Lemon Verbena Tea Recipe: Soothing, Simple, and Full of Natural Benefits

Lemon verbena tea is a fragrant herbal drink known for calming the mind and supporting digestion. With its light citrusy flavor, tea with lemon verbena brings comfort and wellness in every cup. Whether brewed fresh or dried, it’s a simple way to relax and recharge and pairs beautifully with refreshing options like cold brew green tea or soothing drinks like apple cider vinegar detox drink.

Table of Contents
Lemon verbena tea with dried leaves steeping in clear glass mug
Herbal lemon verbena tea steeped with dried leaves in a clear mug.

The Story Behind Lemon Verbena Tea

From Garden Leaves to Cozy Cups

My love for lemon verbena tea started in my grandmother’s backyard, where the lemony scent of crushed leaves would drift through the summer air. She always kept a bundle of dried lemon verbena tucked away in a glass jar, ready to steep when someone needed calming or comfort. That gentle, citrus-kissed steam rising from her teacup was more than just a warm drink it was her way of saying, “You’re safe, you’re home.”

Years later, when life gets noisy or sleep won’t come, I still reach for that same ritual. It brings the same comfort that I now find in drinks like matcha green tea bubble tea, rooted in tradition, yet timeless in its comfort. There’s something deeply nostalgic about it. Brewing tea with lemon verbena brings back that quiet space where everything slows down. And now, I grow my own little plant on the windowsill, keeping the tradition alive one cup at a time.

Why Lemon Verbena Tea Deserves a Spot in Your Day

Beyond its comforting flavor, lemon verbena tea benefits are backed by nature’s own design. This herb is known for supporting digestion, easing anxiety, and even helping with mild aches and inflammation. That’s why, like my go-to guava matcha milk tea, it has a place in my regular rotation.

Whether you’re dealing with a stressful week or just want to wind down after dinner, It offers both flavor and function. Thanks to its powerful lemon verbena tea properties, it’s more than just a feel-good drink. It’s a wellness ritual.

In the next section, we’ll dig into the science-backed lemon verbena benefits tea lovers swear by and why this simple leaf is worth keeping in your kitchen.

Lemon Verbena Tea Benefits You’ll Love

What Makes This Tea Special

When it comes to gentle herbal remedies, lemon verbena tea stands out for its impressive natural makeup. Rich in plant compounds like citral, verbascoside, and flavonoids, this tea offers more than just a soothing sip. These compounds give the tea its signature citrus aroma, but they also contribute to its health-promoting reputation.

One of the standout lemon verbena tea properties is its antioxidant content. These help fight free radicals that can contribute to inflammation and stress. much like the natural benefits found in ingredients used in apple cider vinegar detox drink. In fact, some small studies suggest that regular consumption of tea with lemon verbena may support joint comfort, reduce oxidative stress, and even promote muscle recovery after workouts. While it’s not a replacement for treatment, many people turn to it as a natural aid for digestion, tension, and sleep.

Everyday Reasons to Sip It

Whether you’re looking for something to settle your stomach or unwind before bed, the lemon verbena benefits tea drinkers appreciate are backed by tradition and science. Here’s a quick look at what one cup can offer:

BenefitHow It Helps
Digestive supportSoothes the stomach and helps reduce bloating after meals
RelaxationEases mild anxiety and supports restful sleep
AntioxidantsHelps fight oxidative stress and supports overall wellness
Mild anti-inflammatoryMay help ease tension or soreness after physical activity

This gentle, non-caffeinated drink is also perfect for evening routines. When your body needs a break from stimulants, lemon verbena tea provides comfort without keeping you awake. And since it’s naturally flavorful, you don’t need to add anything to enjoy it though a bit of honey or lemon doesn’t hurt. If you love cozy drinks without caffeine, you might also enjoy a mug of black milk tea bubble tea, especially in the late afternoon.

Clear glass cup of lemon verbena tea with floating dried leaves
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Lemon Verbena Tea

Lemon verbena tea is a calming, citrus-scented herbal infusion that supports digestion, reduces stress, and adds a touch of wellness to your day. Enjoy it hot or iced, made with either fresh or dried leaves.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cup
Course: Drink
Cuisine: Herbal, Wellness
Calories: 5

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp dried lemon verbena leaves
  • 2–3 fresh lemon verbena leaves (alternative)
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1 tsp honey (optional)
  • 1 lemon slice (optional)
  • 2–3 fresh mint leaves (optional)

Equipment

  • teacup or teapot
  • strainer
  • kettle
  • measuring spoon

Method
 

  1. Rinse the lemon verbena leaves gently under cool water.
  2. Place the fresh or dried leaves into a teacup or small teapot.
  3. Pour hot (not boiling) water over the leaves to release their aroma and oils.
  4. Cover the cup and steep for 5 to 7 minutes depending on your strength preference.
  5. Strain the tea and pour into a cup. Sweeten with honey or garnish with lemon/mint if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 5kcalCarbohydrates: 1gSodium: 5mgPotassium: 20mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 90IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 0.2mg

Notes

Add a touch of honey for sweetness, or pair with mint or chamomile for extra calm. Start with a light brew if you’re sensitive to herbs. Store dried leaves in a cool, dark place for best flavor year-round.

