Verbena
Verbena , a plant with a lilting name and many virtues, is much more than just a grandmother's herb. Behind its delicate leaves and lemony scent lies a long medicinal and aromatic history, still very much alive today. In this article, we will explore what verbena is , its different varieties, its recognized benefits, and the tastiest ways to consume it—especially in the form of a homemade liqueur .
What is verbena?
Verbena is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Verbenaceae family. It grows naturally in temperate and tropical regions and exists in various forms, the best known of which are:
-
Verbena officinalis : used in herbal medicine since ancient times.
-
Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) : very fragrant, it is prized in cooking, in infusions and in liqueurs.
It is the latter, lemon verbena , which is mainly found in traditional recipes and in artisanal creations such as our De Michellot verbena liqueur .
Where does verbena come from?
The use of verbena dates back to the time of the Romans and Gauls, who considered it a sacred plant. It was believed to purify places, heal wounds, and ward off evil spirits. In fact, it was once called "sorcerer's herb" or "druid's plant."
Today, verbena is cultivated mainly in France , Spain , Morocco and some South American countries. It is harvested during the summer, when its fragrance is most intense.
What are the benefits of verbena?
Verbena is known for its many natural properties:
-
🌙 Soothing and relaxing : it helps fight stress and anxiety
-
😴 Promotes sleep : ideal as an infusion in the evening
-
🌿 Digestive : it relieves bloating and difficult digestion
-
🦠 Antioxidant : it helps protect cells against aging
💡 These virtues make verbena an essential plant in traditional herbal medicine and French gastronomy .
How to consume verbena?
Here are the main ways to enjoy verbena:
1. In infusion (herbal tea)
Classic, simple, and effective. Steep 3-4 fresh or dried leaves in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes.
2. In the kitchen
Verbena is sometimes used to flavor desserts (ice creams, sorbets, creams), syrups or poultry dishes.
3. In liqueur
Homemade verbena liqueur is a French tradition. It combines the freshness of the plant with the power of alcohol, in a drink to be enjoyed as a digestif or in a cocktail. At De Michellot , we've developed a balanced recipe based on verbena, mint, and lemon—a true Proust madeleine.
👉 Discover Michellot verbena liqueur
Does verbena have any side effects?
Verbena is generally very well tolerated. As an infusion, it has no major contraindications. However, in alcoholic form, like any liqueur, it should be consumed in moderation .
In summary
Verbena is a plant with a thousand facets: medicinal, aromatic, and convivial. Whether you prefer it as a herbal tea, in cooking, or as a liqueur, it offers a moment of calm and elegance with every sip. At De Michellot , we celebrate this plant by enhancing it in a unique artisanal verbena liqueur , inspired by French tradition.