how can you introduce verbena leaves into your daily routine and enjoy their flavour and potential benefits?

Verbena for drinking – how can you use it every day?

The simplest and most accessible option is to prepare verbena as a standalone infusion. High-quality dried verbena needs very little else to reveal its wonderfully fresh aroma. Simply pour hot water over the leaves, wait a few minutes and your infusion is ready. Pure verbena for drinking is naturally caffeine-free, making it an excellent choice for a calm, unhurried evening.

If you enjoy experimenting, verbena also works beautifully as a base for your own herbal and fruit blends without stimulating ingredients. What can you combine it with?

• ✔️ With chamomile and lemon balm – together, they create a soothing blend that can become part of a relaxing bedtime routine.
• ✔️ With mint and a slice of fresh lemon – a wonderfully refreshing combination served hot, particularly pleasant after a substantial meal.
• ✔️ As a cold brew – pour chilled water over the verbena and leave it in the fridge for several hours to release plenty of bright citrus notes. It is an excellent base for homemade summer lemonades.

Lemon verbena tea

Perhaps you are wondering what else you can add lemon verbena to. The answer is your favourite tea. Traditional lemon verbena tea, made by combining Camellia sinensis leaves with dried verbena, is a wonderful alternative to ready-made teas flavoured with artificial additives.

A little verbena added to black tea beautifully softens its natural astringency, giving the infusion a character reminiscent of Earl Grey, but with a fresher and lighter profile. Green or white tea combined with lemon verbena takes on a delicate, uplifting character that stimulates the senses. As the tea base contains caffeine, this lemon verbena tea blend is a great choice in the morning or during an afternoon break when you want refreshing flavour alongside a gentle lift.

Verbena as an addition to yerba mate

We should not forget one of the classic combinations from the heart of South America. In Argentina and Paraguay, adding herbs – commonly known as yuyos – to a yerba mate infusion is part of everyday life. If you would like to learn more about this tradition, take a look at our blog article: Yuyos – herbs in yerba mate. Discover new flavours and properties!

Why are verbena and yerba mate such a good combination? The citrus freshness of verbena balances the characteristic bitterness and smoky notes of Ilex paraguariensis. This pairing also creates a refreshing drinking experience that many people enjoy as part of their daily routine. In our shop, you will find a range of ready-made yerba mate blends with verbena, suitable for both hot preparation and ice-cold tereré. Here are some of our favourites.

How to prepare lemon verbena for drinking?

Now it is time to put theory into practice. You already know why this remarkable plant is worth trying, but how can you bring out its full flavour, aroma and natural qualities? Preparing herbal infusions can sometimes seem intimidating at first, but with lemon verbena, the process is remarkably simple. It is a forgiving herb that leaves plenty of room for small mistakes. Let us take a step-by-step look at how to prepare this aromatic drink at home.

How to brew dried lemon verbena?

You do not need any specialist equipment to prepare a delicious, warming infusion. All you need is your favourite mug, a tea strainer and a little patience. A simple infusion made with lemon verbena on its own is the best way to discover the plant’s pure, distinctive flavour without any other ingredients competing for attention.

The key to a successful infusion is using water at the right temperature. Verbena leaves respond well to high heat, so water just after boiling works best. Below you will find a simple step-by-step method.

Your steaming verbena tea is now ready to enjoy. Its fresh yet comforting character makes it especially pleasant on cooler afternoons or after a substantial meal, when you are looking for a gentle addition to your daily routine.

Dried verbena – quantities and brewing time

Although the recipe above is a reliable starting point, good-quality dried verbena leaves leave plenty of room for experimentation. The final flavour of the infusion depends mainly on two factors: the amount of dried herb used and the brewing time. How can you adjust these elements to create your ideal cup?

• ✔️ Infusion strength: the standard ratio is 1 teaspoon per mug, or approximately 250 ml of water. If you prefer a particularly intense citrus aroma, you can increase the amount to 1.5 or 2 teaspoons. Verbena has a naturally gentle profile and, unlike green tea, does not usually become unpleasantly astringent or bitter when you use more herb.
• ✔️ Brewing time: brewing verbena leaves for a shorter time, around 3-5 minutes, produces a light, refreshing and gently fruity drink that is ideal for slow sipping. Extending the brewing time to 10 or even 15 minutes, while keeping the vessel covered, brings out deeper, more herbal notes. Longer brewing also allows more of the plant’s naturally occurring compounds to pass into the infusion.

Hot or cold? Different ways to prepare lemon verbena

One of the great advantages of this plant is its versatility across different serving temperatures. It is delicious as a warming hot infusion, but it also comes into its own when served chilled. As summer approaches and temperatures begin to rise, it is worth making the most of lemon verbena’s refreshing character.

You can prepare it as a classic cold brew by pouring chilled water over the leaves and leaving the infusion in the fridge overnight. However, a quicker and equally impressive way to cool down is to make a homemade lemon verbena lemonade.

