Fitness
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Lemon Verbena Tea?

Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Lemon verbena tea is made from the leaves and flowers of Aloysia citrodora, a small perennial shrub native to Chili, Peru and Argentina which is also known by the common names of vervain, verbena, lemon beebrush and Louisa herb. As the various names imply, the plant possesses a strong lemon-like scent with a flavor comparable to licorice laced with mint. As such, this herb has a long history of use in perfumery, most notably in making the classic eau de cologne. In many regions of the world, lemon verbena is also used in the production of alcoholic beverages and to flavor fish and poultry, jellies, puddings and sorbets.

While lemon verbena has a long history of use in South America, the herb wasn’t known in Europe until the Spanish introduced it to England in the 1600s. Since then, the herb has been widely cultivated as a culinary spice and to produce the essential oil of verbena. The leaves and flowering tops are collected to infuse as a tea. In some parts of Europe, particularly in France, lemon verbena tea remains a popular beverage that is served both hot and cold.

There are many health benefits associated with drinking lemon verbena tea.
There are many health benefits associated with drinking lemon verbena tea.

Aside from imparting a distinguishing aroma and flavor, there are many health benefits associated with drinking lemon verbena tea. Traditional medicinal uses include reducing fever and cough. The herb is also believed to possess antispasmodic properties and is used to treat the symptoms of asthma and muscle spasms, including those related to irritations of the stomach and colon. Lemon verbena tea is also reputed to have mild sedative and anti-inflammatory effects and is used to relax the nervous system and relieve itching of the skin.

Vervain flowers can vary in color from white to purple, while their leaves are saw-toothed.
Vervain flowers can vary in color from white to purple, while their leaves are saw-toothed.

Among herbal remedies, lemon verbena represents one of the few medicinal botanicals not found in capsule form. This is likely because the volatile oils in the plant are generally considered more potent than others due to the presence of camphor. In addition, the European Union restricts the use of verbena essential oil as a fragrance ingredient. Direct application of the essential oil to the skin is known to increase photosensitivity, as well as cause contact dermatitis in some people.

Verbena oils include l-limonene, borneol, nerol, geraniol, dipentene, methyl heptenone and other agents. Lemon verbena tea, however, is made from the leaves and flowers of the plant, which has a lower concentration of these constituents. The tea is made by steeping ¼ teaspoon (1 ml) fresh material or 2 teaspoons (10 ml) dried leaf and flowers in a cup (225 ml) of boiling water for 5 minutes and then straining. Honey may be added to sweeten, if desired.

Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Contributing articles to TheHealthBoard is just one of Karyn’s many professional endeavors. She is also a magazine writer and columnist, mainly for health-related publications, as well as the author of four books. Karyn lives in New York’s Catskill Mountain region and specializes in topics about green living and botanical medicine.

Learn more...
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Contributing articles to TheHealthBoard is just one of Karyn’s many professional endeavors. She is also a magazine writer and columnist, mainly for health-related publications, as well as the author of four books. Karyn lives in New York’s Catskill Mountain region and specializes in topics about green living and botanical medicine.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

fBoyle

I didn't know that lemon verbena tea contains camphor. As far as I know, camphor has pain relieving, anti-inflammatory properties. Does this mean that I can use lemon verbena tea topically, for arthritis? Will it be effective that way?

I've never made lemon verbena tea. I usually use the leaves in cooking. But I'm going to try some tonight for the health benefits.

fify

@donasmrs-- You can make tea with just lemon verbena leaves like the article said or you can add the leaves to other teas. The flowers are a great addition, but it's not always available since the flower isn't always blooming.

I personally don't like strictly lemon flavored tea, so I usually make black tea and add some lemon verbena leaves to it. When I have a cold or a flu, I mix lemon verbena with chamomile tea and fresh ginger. I also add honey. It's an excellent tea for colds, it makes me feel so much better.

Lemon verbena is a relaxing tea and can help promote sleep. So if you mix it with a similar tea like chamomile or lavender, it can used as a sleep aid.

donasmrs

I was gifted a lemon verbena plant in a pot a few weeks ago. It's been sitting by the window in my kitchen, and it smells so good, like freshly cut lemon. I know that the leaves can be used to make tea, but how do I make it exactly? Should I simply steep the leaves in hot water? Or should I mix it with other herbal teas?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • There are many health benefits associated with drinking lemon verbena tea.
      By: aleksandra_1981
      There are many health benefits associated with drinking lemon verbena tea.
    • Vervain flowers can vary in color from white to purple, while their leaves are saw-toothed.
      By: Le Do
      Vervain flowers can vary in color from white to purple, while their leaves are saw-toothed.