Lemon Verbena Leaf (Aloysia Citrodora) – Herb
Lemon verbena is one of those herbs you'll remember from the first sniff. Its aroma is pure, bright, and surprisingly strong. Each leaf hides so much natural goodness that your day will be instantly brighter. It's not a coincidence that the ancient Incas loved it and Europeans keep it around to this day. What's more, it takes care of your emotional comfort.
Ingredients
Brew & Taste
Verbena infusion is a clear, light golden color, with the aroma reminiscent of lemon peel you just rubbed between your fingers. The taste is pleasantly light, without astringency but with a clear and distinctive lemon note, mostly thanks to the citral and limonene along with other aromatic substances. Verbena tea feels pure and refreshing while giving off a comforting impression. Each sip is natural and mellow.
Origins
Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora, also known as Lippia citriodora) originates from South America, specifically from regions of Argentina, Chile, and Peru. Local indigenous peoples, including the Incas, already appreciated its distinctive aroma and its ability to promote physical and mental well-being. It arrived in Europe in the 17-18th centuries and quickly established itself as a highly valued aromatic herb, not only in monasteries and castle gardens but also in households. Its elegant appearance will captivate you from the first sight. Botanically, it's a subtropical shrub that can grow up to be several meters tall. It has narrow, elongated dark green leaves with finely serrated edges. When you rub them between your fingers, it will immediately release an intense lemon scent – much more pronounced than what we know from lemon balm, for example. In the summer months, lemon verbena blooms with small white to light purple flowers that attract pollinators. Lemon verbena requires a warm, sunny location and well-drained soil. The European variety is not resistant to frost, so it has to be cultivated either indoors or moved there during the winter. The harvested part is its leaves, which, if dried and stored in a dry, dark place, can retain their aroma for several years. The significance of lemon verbena today extends beyond traditional herbalism. It's used not only in tea blends but also in gastronomy, perfumery, and aromatherapy. Its scent is considered one of the purest citrus scents.
Lemon verbena leaves contain a wide range of natural compounds such as:
- citral,
- limonene,
- geraniol,
- nerol,
- flavonoids,
- essential oils.
Lemon verbena is traditionally associated primarily with promoting mental well-being. Health research claims it contributes to emotional comfort and helps manage stress – which makes it an ideal choice when you need to calm your mind and take a moment for yourself.
Benefits of ingredients:
Herb packaging preview
We pack our herbs in a strong, zip-lock aluminum packet which allows you to easily re-seal its contents. Thanks to the hermetic seal, the herbs are protected against humidity, light and foreign odors, all of which could noticeably affect the quality of the brew and the herb itself.
Preparation
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Instructions for preparation
- Pour 250 ml of boiled water (90°C) per 1 teaspoon of tea.
- When brewing in a teapot, add 1 extra teaspoon.
- Covered, steep for 5-7 minutes, then remove the strainer.
DHL
