Verveine

Lemon Verbena, or verveine in French, is all over France: in teas, soaps, lotions, food. Known for its analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, hypotensive and sedative properties it also boasts a refreshing citrus-like scent. It's taking a little while, but Verbena is slowly becoming a fragrance du jour here in the states.


Mrs. Meyers has a complete line of Lemon Verbena Cleaning products. It's amazing how extensive their collection is. They carry laundry soap, dryer sheets, carpet cleaner, window cleaner, room spray, furniture cream, and it's all phosphate and ammonia free!






Provence based L'occitane (now available in any mall in america) also carries an extensive line of Verbena Scented products. My favorites are the refreshing towelettes and shower gel.










Lipton France sells a Verveine Tisane (or 'infusion') that you can buy online here. It's a great after dinner tea that soothes and relaxes.








Seeds of Love has a great article on all the DIY uses for Lemon Verbena including scone recipes, a simple syrup for use in pound cakes and desserts, tea and a hair rinse. There are also tips for growing it yourself.






Etsy has a nice selection of handmade Verbena-based products including a verbena soap from seller valleyoftheroses

80 pounds of Savon de Marseille

Buy an 80 pound block of olive oil based Savon de Marseille here.

Basic French Online

It's the little things that make all the difference. Maybe that's why I can't get enough of everyday french products. When I go to France I fill up a whole suitcase with body wash, toothpaste, and notebooks. basic french online will save you some of the hassle (and the airline ticket) as they offer some of the best basics:


Mir Dish soap:


Fluocaril Toothpaste:


Every french kid's earliest candy memory: Carambars:


Lemon Verbena and Lavender Linen Water from La Compagnie de Provence:


Carte Noir Cafe:

Cleanliness is Godliness

Savon de Marseille is absolutely my favorite hand soap. I was first attracted to it for the packaging a couple of years ago and have found that the soap is smooth and mild and the dispenser is oddly satisfying. I currently use the scentless one but have loved the fig and the verbena. Overall, the experience is delicious. You can order it online at this new homewares shop, Abitare, based in Brooklyn. They've also started making candles: