Lemon Verbena

Lemon Verbena is whole dried leaf of Aloysia citrodora, a fragrant herb with a clean citrus aroma and a gently sweet taste, like lemon zest without the sourness. We stock it as loose leaf so the essential oils stay in the leaf until you brew it, offered in a 4oz pouch, a 1LB bag and a 10lb bulk size.

At a glance

• Whole dried Aloysia citrodora leaf, loose leaf rather than powder
• Essential oil dominated by citral, with limonene, geraniol and nerol
• Caffeine free, bright and lightly sweet
• Tea: 2 tablespoons of leaf in 16oz of water for 15 minutes, water just below boiling
• Offered in 4oz, 1LB and 10lb sizes

The herb. Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora, formerly Lippia citriodora) is a deciduous shrub in the Verbenaceae family, native to Argentina, Chile and Peru. Traders carried it to Europe in the seventeenth century. Its essential oil is dominated by citral, with limonene, geraniol and nerol.

What's in it. Pure dried leaf with nothing added. Citral and limonene supply the citrus aroma and a soft floral sweetness. Because the aroma lives in the volatile oil, water just below a boil and a covered steep keep more of it in the cup.

Dosage and use. Brew 2 tablespoons of leaf in 16oz of water for 15 minutes, using water just below boiling and a lid. Strain and drink warm, or cool and pour over ice. It is a mild herb with no waiting between cups, and being caffeine free it fits an after-dinner slot. The leaf takes a second steep.

What to expect. People reach for lemon verbena when they want something bright and fragrant that still helps them wind down. It is neither sedating nor a stimulant, and it pairs naturally with our English Lavender Flower for a softer evening blend.

Side effects. Well tolerated. Many strong cups in a row can bring mild digestive upset, and those who react to fragrant plants may notice a mild headache. The concentrated essential oil can irritate skin, so use the whole leaf for baths and sachets.

Interactions and cautions. Consult a professional before regular use if pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or with a kidney condition. Its relaxing quality may add to sedative medications. Keep out of reach of children.

Ingredients and storage. Dried lemon verbena leaf (Aloysia citrodora). Store sealed in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat. The volatile oils fade with air, so reseal tightly after use.

Common questions

• How do I brew lemon verbena tea? Use 2 tablespoons of leaf in 16oz of water held just below boiling, with a lid, for 15 minutes.
• Is lemon verbena tea caffeine free? Yes, which is why it fits an after-dinner slot where black or green tea would keep you up.

Disclaimer. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Lemon verbena is a traditional botanical, and traditional use does not establish that it will produce any particular result. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you take any medication or have a medical condition. Use at your own risk and keep out of reach of children. Formulated by Healing Herbals, run by a practicing herbalist of 13+ years.