Lemon Verbena Tea

Prepared from the leaves of lemon verbena, a perennial shrub, lemon verbena tea is a flavored, aromatic herbal infusion. Because of its high antioxidant content along with anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, diaphoretic, expectorant and other essential properties, this tea is highly popular for providing relief from several ailments.

History and Origin

Being indigenous to Chile and Argentina, lemon verbena was introduced in Europe by the Spanish in the 17^th century.

Apart from being used as a purifier, freshener as well as for a variety of other purposes, its leaves were even utilized for preparing an infusion or tea which would be consumed to calm the digestive system, reduce fever, relieve muscle spasms or even as a sedative.

Lemon Verbena tea health benefits: What is it good for

For digestion

Because of the antispasmodic properties present, this herbal infusion is helpful in soothing and calming the digestive system, as well as alleviating the gastrointestinal spasms, thereby being helpful in minimizing the chances of bloating and cramping, which may otherwise result in a feeling of discomfort.

German researcher Joerg Gruenwald has mentioned about the positive impact of this tea on digestion in one of his works published in 2009 in the journal Clinics in Dermatology.

People having recurrent digestive disorders may try drinking a cup of this tea after a meal to get relief.

Sleep inducing properties

Having sedative as well as aromatic properties, this tea has a soothing effect, thus being beneficial for troubled sleepers especially when consumed before bedtime.

Stress reliever

Apart from its sedative property, presence of antioxidants makes it effective in maintaining the body’s hormonal balance, thus helping in relieving anxiety and stress. Those suffering from stress may consider drinking this tea on a routine basis to keep their nerves calm and de-stressed.

Immune system booster

According to studies and findings, lemon verbena tea is said to help in reducing oxidative stress of our body, thus strengthening white blood cells, and helping in develop a strong immune system.

A study conducted on the extract of lemon verbena in 2012 has deduced that it immensely helped in reducing oxidative stress in athletes.

Weight management

One cup serving of lemon verbena tea is said to contain about 2 calories. Apart from breaking down cellulite, it also has properties that may improve our body’s metabolism resulting in burning of fats. Therefore, those on a weight loss regime can consider adding this tea as a part of their diet plan to maintain a proper physique.

Fever-reducing properties

Lemon verbena tea has antipyretic properties, helping in reducing fever. Its fever-reducing capacity is strengthened further as it also acts as a diaphoretic, inducing sweat, thus helping in breaking down fevers and reducing temperature.

Relieves respiratory congestion

Being an expectorant, this herbal infusion helps in eliminating phlegm and mucus from the respiratory tract, easing the breathing process.

Apart from its benefits mentioned above, lemon verbena tea may provide relief from arthritis and joint pain because of its antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties. It even helps in normalizing the menstrual cycle in women, relieving them from symptoms of PMS. Because of its ability to break down cellulite as already mentioned, it facilitates in toning and calming the skin.

Other uses

• Lemon Verbena tea can be cooled and applied on the eyes using a cotton ball for about fifteen minutes to get rid of puffiness.

How to make lemon verbena tea

Ingredients

• Dried ( one to two teaspoons) or fresh ( half teaspoon) lemon verbena leaves
• Boiling Water (One cup)
• Honey (optional)

Directions

• Put the leaves into a cup of boiling water.
• Steep it for approximately five minutes
• Add honey for a sweeter flavor
• Strain the mixture and drink it hot

You can even mix half cup of mint and lemon verbena leaves together, put them into two cups of boiling water, steep them for three to five minutes, and finally strain the mixture to get a refreshing cup of lemon verbena-mint tea. To make the ice tea you can put ice over the infusion after it has cooled completely. A few chunks of an unpeeled ginger added with the lemon verbena leaves forms lemon verbena ginger tea.

Safety and Precautions

Side effects

Though lemon verbena tea does not have any known side effects, overconsumption may result in nausea, vomiting or other health hazards. Drinking it in excessive amount might also be harmful to the kidney, resulting in stones. If you seem to have skin irritations or allergies after its consumption, stop it right away and talk to your doctor at the earliest.

During pregnancy

Lemon verbena is said to possess labor inducing properties. Thus, pregnant women should refrain from drinking it.

Though it is said to increase the milk flow, lactating mothers should consult a health care provider before drinking it.

Where to buy

You can buy lemon verbena tea online or in stores selling herbal teas. Besides the powdered tea you can even opt for tea bags.