HISTOIRE DE PROVENCE

Lemon Verbena

Fresh and sparkling

 

Lemon Verbena is an aromatic or ornamental plant. Verbena is the genus of Verbena officinalis, the verbena officinalis, perhaps the best-known species in Europe. In ancient times, it was said to have miraculous properties. Called "Venus grass", this plant had the virtue of attracting love.

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Lemon verbena, also known as "scented verbena" and "Louise grass", is a woody shrub 2 to 3 metres high. Its leaves are spiky and very short-stalked, with a prominent midrib. They are rich in secretory glands that release a fine lemon scent.

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There are three types of verbena:

- Vervain officinalis or wild vervain, Verbena officnale

- Garden tea, Dracocephalum moldavica

- Lemon verbena, Lippia citriodor. Only lemon verbena is used in perfumery.

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The leaves are picked shortly before flowering and dried in the shade.

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The essential oil of verbena is obtained by steam distillation of the dried leaves.