This chilled, citrusy drink is perfect for hot days, picnics and relaxed summer gatherings. It is a natural and intriguing alternative to heavily sweetened fizzy drinks. With so many ways to enjoy it at home, it is easy to see why lemon verbena is becoming a favourite herb for everyday infusions.

Dried verbena – which one should you choose?

You already know about the remarkable properties of this South American plant and how easy it is to include in your daily routine. Naturally, this raises an important question: which verbena should you choose to make sure your infusion is not only delicious, but also rich in naturally occurring essential oils? As with yerba mate and high-quality teas, not all dried verbena is the same. The final flavour and aroma depend largely on the drying process, as well as on how the product is stored and packaged.

When choosing dried verbena for yourself, it is worth paying attention to three key factors that can help you make a satisfying purchase:

• ✔️ Appearance: despite the heat treatment involved in drying, high-quality lemon verbena leaves should retain their natural light green colour. Avoid products dominated by brown, faded or greyish leaves, or, even worse, fine tea-like dust. The larger the leaf pieces in the pack, the better.
• ✔️ Aroma: this is an especially important indicator. The dried herb should release an intense citrus fragrance almost immediately after opening the pack. If the aroma is flat, barely noticeable or reminiscent of ordinary dry hay, the verbena may have lost much of its freshness and character.
• ✔️ Packaging: as the distinctive character of verbena comes from volatile essential oils, the herb should be sealed securely. A strong seal, ideally combined with a resealable closure that allows you to open and close the pack repeatedly without losing its aroma, is essential.

If you are looking for a reliable product that meets all of these criteria and can bring a touch of South American sunshine to your cup, Vivarini lemon verbena is an excellent choice for getting started. The pack contains carefully selected leaf pieces with a vibrant colour and an intense, fresh aroma. The product is also stored in secure packaging, helping to preserve its bright citrus character until you brew it in your favourite mug.

Lemon verbena – contraindications

Although natural herbal infusions are widely trusted and can be a pleasant addition to a balanced diet, it is always important to enjoy them sensibly. When it comes to lemon verbena, contraindications are not considered numerous, but certain groups should still take particular care. The herb is generally regarded as suitable for adults when consumed as a conventional infusion. However, because it contains concentrated aromatic compounds and essential oils, some people should seek professional advice before drinking it regularly.

• ❌ Pregnant and breastfeeding women: as with many less familiar herbs, there is not enough clear research to confirm the safety of lemon verbena during pregnancy and breastfeeding. For this reason, it is best to avoid drinking infusions made from the herb during these periods or consult your doctor or midwife beforehand.
• ❌ People with kidney conditions: concentrated essential oils may be unsuitable for people with kidney disease, particularly when consumed in large amounts or over a prolonged period. Anyone with kidney failure or another serious kidney condition should avoid strong herbal infusions unless they have first discussed them with a healthcare professional.
• ❌ People prone to allergies: although sensitivity to lemon verbena is uncommon, anyone with a history of plant allergies or sensitivity to aromatic herbs should start with a weak infusion and a small amount. This makes it easier to observe how the body responds.

It is important to emphasise that these precautions mainly concern highly concentrated preparations, drinking large amounts of strong infusion or using concentrated extracts. For healthy adults, one or two cups of a mild infusion are generally a moderate way to enjoy dried verbena. Remember, however, that herbs are not medicines. If you have a long-term health condition or take regular medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist before introducing a new herbal infusion into your routine.

Is it worth drinking lemon verbena?

We have reached the end of our herbal journey. If you have read this article from the beginning, you now know exactly what lemon verbena is and why it has become so popular around the world, particularly in South American herbal traditions. So, is it worth making it part of your daily routine? The answer is clear: it certainly can be. This natural herb combines a wonderfully fresh flavour with a range of potential benefits that make it a pleasant addition to everyday life.

It is difficult to imagine a more enjoyable way to round off a stressful day. As high-quality lemon verbena brews in your favourite mug, its leaves quickly release their fragrant citrus essential oils, filling the room with an inviting aroma. This can make the infusion a pleasant part of a relaxing routine. Enjoyed after a meal, verbena may also provide gentle support for digestion, while its soothing character can help create a moment of calm for both body and mind.

There are many ways to enjoy the qualities of Aloysia citrodora. A pure infusion is an excellent place to start, but lemon verbena also pairs beautifully with other teas and, of course, with yerba mate, whose characteristic bitterness is softened by its light citrus notes. Whether you choose dried verbena to create your own unique blends at home or opt for the convenience of a ready-made tea or yerba mate blend containing lemon verbena, its refreshing flavour may soon become a regular part of your menu.

Ready for a touch of citrusy refreshment? Brew your favourite infusion and enjoy a moment of natural relaxation.

❓ FAQ – frequently asked questions about lemon verbena

Sources of information:

1. Wikipedia: Aloysia citrodora.
2. A. Martínez-Rodríguez et al., Anxiolytic Effect and Improved Sleep Quality in Individuals Taking Lippia citriodora Extract, Nutrients, 2022.
3. R. Bahramsoltani et al., Aloysia citrodora Paláu (Lemon verbena): A review of phytochemistry and pharmacology, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2018.