Herbal & Flower Teas
Lemon Verbena Mint Tea
traditionally associated with calming the nerves and uplifting the spirit
Why people make this tea
When life feels heavy — whether from work pressure, job loss, or the weight of ongoing uncertainty — the body and mind can both feel worn down. Bro Niu has long turned to fragrant herbal teas as a gentle daily ritual to create a small pocket of calm. This blend of lemon verbena, peppermint, and fresh basil carries a bright, uplifting aroma that traditionally supports mental clarity, eases nervous tension, and helps offset the foggy, flat feeling that comes with prolonged stress. It is not a replacement for exercise, fresh air, or professional support — but as a warm cup in a difficult moment, it does its quiet job beautifully.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits adults and older children feeling mentally fatigued, low in spirit, or mildly anxious
- Those who enjoy herbal teas as part of a daily wellness routine
- Best enjoyed in the morning or early afternoon — the peppermint and basil are mildly stimulating to the nervous system, so avoid drinking in the evening or before bed as it may interfere with sleep quality
- Pregnant women should avoid herbal teas of this kind without consulting a healthcare provider
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Lemon verbena (ning meng ma bian cao): The star of the blend. Traditionally valued for calming and relaxing the nervous system, supporting digestion, and easing tension headaches. On its own it makes a pleasant everyday tea.
- Peppermint (bo he): Its characteristic cool fragrance is thought to sharpen focus and invigorate the mind while also settling the stomach — a dual role that Chinese herbalists have appreciated for centuries.
- Basil (luo le / Ocimum basilicum): Fresh basil adds both fragrance and food-therapy depth. It is traditionally associated with antioxidant support, relieving feelings of anxious restlessness, and helping the body adapt to stress. During challenging seasons it is especially welcome in the kitchen.
Ingredients (1–2 cups)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lemon verbena (dried) | 20 g | Main ingredient; can use alone as a simpler tea |
| Peppermint leaves (dried) | 5 g | Added off the heat to preserve aroma |
| Fresh basil sprigs | 2–3 sprigs | Leaves only, washed; substitute 10 g dried |
| Water | 3 cups (approx. 720 ml) |
Method
- Wash fresh basil and strip the leaves from the stems.
- Combine lemon verbena, basil leaves, and water in a small pot. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Add peppermint leaves and cover the pot. Steep for 3 minutes.
- Strain and pour into a cup. Drink warm.
Bro Niu’s tips
If lemon verbena is the only herb you have on hand, it makes a perfectly good solo tea — just steep it in boiled water for a few minutes. Because this blend is mildly stimulating, Bro Niu recommends morning or early afternoon as the best time to enjoy it. Skip it at night to protect your sleep. Pregnant women should avoid herbal teas containing verbena and basil.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (reader): I’ve had stomach issues, diarrhea, and a headache with a mild fever — what can I make at home? Bro Niu: Try simmering half a pound of amaranth greens (qing xian cai) with 6–8 garlic cloves in lean pork broth. Fresh purslane (ma chi xian) is even better — use about 3 liang (roughly 115 g) with garlic in the same way. Alternatively, simmer 5–6 slices of fresh ginger with 5–6 smashed garlic cloves and a little rock sugar for 15 minutes and drink the broth. What you’re describing sounds like a stomach bug — if symptoms worsen, please see a doctor.
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Q (Ann): Can I add dried snow pear and monk fruit together in a brew? What else might work with them? Bro Niu: Definitely — dried snow pear and monk fruit pair very well. Add fresh Chinese olive (qing gan) or ophiopogon root (mai dong) to the same pot and you’ll get a blend that nourishes body fluids, moistens dryness, and soothes the throat.
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Q (Ann): Where can I find fresh or dried lemon verbena? Bro Niu: Fresh lemon verbena is quite hard to come by. I buy the dried version from a spice and herb shop near Chun Yeung Street Market in North Point — that shop also carries dried mint, dried basil, and other herb-tea ingredients. It’s just across the footbridge from the market.
Published August 18, 2020 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
