A species of flowering plant in the verbena family Verbenaceae, native to South America. Other common names include lemon beebrush. It was brought to Europe by the Spanish and the Portuguese in the 17th century and cultivated for its oil. Its best known use today is as a tea. A refreshing lemon verbena tea is very similar to mint and lemon balm in action, relieving indigestion and excess wind. It is also said to be good for lethargy and depression, stimulating and reviving the spirits*, and can be drunk several times a day.