There’s more than one way to make herbal tea with M. officinalis, and I encourage you to try both cold and hot infusions to experience the difference between the two.
A cold infusion will provide you with the lovely aromatics of lemon balm while calming your mind and uplifting your spirit. And a hot infusion is best to access the full spectrum of this plant’s medicinal constituents.
Continue reading to learn the best methods for making lemon balm tea.
In addition, some herbalists describe it as a trophorestorative for the nervous system. Trophorestoratives can help to restore the function of an exhausted and overworked nervous system.
Lemon balm is also considered a heart tonic.
Often referred to as “heart’s delight” because of the support it may provide to the cardiovascular system, this makes it a fitting choice for some who experience heart palpitations or high blood pressure.
Note, of course, that medicinal plants will affect everyone differently, and any potential drug interactions or personal health needs should always be taken into consideration, with the guidance of a trained health professional.
Including infusions of M. officinalis in your daily routine may serve as a complementary approach to supporting mental health, especially for those who experience mild anxiety and depression.
Its mild depressant properties can also help to calm tension and alleviate stress associated with digestive complaints.
Not only does it calm digestive tension, it can also help treat migraines associated with tension.
The antispasmodic (pain-relieving) and nervine (calming sedative) actions of lemon balm make it a recommended selection for helping with insomnia, especially when paired with other sedative herbs like California poppy and passionflower.
M. officinalis also provides excellent carminative action, which can help to ease bloating and gas. It’s a plant commonly included in herbal infusion blends to help relieve indigestion.
This herb is also considered a diaphoretic, an action that promotes sweating, making it an appropriate remedy for symptoms of the flu and fevers.
When taken proactively, thanks to lemon balm being both antiviral and antimicrobial, it may also help to ward off harmful bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoans, providing support for the immune system.
Recipe for Calming Herbal Tea
I enjoy warm cups of lemon balm tea when I want to benefit from the plant’s excellent healing actions, and I like enjoying a cold infusion during the summertime to help me unwind and cool down.
Below I’ll highlight simple ways to make your cold infusion, followed by how to make a warm cup of lemon balm tea for medicinal benefits.
Cold Infusion Instructions
You’ve probably seen pitchers of water filled with herbs at a restaurant, event, or on the internet!
It’s easy to flavor water with aromatics from healing plants, and lemon balm is one of the best options for infusing cold or room temperature water, thanks to the leaf’s strong citrus flavor.
For this cold infusion, I recommend using fresh herbs.
To make four cups of cold infused water, you will need six to 10 sprigs of fresh lemon balm.
Here’s how to make it:
1. Gently rinse your herbs.
2. Slap the herbs against a palm or on the countertop to release their aromatics.
3. Place in a 32-ounce jar or container with a lid.
3. Pour in four cups of natural spring water and close the container.
4. Place in the fridge, and infuse for at least four hours or up to overnight. Some people like to do a solar infusion throughout the day and then place their infusion in the refrigerator to steep overnight instead.
5. Strain before enjoying, or leave the leaves in if you like. If desired, top with a fresh lemon balm sprig before serving.
This type of infusion is intended to be enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for one more night.
Warm Infusion Instructions
Below is a simple guide that provides recommended measurements when using fresh or dried lemon balm to benefit fully from the healing properties of this aromatic herb.
You can double or triple the ingredients to make additional cups of tea. If you want to sweeten your infusion, you can add your sweetener of choice to taste.
To make one cup of warm lemon balm tea you will need two to three tablespoons of the dried herb, or four to six grams fresh (about four to six sprigs).
1. Fill a kettle or pot up with water for however many cups you will be infusing.
2. Turn on the flame and bring the water to a boil.
3. While the water is heating up, measure out the dried lemon balm. If you’re using fresh sprigs, give them a gentle rinse before infusing them.
4. Place your herbs in a heat-safe container with a lid.
5. Pour the boiling water over them and close the container.
6. Allow your tea to infuse for 10 to 15 minutes.
7. Uncover and add your choice of sweetener to taste.
Drink this beverage warm to benefit from the herb’s healing properties.
— Update: 24-04-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article 14 Lemon Balm Benefits + Easy Tea Recipe from the website feastandfarm.com for the keyword benefits of lemon balm tea.
Lemon balm benefits the body in a spectrum of amazing ways, but it also carries risks. Discover how you can incorporate the bright flavor and support of lemon balm into your healthy living routine.
This post contains affiliate links.
I grow my own lemon balm here on the farm. It’s easy as pie to pull off. I use a jug sowing method in the spring to start my seeds and they come up really easily. From there, the perennial plant (which is a member of the mint family) grows and spreads on its own and will stay vigorous right up until frost.
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Lemon balm is a wonderful container herb–if you don’t have space for it to spread in the ground, just put this little wonder in a pot.
But what does it actually do for you? More than you might realize!
