Verbena Tea

TO MAKE VERBENA TEA , YOU WILL NEED FOLLOWING

 INGREDIENTS:

•  1 teaspoon green tea
•  Fresh verbena leaves (adjust to taste)
•  Water
•  Sugar (to taste)

 INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Boil Water: Begin by bringing water to a boil in a teapot.

2. Prepare Verbena Leaves: Thoroughly wash the verbena leaves, removing them from the stems. Prepare the desired amount based on your preference.

3. Brew Green Tea: Add the green tea to the boiling water and let it boil for 30 seconds to release its flavors.

4. Add Verbena and Sweeten: Remove the teapot from the heat, then add the washed verbena leaves. Sweeten the tea by adding sugar to taste.

5. Steep: Allow the tea to steep for 5 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld together.

6. Serve: Serve the verbena green tea warm, ideally with cookies or biscuits of your choice for a delightful pairing.

 Tips for Making Verbena Tea:

- Adjust the quantity of verbena leaves and sugar according to your taste preferences.

- Experiment by adding other herbs, such as mint or lemon balm, for a personalized touch.

- Traditionally, Moroccan mint tea is served in small glasses, and it’s common to pour the tea from a height to create a foamy head, enhancing the presentation.

VERBENA TEA HAS MANY HEALTH BENEFITS, INCLUDING:

• It is a good source of antioxidans, which can help protect your cells from damage.

• It may help boost your immune system.

• It may help improve digestion.

• It may help reduce stress.

Verbena tea is a delicious and healthy drink that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to relax and enjoy the company of friends and family.

Download This Recipe/pdf

Vervain: A Fragrant Herb with Therapeutic Properties

Vervain: A Treasure Trove of Wellness

Vervain, also known as Lippia citriodora, is an aromatic herb renowned for its delightful fragrance and pleasant taste. Beyond its culinary appeal, vervain boasts an array of therapeutic properties that have been revered for centuries. This article delves into the remarkable benefits and potential side effects of this versatile herb.

A Symphony of Health Benefits

Vervain's treasure trove of benefits stems from its rich composition of over 20 beneficial plant compounds, including iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, and triterpenoids. These compounds work in harmony to confer a range of health-promoting effects:

    1. Combating Inflammation and Pain:

Numerous studies have explored vervain's anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, both in topical and oral applications. A 2006 Spanish study found that topical application of vervain extract effectively reduced swelling compared to anti-inflammatory drugs. However, its pain-relieving abilities were less pronounced.

    2. Easing Anxiety and Insomnia:

While limited human studies have investigated these effects, evidence suggests vervain may alleviate anxiety, promote sleep, and potentially prevent seizures.

These calming effects are attributed to vervain's constituent, verbenalin, which is believed to possess psychoactive properties. In a 2016 study published in Frontiers of Pharmacology, researchers administered 100 to 500 milligrams per kilogram of vervain extract to mice and observed:

• Reduced frequency and duration of anxiety-induced seizures

• Increased sleep duration

• Mitigated anxiety severity

    3. Countering Infections:

As antibiotic resistance poses an increasing challenge in treating infectious diseases, vervain has long been employed to combat upper respiratory and urinary tract infections due to its antimicrobial properties.

A 2016 study demonstrated vervain's efficacy against 24 strains of disease-causing bacteria.

    4. Supporting Gum Health:

A study involving 260 participants indicated that vervain decoction may be beneficial in managing chronic gingivitis.

    5. Promoting Heart Health:

An animal study revealed that treatment with verbenalin or cornycin, the primary constituents of vervain, reduced heart tissue death and damage caused by insufficient blood supply.

    6. Combating Diarrhea:

An animal study concluded that vervain root extract significantly delayed the onset and reduced the frequency of diarrhea.

Potential Side Effects

Vervain is generally considered safe for consumption, with most users experiencing minimal side effects, including:

• Mild indigestion and gas
• Contact dermatitis
• Skin rash and redness

Vervain may interact with certain medications. Consult your healthcare provider regarding any supplements you are taking to avoid potential interactions.

Limited data exists on the long-term safety of vervain use. Therefore, the following individuals should exercise caution:

• Individuals with kidney disorders
• Children
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women

Sharing Experiences and Embracing Vervain's Versatility

After exploring the wealth of benefits vervain offers, share your experiences using this remarkable herb and the conditions you believe it has effectively addressed.

References:

• What Is Vervain?
• What Is Vervain? All You Need to Know

ENJOY THE BEST OF MOROCCAN KITCHEN WITH TEA IN 

MOROCCAN COOKING STYLE©