Herbal tea · South America
Lemon Verbena
Intensely lemony herb with bright citrus aroma, more potent than lemongrass.
How to brew
| Leaf | Water | Temperature | Time | Infusions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western | 1 g | 250 ml | 85°C / 185°F | 4 min | 3 |
About this tea
Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora), native to South America, possesses the most intense lemon fragrance in the plant kingdom. Spanish conquistadors brought it to Europe, where it became prized for perfumes and liqueurs. The essential oil concentration exceeds lemongrass, creating almost overwhelming citrus intensity. Victorian ladies carried dried leaves as natural perfume. This tender perennial requires greenhouse cultivation in cold climates, adding to its precious nature.
The lance-shaped leaves release explosive lemon fragrance when touched. Harvesting occurs throughout growing season, with strongest oils before flowering. The leaves dry beautifully, retaining fragrance for years. Quality lemon verbena shows whole, pale green leaves with intense aroma - crushing a single leaf should perfume an entire room. Broken leaves lose oils faster.
The flavor profile is pure, intense lemon: like lemon zest concentrated tenfold, bright and clean without any bitterness or acidity. There's natural sweetness and almost sherbet-like quality. The intensity can overwhelm - less is definitely more. Some detect floral undertones beneath the citrus. The pale yellow liquor releases lemon aroma that clears sinuses and lifts moods instantly.
Brewing recommendations: Use sparingly - just 3-5 leaves or 1/2 teaspoon (1g) dried per 250ml cup. Water at 85°C (185°F) prevents bitterness. Steep only 4 minutes - oversteeping creates medicinal flavors. Often better blended than alone. Combines beautifully with mint, chamomile, or green tea. Makes exceptional iced tea.
Traditionally used for digestive issues and anxiety in South American folk medicine. The intense citrus aroma provides instant aromatherapy - uplifting and calming simultaneously. May help with insomnia when combined with other bedtime herbs. Safe for most people but the intensity can cause heartburn in sensitive individuals. Perfect palate cleanser after meals. In France, used in liqueurs and perfumes. The dried leaves maintain fragrance in potpourri for years. Growing your own provides fresh leaves spring through fall.
Caffeine, in context
Per 250 ml cup, brewed as directed.
Flavor profile
- intensely lemony
- bright
- aromatic
- clean
Health benefits
- digestion
- calming
- fever reduction
- antioxidants
Pairs wonderfully with
- light desserts
- fruit salad
- evening relaxation
- citrus dishes
You might also enjoy
Frequently asked questions
Can you re-steep Lemon Verbena?
Yes — Lemon Verbena gives 3 good infusions. Start at 240 seconds and add a little time to each round.
How much caffeine is in Lemon Verbena?
0 mg per 250 ml cup — Caffeine-free.
What water temperature does Lemon Verbena need?
85°C / 185°F. Hotter water pulls out bitterness; cooler water under-extracts the leaf.
Teafinity times every infusion for you
The app loads this tea's exact schedule, rings even in your pocket, and logs every session — free on iPhone and Android.
