Brought to Europe by Spanish and Portuguese explorers returning from the coasts of Chile, Peru, and Argentina in the 17th century, Aloysia citrodora — Lemon Verbena — was so prized for its intensely lemony fragrance and digestive properties that it quickly became a royal garden staple, favored by Queen Marie Antoinette and cultivated throughout the formal gardens of France and Spain within decades of its introduction.
Lemon Verbena contains one of the highest concentrations of the volatile oil citral found in any herb — giving it an intensely clean, bright lemon aroma far more potent than lemon balm or lemongrass. Herbalists value lemon verbena for its exceptional digestive support: it gently stimulates digestive secretions, soothes stomach discomfort, eases bloating and cramping, and supports healthy gut motility. Beyond digestion, lemon verbena has calming, nervine properties that ease mild anxiety and support restful sleep, and its antioxidant compounds — particularly verbascoside — provide meaningful anti-inflammatory activity. In European folk magic and Afro-Caribbean traditions, lemon verbena is associated with love, purification, and psychic clarity — used in mojo bags, love sachets, and ritual baths to attract positive energy and enhance intuition.
For a citrus wellness trifecta, lemon verbena pairs magnificently with our Lemon Balm — whose honeyed citrus notes complement verbena's sharper lemon — and Lemon Peel for a bright, three-dimensional citrus blend with combined digestive, nervous system, and Vitamin C benefits. Adding Peppermint brings cooling, refreshing contrast that elevates the blend into a perfect after-dinner digestif.
Lemon verbena may cause kidney irritation with very high or extended use — do not use in excessive amounts for prolonged periods, and those with existing kidney conditions should use with caution. Avoid therapeutic amounts during pregnancy. Lemon verbena is generally well-tolerated and safe at normal herbal tea amounts. As always, consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
* Highest citral concentration of any herb — intensely bright, clean lemon aroma and flavor
* Exceptional digestive herb that soothes bloating, cramping, and stomach discomfort
* Gentle nervine that supports relaxation and mild anxiety relief
* Contains verbascoside, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound
* Works synergistically with Lemon Balm and Lemon Peel for layered citrus wellness support
* Used in European, Afro-Caribbean, and folk traditions for love, purification, and psychic clarity
1. Measure 1–2 teaspoons of dried Lemon Verbena per 8 oz cup.
2. Heat water to 200°F (just below boiling).
3. Steep 5–10 minutes, covered (lemon verbena's delicate volatile oils dissipate with too long a steep).
4. Strain and enjoy. The flavor is bright and clean — exceptional hot or cold.
5. Drink 1–2 cups daily, or after meals for digestive support.
CITRUS DIGESTIVE BLEND: Combine 1 tsp Lemon Verbena, 1 tsp Lemon Balm, 1 tsp Lemon Peel, and 1/2 tsp Peppermint. Steep 8 minutes. Drink after meals for a refreshing, powerful digestive formula.
ICED LEMON TRIO: Cold brew Lemon Verbena, Lemon Balm, and Lemon Peel together in cold water for 8 hours. Strain and serve over ice — bright, refreshing, and deeply therapeutic.
