Common vervain

Verbena officinalis

infusion · herb

An unassuming herb with small mauve flowers, steeped into a bitter tea, very different from the lemon verbena usually drunk.

Origin

Europe and the Mediterranean

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

One teaspoon of dried herb per cup, five to ten minutes in barely simmering water; the bitter infusion is strained and often sweetened with honey.

Did you know?

It is the botanists' vervain; the lemony tea verbena comes from South America.