Herb Profile: Lemon Verbena

Herb Profile: Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla)

Description:
Lemon verbena is a tender 1-2' tall annual in our climate, but in Argentina and Chile where it originated, it grows up to 15 feet tall! The aroma is intoxicatingly sweet and citrus-y, definitely a show stopper. It's used to make a tasty tea, in lotions and oils, and as a spice. 

Nutrition:
Lemon verbena is most often used as a tea to aid digestion, tonify the stomach and intestines, is a calming and soothing nervine, and is helpful in cases of fever. 

​Storage:
Lemon Verbena is so cold tolerant that it doesn't keep well in the fridge. Best to either keep in a glass of water on the counter and use within 2-3 days, or simply hang to dry for tea or cooking right away. 

Use:
Use fresh or dried for baking, teas, sweets, stirfried vegetables, or anywhere you would like an extra hint of lemon! 

Sources:
​The Gift of Healing Herbs by Robin Rose Bennett
The Rodale Encyclopida of Herbs
Our own experience!

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