Magical virtues have been attributed to verbena, nicknamed "sacred herb" or "sorcerer's herb". Without promising a miracle, we can right away appreciate its slightly lemony taste, before taking a look at its relaxing properties.
Verbena, an anti-stress plant?
Our ancestors knew plants much better than we do: they were their medicine. Used since ancient times, verbena has gained in popularity for its supposed effects on stress and anxiety. So much so that it has become the ideal drink for evening relaxation.
Where does verbena come from?
Verbena is an aromatic herbaceous plant native to Peru, Chile and Argentina, and is part of the Verbenaceae family. Requiring sun and heat to flourish, it is found everywhere around the Mediterranean basin, including Italy, Spain and the south of France. There are several varieties of plants that are quite similar. The best known are the “common verbena” (verbena officinalis), also called “the herb of Venus”, which has been attributed with magical virtues such as attracting love since ancient times. But also the “fragrant verbena” (or lemon verbena), reputed to be the most intoxicating, most frequently used in infusions. This plant that grows quite easily in temperate and tropical gardens... if you want to give it a shot!
What does verbena taste like?
The aromatic verbena leaf is popular for its pleasant lemony scent. Some will even detect a slight minty or even tangerine taste. Flavours that go very well with exotic dishes, fruit salads, ice creams, desserts or creams. Another idea is to use verbena in a marinade, along with other plants such as ginger or lemongrass, for marinating sea bass or sea bream in it. We'll leave you to test it out!
What are the benefits of verbena?
Verbena is present in many relaxing infusions for its calming virtues and for its potential effectiveness on sleep disorders. Verbena can fight against stress and related intestinal disorders. It can also be recommended for dizziness, migraines or to relieve premenstrual pain. So, impressed by the virtues of verbena?
Our advice for preparing a verbena infusion
Whether it's for its taste, its supposed effects on the body, or both (it's even better when you combine flavour with benefits!), we tell you how to make an infusion with verbena leaves.
The infusion: how to choose and prepare it
What is the difference between a verbena infusion and verbena herbal tea?
Whether you start with an infusion or verbena herbal tea, it will actually be the same thing, the same result. Originally, an infusion was the preparation technique of pouring simmering water over leaves, flowers or fruits. While herbal tea is the name given to the drink obtained after the infusion of natural plants. But over time, the term infusion has come to signify the hot drink, ready to enjoy.
How is a verbena infusion prepared?
Nothing could be simpler: all you need is water and verbena leaves, fresh or dried (the good news is that Kusmi Tea sells it!). Bring the water to a boil, at a temperature of 100 degrees, before allowing the verbena to steep for 5 to 6 minutes. Depending on your taste, you can add other beneficial herbs, such as mint, lemongrass, chamomile or ginger, and sweeten with honey.
When is it best to drink a verbena infusion?
Unlike tea, which can sometimes prevent some more sensitive from sleeping due to its theine content, the infusion does not have a stimulating effect. It can therefore be enjoyed throughout the day. Depending on the effects sought by the plants, we can drink an infusion after meals to help digestion, or at different times of the day as part of a diet for example. In the first case, we would choose an infusion with lemongrass, known to soothe digestive disorders. In the second, an infusion of liquorice or mint to promote the burning of fat. In the case of verbena, its potential anti-stress and anti-sleep disorder effects make it a perfect evening tea!
Verbena infusions from Kusmi
If there is no verbena growing in your garden (or you don't have a garden, which is an even better excuse!), we recommend that you go for a ready-to-brew herbal mix. And to get your taste buds tingling, here are the blends developed by the Kusmi Tea experts.
Kusmi Tea organic infusions, eco-responsible and packaged in France
In 2020, Kusmi made the choice to go organic. All of our ingredients come from organic farming, certified by strict specifications, and are checked regularly. In addition, our entire range is based on French know-how. All our organic teas and infusions are designed, created, blended and packaged in Normandy, in Saint-Vigor d´Ymonville near Le Havre. Finally, our products are packaged in an environmentally friendly manner, in bio-based, biodegradable or recyclable materials. What more can you ask?
Be Cool organic infusion, with mint-verbena-apple-liquorice
To be Cool or not to be? You have 4 hours to discuss the subject. Or rather 5 minutes for the infusion! To be cool is to stay zen in all circumstances. It's about letting life's little worries melt away while savouring our Be Cool organic infusion. If the virtues of verbena sound interesting to you, try our organic herbal tea BeCool with verbena. The leaves of organic verbena and mint, accompanied by apple and liquorice, are enough to give you that sweet and serene moment while making you see the cup is half full.
Lovely Night organic herbal tea, with a touch of verbena
He who says verbena, says relaxation and ... goodnight. In any case, this is the aim! Savour our Lovely Night evening infusion as your companion in the quest for Morpheus. Lovely Night blend of lime and verbena to soothe you. Rooibos and honeybush to delight you. Liquorice and cinnamon to surprise you. All flavoured with pear to make evening herbal tea a habit you'll adopt for always! Don't be surprised if you end up dancing with Morpheus after a cup of this organic infusion.