Lemon Balm Benefits
- Lowers triglycerides–When used aromatically (that means you breathe it in) Melissa essential oil (which is lemon balm) has been shown to lower triglycerides which could impact a variety of other health conditions.
- Treats heart palpitations–Use caution if you plan to try lemon balm for any kind of heart rhythm issue, but studies have shown that lemon balm can help reduce episodes of palpitations in some people.
- Natural antibacterial–With its ability to fight a spectrum of bacteria inside the body, lemon balm has shown particular effectiveness against candida–a type of yeast that can cause brain fog, digestive issues, exhaustion and more.
- Treats diabetes–Primarily for type 2 diabetes, studies have shown that lemon balm extract or oil is beneficial in the reduction of blood sugar levels. It is not a replacement for insulin.
- Calms anxiety–Despite some studies from outside sources who conflict this statement, many people say that lemon balm benefits their battle with anxiety.
- Treats insomnia–Lemon balm is said to help calm and offers a mild sedating effect that promotes sleep.
- Improves cognitive function and focus–A study of young adults who took lemon balm internally found an improvement in mood and the ability to focus.
- Helps manage ADHD in children–Perhaps thanks to its calming effect, lemon balm reduces hyperactivity and impulsiveness and improves focus for some school children.
- Fights the herpes virus–Even though there’s no way to ever get the herpes virus out of your body, you can focus on preventing outbreaks and that means keeping the virus under control. For cold sore sufferers, lemon balm reduced outbreaks, duration and pain/itching. Plus there’s no viral resistance to the herb over time so it can be used repeatedly.
- Fights cancer–Lemon balm has been shown to cause cancer cell death in the deadly brain cancer called glioblastoma multiforme. It has also shown a positive effect on certain types of breast, liver, and some types of leukemia.
- Battles inflammation--Chronic inflammation can support a variety of diseases and trigger pain in the body. Lemon balm has shown to reduce inflammation throughout the body.
- Manages overactive thyroid–Known as Grave’s Disease, lemon balm stops certain substances that trigger the thyroid from binding to receptor cells and helps slow down an over active thyroid.
- Soothes constipation–Studies are still being done but early research shows that lemon balm, peppermint and angelica root may be helpful treatments for constipation.
- Reduces PMS symptoms–When taken in a capsule form, lemon balm reduced those pesky mood swings, weight gain and bloating in high school age women.
When to use caution with lemon balm
Just because you can grow it, certainly doesn’t mean lemon balm benefits everyone. You should avoid lemon balm if you have a hypothyroid because it can negatively effect your thyroid medications.
Some people have had allergic reactions to lemon balm ranging from anaphylactic responses and rashes. Use caution if lemon balm is new to you.
And of course, if you are nursing or pregnant ask your doctor before you start using lemon balm.
Where to buy lemon balm
This part can get so very tricky. Always make sure you are buying oils from reputable brands like DoTerra or Young Living. Remember you’re looking for Melissa. A little goes a very long way and while it is expensive, you don’t want to use a brand that may have additives or sketchy ingredients. Lemon balm benefits can only be as good as the source you get them from.
For a capsule, you may consider one like this:
If you’d like to know more about dosages, you can check this post.
How to make lemon balm tea
I love my lemon balm tea–and while my recipe isn’t very scientific, it’s delicious and I enjoy a steaming cup several times a week and it never seems to make me feel sleepy. Even my kids enjoy it!
You can certainly enjoy lemon balm fresh on salads, or in your favorite recipes, too. Be brave! Experiment with its bright flavor.
What’s your favorite way to use lemon balm? Tag me on Instagram @feastandfarm and show me your lemon balm creations!
— Update: 30-04-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article How to Make Lemon Balm Tea (Recipe and Guide) from the website dailyteatime.com for the keyword benefits of lemon balm tea.
Learn how to make lemon balm tea with this simple recipe made from fresh or dried lemon balm. This tea tastes delicious with hints of mint and lemon. Not only is it a soothing warm drink, but may also help to reduce stress and promote peace and calm along with many other health benefits.
This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy here.
Today I’m sharing with you another fabulous herbal tea. If you like mint tea and lemon tea you will be sure to enjoy a cup of lemon balm tea. I think it has a taste similar to both these teas combined which is not surprising considering lemon balm is part of the mint family. The name lemon balm just gives it all away.
This tea can be made with fresh leaves, (lemon balm is so simple to grow in your tea garden and is perennial which means it will come back each year!) or dried leaves (so you can make this tea in the dead of winter with dried leaves from your summer garden).
Read more How to Make Lemon Balm Tea (Recipe and Guide)
DIY Recipes and Brewing Guide
Lemon balm tea is a refreshing herbal tea that has many health benefits. It has a sweet, citrusy flavor and aroma that can help to reduce stress and anxiety. The herb itself is easy to grow or buy from the store, so you can make your own lemon balm tea at home with ease. In this recipe guide, I share with you how to make delicious lemon balm tea with fresh leaves as well as dried ones. This recipe is perfect for a cozy sip or a soothing evening beverage.
