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Herbal (tisane) · Lemon beebrush

Lemon Verbena

Aloysia citrodora, cedrón, hierba luisa

7.2/10 editor's score

A lemon-scented shrub native to South America, brought to Europe in the 17th century. Its leaves make a bright, clean herbal tea.

Caffeine-freeLemonBright
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this herbCompare

Tisane, not from Camellia sinensis. Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dried lemon verbena leaves, top-down

What you need

1.5 g dried leavesLemon Verbena
250 ml water100°C
Steep 5:002 steeps
InfusionPale gold-green
Served inMug or cup

At a glance

A lemon-scented shrub native to South America, brought to Europe in the 17th century.

CaffeineCaffeine-free
Beginner fit9.0 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestSummerLeaves cut in the southern summer.
Pairs withFish, Lemon cake, YogurtLess good with heavy meats
Grown asA garden and farm shrubVarious regions, Native to South America
Served inMug or cupA general choice

About Lemon Verbena

What sources say about the taste

Sources say the leaves give off a strong lemon scent when bruised 1.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it is grown

Various regionsNative to South AmericaPERU
Plant
Aloysia citrodora 1
Native to
South America 1
To Europe
17th century, by the Spanish and Portuguese 1
Name
"Citrodora": lemon-scented 1

More from Various regions and Peru.

History and culture

Brought to Europe by the Spanish and Portuguese in the 17th century and grown for its oil 1.

In Peru it is the main flavour of Inca Kola, the soft drink invented there in 1935 2.

Editor's score

7.2/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the plant, not a brand. How we score →

1086Flavour & complexity: 6.0Origin & heritage: 6.5Availability: 8.0Value: 9.0Beginner-friendliness: 9.0Versatility: 7.0Flavour 6.0Heritage 6.5Availability 8.0Value 9.0Beginners 9.0Versatility 7.0
Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg
Black tea (average)~47 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg
Lemon Verbena0 mg

Lemon verbena is caffeine-free. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo ClinicC.

Harvest calendar

Harvest timing varies with region. Tap a month or a season.

The plant

Aloysia citrodora, a shrub growing 2 to 3 metres 1.

How it is made
01Cutting

Leaves picked.

02Drying

Dried in shade.

Dry herb and infusion
Dry leavesLong, pointed, dried green leaves.
LiquorPale gold-green.
After steeping
Wet leafGlossy green leaves.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Fish
  • Lemon cake
  • Yogurt

Best avoided

  • Heavy meats

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

  • Airtight, opaque container, away from light, heat and moisture.
  • Dried flowers and leaves lose aroma within about a year.
  • Buy small amounts and keep away from spices and coffee, which taint the smell.
Quality and buying

Whole leaves hold the most aroma.

Buying tips

  1. Keep sealed: the scent fades.
  2. Lovely iced.
FAQ
Is it related to lemons?

No. It is in the verbena family; the scent is just lemon-like 1.

Find it inHerbal infusionsTeas from PeruVarious regionsCaffeine-freeLemonBright

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Aloysia citrodora". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloysia_citrodora
  2. Wikipedia, "Inca Kola". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inca_Kola
  3. Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.