Lemon Verbena

Lemon verbena is a beloved aromatic shrub prized for its bright, lemony leaf and gently relaxing, digestive-soothing nature. The leaf’s essential oils (rich in citral) and phenylpropanoid glycosides—especially verbascoside—give the tea its distinctive bouquet and many of its observed antioxidant and inflammation-modulating actions. Traditionally, it’s taken after meals for bloating, cramping, and nervous stomach, and sipped in the evening to settle a busy mind.

Modern studies of standardized extracts are small but suggest promise: athletes using a verbascoside-standardized lemon verbena extract reported less muscle soreness and quicker recovery, and early work points to sleep-supportive effects and calmative activity. As with many aromatics, whole-leaf infusions remain a gentle, time-honored preparation; tinctures and glycerites are used when a compact format is preferred.

How it’s used

• Digestive support: aromatic bitter/carminative for gas, mild spasms, and post-meal heaviness.

• Relaxation & sleep: mild nervine-relaxant; often combined with chamomile, lemon balm, or passionflower.

• Everyday wellness: pleasant daily tea; pairs well with mint or citrus peel.

Key considerations
Generally food-level safe, but concentrated essential oil can irritate and isn’t used internally. Use caution in pregnancy or when combining with other sedatives due to limited data. As with any herb, stop if irritation or allergy occurs.