In a nutshell: An organic evening herbal infusion with notes of verbena, orange and lemon balm, crafted as a soothing ritual. Steep 15 to 20 g/L in 100°C water for 7 to 10 minutes to enjoy its full, gentle character.
Some cups mark the end of the day better than any clock. Our evening infusion is one of them: an organic verbena and orange herbal infusion where bright citrus meets the gentle roundness of soft botanicals. A tender, caffeine-free drink to savour when the pace of the day finally slows.
Designed as a moment apart, this infusion brings together verbena, lemon balm, orange peel, tulsi, hops, valerian and lady's mantle. A generous blend, certified organic, that invites you into a quiet moment before night falls. If you are just exploring our caffeine-free herbal infusions, this is a lovely place to begin.
The aromatic profile of our evening infusion
The first impression is decidedly citrusy. The orange peel, lifted by a touch of mandarin essential oil, releases a bright, sun-warmed scent that fills the cup the moment you open the bag.
On the palate, whole verbena takes the lead. Its lemony, lightly herbaceous note enters into dialogue with lemon balm, softer and rounder. Together, they form a fresh, green heart that is easy to read and reminiscent of an aromatic herb garden at the end of summer.
Apple adds a quiet, natural sweetness that ties everything together. It smooths the acidity of the citrus and brings a gently indulgent quality, never heavy. This is what makes the infusion so comfortable, even on an empty stomach late in the evening.
The base reveals calmer botanicals: tulsi, hop flowers, valerian, lady's mantle, savory and marigold flowers. This green foundation adds depth, a touch of noble bitterness, and the soothing signature of a blend long associated with bedtime. The marigold flowers lend a sunny warmth to the liquor, which takes on a beautiful golden hue.
The overall balance remains very gentle. No single plant dominates: each finds its place in a composition conceived as a harmony, not a showcase. Explore our other herbal infusions to continue your journey according to your mood, for example our minty breeze herbal infusion for something fresher.
How to prepare our evening infusion
Brewing this herbal infusion is straightforward, but a few small details make all the difference in drawing out the delicacy of the verbena and the roundness of the citrus. Here is our method, designed for a smooth, well-balanced cup.
The water. Choose fresh, low-mineral water, such as a still spring water. Hard water can weigh down the liquor and dull the brightness of the orange. Bring it to a full boil, around 100°C, as the botanicals and peels need hot water to release their volatile aromas fully.
The quantity. Use 15 to 20 g of blend per litre of water. For a large 250 ml mug, around 4 g (a heaped tablespoon) is plenty. Do not be shy with the dosage: whole verbena and apple pieces take up volume, and too little will result in a flat, thin infusion.
The steeping time. Steep for 7 to 10 minutes, covered if possible, to preserve the essential oils of orange and mandarin. A shorter steep will give a more floral, fruity cup; a longer one will deepen the herbal character and bring out the soothing quality of hops and valerian.
The accessories. Use a large tea infuser, a wide paper filter, or a teapot with a generous strainer. The apple pieces and whole verbena leaves need room to open up in the water. Avoid tight, restrictive filters that would limit circulation and hinder the release of aromas.
Once your cup is poured, take a moment to inhale before the first sip. The scent of orange and mandarin rises first, followed by the lemony trail of verbena. This is already part of the ritual, and perhaps the most restorative part after a full day.
This recipe also lends itself to cold brewing: 15 g/L in a jug of cold water, left in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 hours. The result is clear and beautifully golden, perfect on a warm summer evening when you want something refreshing without giving up on gentleness.
Botanical benefits: what the sources say
This blend brings together several plants traditionally used to support relaxation at the end of the day. Without making any medical claims, here is what European health authorities have noted, based on their assessments of traditional use.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is recognised by the EMA for its traditional use in relieving mild symptoms of mental stress and supporting sleep. Verbena and valerian share a similar history in European pharmacopoeias, where they have long been part of evening rituals.
Hops, present here as flowers, are also documented for their traditional role in supporting relaxation and sleep, according to assessments from the ANSES. None of these plants replaces medical advice, but their combination in an evening sleep herbal infusion sits within a well-established phytotherapy tradition.
Tulsi, or holy basil, is valued in Ayurveda for its role as a gentle adaptogen. Lady's mantle and savory complete the botanical bouquet, adding depth and character to the infusion without weighing down the overall aromatic profile.
Julien Huot, founder of Thés & Traditions, personally selects every plant in this blend from producers committed to organic farming. It is this care that ensures the freshness, traceability and aromatic consistency of one of the house's signature recipes. If you are looking for something even more targeted, explore our infusions dedicated to sleep support.
Storage
To preserve the freshness of the verbena, the scent of the orange and the integrity of the essential oils, store this blend in an airtight container, away from light, heat and moisture. A cupboard shelf, well away from the oven or hob, works perfectly.
Avoid storing it near strong spices or heavily scented products: botanicals and peels are porous and readily absorb neighbouring aromas. Stored properly, this blend will hold its full aromatic quality for 12 to 18 months after opening. Packed in our workshop, it arrives ready to find its place on your shelf.
Frequently asked questions
Which herbal infusion helps with falling asleep?
Evening herbal infusions traditionally combine verbena, lemon balm, valerian and hops, as in our evening infusion. These plants are recognised for supporting relaxation and preparing the body for a restful night. Choosing the right herbal infusion then comes down to your personal taste.
How do you brew a herbal infusion for sleep?
Pour boiling water at 100°C over 15 to 20 g of botanicals per litre, cover, and steep for 7 to 10 minutes. Covering the cup preserves the volatile essential oils, particularly those of orange and mandarin, which contribute to the smooth, rounded aroma of the infusion.
What are the best plants for sleep?
Verbena, lemon balm, valerian, hops, passionflower, linden and lavender are among the most widely used plants in this traditional context. Our recipe combines several of them for an overall effect that is gentle and balanced, with no single plant dominating the final aromatic profile.
What are the benefits of herbal infusions for sleep?
Beyond the plants themselves, the ritual of a warm drink in the evening creates a quiet moment that supports relaxation. It is one of the simple habits recommended by sleep hygiene approaches to help the body wind down before bed.
How do you choose a herbal infusion for sleep?
Look for an organic, caffeine-free recipe whose scent you genuinely enjoy: it is the sensory pleasure that turns the cup into a ritual. Try our evening infusion for a gentle approach blending verbena, orange and soothing botanicals, or our elderberry and friends herbal infusion for a fruitier note.
Sources
The information relating to the plants mentioned is based on the monographs of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the summary assessments published by ANSES on the traditional uses of lemon balm, verbena, hops and valerian. These public sources detail the recognised uses and precautions associated with these plants in phytotherapy.
