Discover the Benefits of Lemon Verbena 🍋🌿

The fresh, citrusy scent that bursts from the slender green leaves of the lemon verbena bush is nothing short of uplifting. But lemon verbena isn’t just a pretty fragrance in the garden or a fancy flavor in herbal tea—this humble herb is packed with powerful healing qualities. Lemon Verbena is an herb that aids in recovery from physical exertion. That combined with it’s cooling energetics make it one of my favorite summertime teas after long hot hours in the garden! I often pair lemon verbena with mint, which I conveniently planted next to it... This can be as easy as just sticking a sprig of both these plants in your water!

Let’s talk about what makes lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) so special.

🌿 What Is Lemon Verbena?

Native to South America, lemon verbena is a perennial shrub with delicate leaves that release an intensely lemony aroma when crushed. Though it looks gentle, it’s been used for centuries in traditional herbal medicine—particularly in South American and Mediterranean cultures—for its wide range of benefits.

🍋 Health Benefits of Lemon Verbena

Lemon verbena is amazing when it comes to both body and mind wellness. Here are a few ways it can support your health naturally:

• Soothes the Nervous System: Drinking lemon verbena tea soothes the nervous system. It contains neuroprotective and sedative properties making it very calming. It is often used to help reduce anxiety and stress.

• Supports Healthy Digestion: Traditionally used as a digestive aid, lemon verbena can help relieve bloating, cramping, and general stomach discomfort—especially after a heavy meal.

• Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant: Compounds in lemon verbena, including verbascoside, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help reduce joint pain and muscle soreness. In Ecuador, it is used for arthritic complaints. It also has been shown to aid in muscle recovery after exercise, possibly due to the fact that it protects against oxidative damage.

• Boosts Immune Function: It also has mild antimicrobial effects, making it a great choice when you’re feeling under the weather or need a natural immune pick-me-up.

• Promotes Restful Sleep: Sipping a cup before bed may help ease tension and prepare the mind for a peaceful night's rest.

• Clears Congestion in the Liver. This aids in the smooth flow of qi throughout the body, which affects everything emotionally from depression to PMS.

• Has an affinity for the Lungs. This makes it useful for colds, sinus congestion, bronchitis, and relieving asthma.

Whether enjoyed as a tea, infused in oil, or used in homemade bath salts, lemon verbena brings a sense of calm and clarity to daily routines.

🌿 “The Three Lemons”

Quite soon after my dad died, I was listening to a podcast with Mimi Hernandez. She was describing a trip she had taken to somewhere in central America, where the healers suggested she use a tea called the Three Lemons to help walk through some trauma and grief she was experiencing. It was a blend of Lemon Balm, Lemongrass, and Lemon Verbena. In Mexico, Lemon Verbena is used specifically for sadness. I was definitely feeling that so I thought I'd give it a try and bought a few plants. You guys.... I though this was like the cute little "verbena" that you get for bedding plants and put in your porch pots. FALSE. These grow into a good sized shrub by the time the first frost rolls around!!! I had a LOOOOOT of leaves! One plant is plenty for family use and to share with friends- I have two, and it is enough for my practice.

When the Three Lemons are used as a blend — such as in teas, tinctures, or aromatherapy — these herbs enhance and balance each other in ways that increase their individual strengths while smoothing potential overstimulation or over-sedation.

✅ Combined Benefits:

Effect	How the Trio Supports It
Stress relief	Lemon Balm calms nerves, Verbena uplifts mood, Lemongrass grounds and relaxes muscles
Digestive support	All three relieve gas, bloating, and indigestion; Lemongrass enhances liver support
Immune support	Lemon Balm adds antiviral activity, Lemongrass and Verbena bring antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory support
Mental clarity	Lemon Balm improves focus and calm; Verbena gently lifts brain fog
Flavor synergy	Their citrus notes layer together into a fragrant, lemony but not sour profile — smooth, aromatic, and balanced

🌼 How to Use Lemon Verbena

Lemon Verbena has a amazing fruity taste. To me it smells like fruit loops, and lends a delicious taste to tea blends, as it helps balance some less....palatable herbs.

If you're curious to give it a try, here are a few simple ways to incorporate lemon verbena into your routine:

• Lemon Verbena Tea: Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried leaves in hot water for 5–7 minutes. Enjoy warm or iced with a bit of honey or mint.

• Culinary Uses: Add to desserts like sorbets, shortbread cookies, or infuse into syrups for lemony cocktails and mocktails.

• DIY Bath Soak: Add dried lemon verbena to a muslin bag with Epsom salts and lavender for a calming herbal bath.

• Herbal Sachets: Keep dried leaves in small pouches in drawers or under your pillow—your clothes (and dreams) will thank you!

Have you used lemon verbena before? I’d love to hear your favorite ways to enjoy it!