Lemon Verbena Tea Leaves Cut

Brimming with citrus sensation, Lemon Verbena Tea Leaves 1s a beautifully aromatic and wonderfully luscious beverage, perfect for all occasions! Its unique flavour is reminiscent of the lands from which it originated from, nestled deep within the South American wilderness. Today, however, Lemon Verbena is often lovingly cultivated, and can now be found around the world.

This herbal tea is a fantastic choice for warm, summer evenings on a veranda, or even cold winter’s mornings tucked up in bed. If that wasn’t enough, recent studies have also indicated that the frequent consumption of Lemon Verbena Tea can provide many health benefits to improve your day-to-day life. These include relief from gastrointestinal issues, muscle strengthening capabilities, and even anti-inflammatory properties!

Also known as ‘Verbena’, ‘Lemon-scented Verbena’, ‘Herb Louisa’, and many other different names, the Lemon Verbena plant, botanically named ‘Aloysia citrodora’, is native to Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. It can grow up to 3 metres in height and consists of shiny, pointed leaves, that are about 8cm in length.

These leaves, in particular, exude a potent citrus aroma, and are the main component used in countless culinary dishes, as well as perfumes, air fresheners, potpourris and, of course, tea! Our Lemon Verbena Tea is technically a ‘herbal tea’, owing to the fact it does not contain any leaves from the Camellia Sinensis plant (or, ‘tea’ plant). Despite this, it has long since been nurtured by the tea industry after hundreds of years of mass-cultivation. 

It was first introduced to the ‘Old’ World through Spain, after the French botanist, Philibert Commerson, discovered it growing in South America during the 18th Century. He would proceed to name the Lemon Verbena plant, Aloysia triphylla, until his return to Europe, where he would take Lemon Verbena specimens to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Madrid, Spain.

There, the Spanish physicians and botanists, Casimiro Gomez Ortega and Antonio Paulau y Verdera changed the plant’s name to Aloysia citrodora in honour of Maria Luisa Teresa de Parma (1751-1819), who became the wife of King Carlos IV and ultimately, Queen of Spain.

Soon after its introduction into Europe, mass-cultivation began, with the Spaniards favouring the scent of Lemon Verbena in many different perfumes. It has since been referenced in a number of famous books, films and television programmes, including the 1936 American Civil War novel, ‘Gone with the Wind’. Written by acclaimed American writer, Margaret Mitchell, it is stated in the book that Scarlett O’Hara’s mother considers Lemon Verbena her favourite plant, due to its enticing aroma.

Here at The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company, we can certainly understand why! Yet, we can’t help but wonder whether she had ever considered trying Lemon Verbena Tea, instead! 

Type of Tea: Herbal Tea.

Brewing Instructions: Brew using freshly boiled water and infuse for 5 to 10 minutes. 

How to Serve: Lemon Verbena Tea (Leaves Cut) goes surprisingly well with the addition of lemon. Meanwhile, honey may also be considered for those with a sweet tooth! The choice is yours, but the Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company believe it is best served as it is. 

Tasting Notes: When consumed without any accompaniments, Lemon Verbena Tea consists of distinctively earthy flavours, with slightly sweet citrus undertones - great for afternoon drinking! 

Colour in Cup: Golden liquor, dark in tone. 

Lemon Verbena Health Benefits: In traditional South American medicine, Lemon Verbena was considered a diaphoretic, and was used to stimulate sweating and even break mild fevers. Lemon Verbena Tea is also known to only contain 2 calories per serving, making it a great beverage to include in any exercise routine. In fact, recent research has indicated that this herbal tea’s incredible antioxidant strength can decrease damage done to the muscles during a workout, without inhibiting your body’s development of additional muscle mass. Further to this, the frequent consumption of this brew can improve immune system health, and even treat congestion!