Where to Buy Tisane de la Laja in Trinidad, Cuba

Tisane de la laja (also called tisane de laja or laja tea) is a traditional Cuban herbal infusion made from the leaves of Lantana camara (locally laja or salvia blanca), valued for digestive and calming properties. In Trinidad de Cuba (UNESCO World Heritage site), several reliable sources offer it:

Recommended Outlets

• La Casa de las Infusiones (Calle Simón Bolívar, near Plaza Mayor): Specialized tea shop with dried herbs, blends, and preparation advice. Best selection and quality.
• La Botica (Calle Hernández Echerri, near Plaza Mayor): Historic pharmacy selling herbal remedies, tinctures, and dried laja leaves. Authentic, pharmacist-supervised.
• El Mercado de los Artesanos (Calle Cristo, edge of historic center): Craft market with stalls selling local herbs, honey, and packaged tisane. Good for souvenirs; verify freshness.
• Plaza Mayor vicinity: Several cafés and shops around the main square (e.g., Café Don Pepe, Gitana) serve prepared tisane or sell small bags.

Buying Tips

• Ask for "hojas de laja secas" (dried laja leaves) for home brewing.
• Prefer sealed, labeled packages over loose herbs for hygiene.
• Price range: 50–150 CUP per small bag (varies by vendor).
• Combine with a visit to Museo Romántico or Iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad nearby.

Preparation

Steep 1 tsp dried leaves in 200 ml near-boiling water 5–7 minutes. Sweeten with honey if desired. Avoid during pregnancy; consult a doctor if on medication.