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How to Make Lemon Verbena Tea

Fresh vs Dried: What to Use and Why

One of the best things about lemon verbena tea is its flexibility. You can brew it from freshly picked leaves in the summer or dried ones in the colder months. If you’re lucky enough to have a lemon verbena plant at home, fresh leaves offer the brightest flavor light, lemony, and slightly sweet. Just pinch off a few, rinse them gently, and they’re ready to steep. the same way I stock ingredients for matcha or cold brew green tea, so I’m ready for whatever I’m craving.

Dried leaves, on the other hand, are perfect for year-round sipping. Drying concentrates the essential oils, giving your tea a more robust flavor. You can buy pre-dried leaves from a quality source, or dry your own by tying fresh stems together and hanging them in a cool, dark spot for a week.

To store either version, keep the leaves in an airtight glass jar away from light and moisture. That way, you always have what you need for a relaxing cup of tea with lemon verbena.

Simple Lemon Verbena Tea Recipe

Brewing your own lemon verbena tea at home is easy, calming, and just takes a few minutes. Here’s a basic lemon verbena tea recipe you can customize:

You’ll need:

  • 1 tablespoon dried lemon verbena leaves or
  • 2 to 3 fresh lemon verbena leaves
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • Optional: honey, lemon slice, or mint

Steps:

  1. Rinse the leaves gently.
  2. Place them in a teacup or teapot.
  3. Pour hot (not boiling) water over the leaves.
  4. Cover and steep for 5 to 7 minutes.
  5. Strain and enjoy warm.

This tea pairs well with a light afternoon snack or a quiet moment at the end of the day. The scent alone is enough to make you pause and breathe a little deeper. If you’re experimenting, try blending it with chamomile or peppermint for extra layers of calm.

In the next section, we’ll cover who should be cautious with lemon verbena and whether it’s safe to sip during pregnancy.

Cautions and Pregnancy-Safe Brewing

Who Should Avoid Lemon Verbena Tea

While lemon verbena tea is generally safe for most people, it’s important to know that not every herbal tea fits every lifestyle or health condition. If you have kidney issues, for example, this tea may not be the best choice. Some compounds in lemon verbena can irritate the kidneys if consumed in large amounts, especially in those with preexisting problems.

People with very sensitive stomachs may also experience slight irritation from strong brews. If you’re new to tea with lemon verbena, it’s best to start with a mild steep and see how your body responds. Allergies are rare but possible, particularly for those sensitive to plants in the Verbenaceae family.

As with any herbal remedy, moderation is key. Drinking one or two cups a day is usually considered safe for healthy adults, but if you’re taking medications or managing chronic conditions, it’s wise to check with your healthcare provider first.

Can You Drink Lemon Verbena Tea While Pregnant?

Pregnancy often comes with a long list of “can I drink this?” questions and lemon verbena tea is one that pops up often. The good news is that many herbalists consider it one of the milder herbal teas. It’s caffeine-free, which makes it a popular choice for evening sipping.

That said, there hasn’t been enough research to say for certain that it’s safe in all cases. Most sources recommend sticking to one small cup per day during pregnancy and avoiding overuse. The lemon verbena tea benefits like calming effects and digestive support may be helpful during pregnancy, but again, it depends on the individual.

If you’re unsure, consult your doctor or midwife. They may suggest safer alternatives if you need extra caution. You can also blend a smaller amount of lemon verbena with other gentle herbs like ginger or rooibos to lower the concentration. When in doubt, rotate with gentler options like matcha green tea bubble tea in small servings or non-stimulating blends.

Herbal teas like this can be part of a nurturing, daily routine. Just be sure to listen to your body and sip mindfully. Coming up next, we’ll answer common questions about how to make lemon verbena tea and who it’s best for.

Hot water being poured into glass cup of lemon verbena tea with leaves
Brewing lemon verbena tea by pouring hot water over dried leaves.

Lemon Verbena Tea: FAQ Section

What is lemon verbena tea good for?

Lemon verbena tea is great for calming the mind, soothing digestion, and reducing inflammation. Many drink it for its gentle relaxation effects, especially in the evening. Its antioxidants also support overall wellness and recovery after physical activity.

Who should not drink lemon verbena tea?

While lemon verbena tea is safe for most, those with kidney conditions or sensitivities to herbal teas should avoid it. It can mildly irritate the kidneys in large amounts. Anyone with allergies to the verbena family should also be cautious.

Can I drink lemon verbena tea while pregnant?

Pregnant individuals can usually enjoy small amounts of lemon verbena tea, but it’s best to consult your doctor first. Although considered gentle, herbal teas should always be used with care during pregnancy. Limit intake to one mild cup unless advised otherwise.

How do you make lemon verbena tea?

To make lemon verbena tea, steep one tablespoon of dried leaves or 2–3 fresh leaves in hot water for 5 to 7 minutes. Strain and enjoy. You can sweeten it with honey or enhance the flavor with lemon or mint.

Conclusion

Lemon verbena tea is one of those quiet comforts that brings both flavor and function to your cup. With its delicate citrus notes and soothing herbal properties, it’s more than a simple drink it’s a gentle ritual for mind and body. Whether you’re easing into the day or winding down at night, sipping tea with lemon verbena offers a calming pause that supports digestion, relaxation, and balance.

Easy to make and beautiful in its simplicity, It fits naturally into any wellness routine. Try it freshly steeped, pair it with your favorite snack, and let each cup remind you to slow down and breathe.

If you love relaxing herbal drinks, don’t miss our favorites like apple cider vinegar detox drink, matcha green tea bubble tea, and guava matcha milk tea. Each one brings comfort in its own delicious way.

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