flipEvening Verbena and Linden Infusion
Evening Verbena and Linden Infusion
Why this dish? Clemenceau trained as a doctor before politics, and he ate simply, drank little alcohol, mindful of his health. Herbal tisane from the garden — verbena, linden — was the 19th-century domestic remedy for soothing and sleeping well: perfect for a man who worked late on the affairs of France.
A clear, fragrant infusion of verbena leaves and linden flowers, lightly sweetened with honey. An evening drink, calming and digestive, as prepared in every 19th-century home.
They think I'm all anger and outburst — the Tiger, they say! But the doctor I once was knows that an overworked body no longer serves the Republic. In the evening, rather than your liqueurs that cloud the mind, I would take an infusion from garden plants: verbena for digestion, linden for sleep, a touch of honey and nothing more. Trust an old practitioner: he who wants to endure and fight must first know how to rest.
- •Dried verbena leaves — a pinch (digestive and flavor)
- •Dried linden flowers — a pinch (soothing)
- •Honey — a spoonful (sweetness)
- •Spring water — a bowl (base)
Evening Verbena and Linden Infusion
A clear, fragrant infusion of verbena leaves and linden flowers, lightly sweetened with honey. An evening drink, calming and digestive, as prepared in every 19th-century home.
Why this dish? Clemenceau trained as a doctor before politics, and he ate simply, drank little alcohol, mindful of his health. Herbal tisane from the garden — verbena, linden — was the 19th-century domestic remedy for soothing and sleeping well: perfect for a man who worked late on the affairs of France.
They think I'm all anger and outburst — the Tiger, they say! But the doctor I once was knows that an overworked body no longer serves the Republic. In the evening, rather than your liqueurs that cloud the mind, I would take an infusion from garden plants: verbena for digestion, linden for sleep, a touch of honey and nothing more. Trust an old practitioner: he who wants to endure and fight must first know how to rest.
Ingredients (period version)
- Dried verbena leaves — a pinch (digestive and flavor)
- Dried linden flowers — a pinch (soothing)
- Honey — a spoonful (sweetness)
- Spring water — a bowl (base)
Ingredients
- Dried verbena — 1 tsp (digestive and flavor)
- Dried linden — 1 tsp (soothing)
- Honey — 1 tsp (to taste) (sweetness)
- Water — 250 ml (base)
Method
- Bring water to a simmer (do not boil vigorously, to preserve aromas).
- Off heat, add verbena and linden to the hot water.
- Cover and steep for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Strain into a cup or bowl.
- Add honey, stir, and drink hot, preferably in the evening.
How it was made : In the 19th century, every family garden had its medicinal plant corner: verbena, linden, mint, chamomile. Summer harvests were dried for winter, and the evening tisane was both pleasure and gentle medicine, recommended by country doctors before the rise of industrial pharmacy.
The contemporary twist : Serve chilled in summer with a lemon slice and a fresh mint leaf — the "Father Victory" tisane, refreshing version.
Georges Clemenceau · Charactorium
