About Lemon Verbena
Lemon Verbena is a deciduous, aromatic shrub native to South America, particularly Argentina and Chile, where it grows in warm, sunny climates. Its slender stems carry narrow, bright green leaves that release one of the purest and most intense lemon fragrances of any herb when gently touched.
Lemon Verbena was brought to Europe by Spanish explorers during the eighteenth century. It quickly became a favourite in the gardens of France and Britain, where its wonderfully fresh fragrance made it popular for perfumes, pot-pourri and refreshing herbal teas.
Today it remains one of the most highly prized lemon-scented herbs for both the kitchen and the herb garden.
Uses & Benefits
Culinary Uses
The fresh or dried leaves make one of the finest herbal teas, with a clean, refreshing lemon flavour. They are also used to flavour fruit salads, syrups, cakes, biscuits, jellies, custards and summer drinks, pairing particularly well with peaches, berries and citrus fruits.
Medicinal Uses
Lemon Verbena is a traditional calming herb that has long been enjoyed as a soothing herbal tea. It has traditionally been used to support healthy digestion after meals and to promote relaxation. These are traditional herbal uses passed down through generations rather than proven medical treatments, and they are best understood as part of the plant's long folk history.
Growing & Harvesting
Growing
Lemon Verbena is a sun-loving shrub that thrives in fertile, well-drained soil and appreciates shelter from cold winds.
Lemon Verbena grows happily in a sunny, sheltered position in the garden, where it has gradually acclimatised to Canterbury's climate. Each winter it naturally drops its leaves before producing fresh new growth in spring. Young plants may benefit from some frost protection until they become well established.
Harvesting
Stems can be cut regularly throughout summer, encouraging fresh new growth. The leaves should be removed from the stems and dried on racks in a warm, airy place away from direct sunlight. Once completely dry, store them in a paper bag for a short time before transferring them to an airtight container and keeping them in a cool, dark cupboard to preserve their exceptional fragrance.
Cautions
Lemon Verbena is generally regarded as a safe culinary herb. As with any herb used medicinally, anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding or taking prescribed medication should seek professional advice before regular medicinal use.