Lemon verbena doesn’t push itself forward. Its strength lies in subtlety. When used right, it brings clarity, calm, and a clean, citrusy brightness that stands out without overpowering. It’s often found in teas for sleep or digestion, but the full picture is a little richer than that. Here’s what makes lemon verbena worth your attention.
1. It has one of the most intense lemon scents among herbs
Despite its delicate leaves, lemon verbena has a powerful citrus aroma. It’s stronger and more concentrated than lemon balm or lemongrass. A few crushed leaves can fill a room with their scent.
2. It originates from South America
Lemon verbena comes from countries like Argentina, Chile and Peru, where it has been used traditionally in both teas and folk medicine. It was brought to Europe in the 1700s and quickly became popular in herbal gardens.
3. It supports digestion
This herb is often used after meals to help ease bloating, calm the stomach and reduce discomfort. It’s gentle but effective, which is why it’s common in evening herbal blends.
4. It helps calm the nervous system
Lemon verbena is not sedating, but it has a mild calming effect. It can help reduce mental tension and create a sense of ease without dulling your focus.
5. It pairs beautifully with other herbs
You’ll often see lemon verbena blended with lemon balm, mint or chamomile. Its clean, citrusy note lifts the flavour of the blend and adds clarity. In tea, it creates space and offers a moment of quiet brightness.
6. It’s rich in plant antioxidants
Lemon verbena contains polyphenols, including verbascoside, which have been studied for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds support general wellbeing and contribute to the plant’s natural resilience.
7. It’s used in perfumery and skincare
Thanks to its fresh scent and light touch on the skin, lemon verbena is a popular choice in natural body products, oils and fragrances. It adds a gentle brightness without feeling sharp or artificial.
8. It needs to be handled gently when drying
The leaves of lemon verbena are delicate. To preserve their aroma, they must be dried slowly at low temperatures and stored away from light and moisture. This is why high-quality dried lemon verbena still smells remarkably fresh.
Lemon verbena may not be the most attention-grabbing herb in the cupboard, but it offers something more lasting. It brings a calm and steady clarity that fits into both traditional herbal use and modern daily life. Whether you drink it for digestion, relaxation or simply for its clean, uplifting flavour, lemon verbena earns its place by doing exactly what it needs to.
I first came across IVA Plants and Alex their founder at my local monthly Artisan market and decided to try the Sleep Well tea and the Rose Garden Tea. I was very impressed with the lovely aroma and the quality of the ingredients. There is an online shop but I thought I would head down to the market again to stock up. This time I bought dried Chamomile flowers, Rose buds and a Houjicha roasted greentea that she suggested for me as it is lower in caffeine. I would highly recommend all of the purchases I have made.