Weekly Sip Recipe: Lemon Verbena Infused with Orange Slices
Start your day on a refreshing note with a simple yet beneficial infused water recipe. Lemon verbena and fresh orange slices combine to create a low-calorie, invigorating beverage that promotes relaxation, digestion, immune support, and reduces oxidative stress.
The key to this revitalising concoction lies in the properties of lemon verbena. Known for its calming effect and nervous system support, lemon verbena helps soothe stress, uplift mood, and calm frayed nerves [1][3]. It also aids digestion and can ease minor digestive discomfort [3]. Lemon verbena's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help protect against cell damage and inflammation [4][5]. Additionally, it provides relief from minor aches and has a soothing effect on the body [1].
Oranges, rich in vitamin C and natural sweetness, contribute to the recipe by supporting immune function, skin health, and antioxidant defense. Moreover, infused water encourages fluid intake, which aids overall metabolism and detoxification [2].
Heather Noland, a wellness advocate, shared this hydration recipe that involves lemon verbena and fresh orange slices. By following her suggestion, you can slow down, reconnect with yourself, and what matters. To prepare the drink, simply add 4-5 lemon verbena leaves and 2-3 orange slices to a large glass or pitcher, fill with cold water, let steep for at least 15-30 minutes, and add ice if desired.
Breathe in the lemony scent of verbena during preparation, and enjoy the citrusy aroma and flavour of the orange. This refreshing beverage, aptly named "Small sips. Big impact.", is an excellent way to boost energy, focus, and skin health while staying hydrated.
Take a moment for yourself before the day begins, and start your day by preparing infused water while checking in on your garden. Mist your herbs during the process, and let the calming, citrusy aroma of lemon verbena support your digestion and relaxation.
References:
[1] Herbal Academy. (2019). Lemon Verbena. Retrieved from https://theherbarium.co/herbs/lemon-verbena/
[2] Mayo Clinic Staff. (2020). Hydration: How much water do you need? Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
[3] University of Maryland Medical Center. (2020). Lemon balm. Retrieved from https://www.umms.org/health-library/herb/lemon-balm
[4] National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2018). Antioxidant activity of essential oils from lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6176000/
[5] National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2019). Anti-inflammatory activity of essential oils from lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6771665/
Incorporating lemon verbena and fresh orange slices into your home-and-garden through healthy-cooking can offer stress relief and support a balanced lifestyle. This food-and-drink recipe, created by Heather Noland, provides a revitalizing concoction that promotes relaxation, aids digestion, boosts immune function, and contributes to antioxidant defense. By taking a moment to prepare these infused waters, you can find tranquility in both your morning routine and the health benefits it offers.