Ingredients and Supplies
Ingredients
- Lemon Balm
- Filtered Water
- Honey
- Lemon Slices
- Ginger Slices
Supplies:
- Tea infuser
- Stovetop pot or teapot
- Teacup or mug
- Kettle
- Spoon
Hot Lemon Balm Tea Recipe from Fresh Leaves
Bring water to a boil and pour a bit into your teapot to warm it up. Swirl the water around and discard. (This small step helps keep the teapot from possible cracking and it also helps to maintain the temperature of the water throughout the steeping process.)
Prepare your tea leaves by rinsing and patting them dry. You can give the leaves a small chop if desired. This just aids in releasing the flavors.
Add lemon balm leaves to the teapot (use an infuser if desired) and pour hot water over the tea and cover the teapot with a lid.
Allow the tea to steep for 5 -10 minutes.
Strain out tea or remove the infuser if using.
Pour the tea into a tea cup and add honey and lemon if desired.
Iced Lemon Balm Tea Recipe
To make iced tea, follow the same steps as above. Add prepared tea to a refrigerator-safe container and refrigerate until cool. Serve over ice!
Pro Tip: Use twice as many leaves for iced tea. This prevents getting a watered-down taste when poured over ice.
Lemon Balm Tea Concentrate Recipe
Tea concentrate is great to make ahead and have ready when you are craving some tea. Use 2x or 3x the number of tea leaves to make a concentrate. To serve, combine 1 part concentrate with 1 part water.
Teabags or Loose Leaf?
When it comes to making lemon balm tea you can use either tea bags, fresh leaves, or dried leaves. Each method has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to know which one is the best choice for you and your situation.
- Tea bags are the quickest and most convenient way to make a cup of lemon balm tea. All you need to do is add the bag to a cup of hot water, and steep it for the appropriate amount of time. The downside is that tea bags often contain less flavor and might possibly contain some artificial ingredients than tea.
- Loose leaf is often the preferred type of tea. It usually contains more flavor and aroma than tea bags, so it’s a great option for those who want to enjoy the full-bodied taste of lemon balm tea. If you have a tea garden with fresh lemon balm, this is my favorite use for it.
Different Brewing Methods
Different brewing methods offer unique ways of making a cup of lemon balm tea! Here are some of my favorite methods to try.
Traditional Tea Pot
The traditional teapot method of making lemon balm tea is an easy and efficient way to brew a delicious cup. Simply add your tea to the pot, pour over hot water, steep, and in minutes your tea is ready!
Stovetop Method
The stovetop method of making lemon balm tea is a great alternative for those who don’t want to use a teapot. To make this method, you’ll need to heat up a pot of water on the stove and add your desired amount of lemon balm leaves into it. Make sure to keep an eye on it. Once the water is boiling, turn off the heat, and add in tea leaves. Cover and steep. Strain out tea leaves before serving.
Sun-Brewing
Infusion Bottle
The infusion bottle method is a popular brewing method for those who are always on the go. To make lemon balm tea using this process, you’ll need an infusion bottle with a strainer/infuser. Start by filling the bottle with water, then add your tea leaves to the infuser. Allow it to steep for at least 5 minutes, but you can leave your tea longer depending on how strong you like your tea.
French Press
French press brewing is an incredibly convenient way to make lemon balm tea with minimal effort! Simply add tea into a French press, pour hot water over it, and steep for 5 minutes. Then, press down the plunger to strain out the leaves.
Cold Brew
Cold brewing is a great choice for hot summer days as it doesn’t require you to boil the water and thus preserves more of the tea’s natural flavor and nutrients. To make cold-brewed lemon balm tea, simply add 2-4 tablespoons of fresh or 1-4 teaspoons of dried leaves into a large container (I like 1-quart canning jars) filled with filtered cold water and refrigerate for at least 8 hours before straining out the leaves.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few things I try to keep in mind when preparing a cup of lemon balm tea:
- When making lemon balm tea, it is important to remember that fresh leaves have a much more vibrant flavor than dried leaves. Therefore, if possible, opt for freshly chopped or whole leaves whenever you can.
- Try growing and drying your own.
- Skip the milk and sugar and add honey, mint, or lemon to your tea.
- Use clean, filtered water!
- For stronger flavor, let this herbal tea steep longer.
- Try it with a fresh squeeze of lemon for an extra lemon boost.
What is Lemon Balm?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is an aromatic herb, a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) that has been used for centuries to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and promote overall well-being. Native to Europe and parts of Asia, lemon balm is now widely cultivated around the world. It has oval-shaped, green leaves with a lemon-like scent and flavor and the leaves are often used in teas to provide a calming, soothing effect.
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History and Origins
Lemon balm has a long history of use in traditional medicine that dates back to at least the Medieval period. It was believed to have healing properties and was widely used as a folk remedy for common ailments like anxiety, insomnia, indigestion, and fever.
Lemon balm can be found growing wild or as a garden herb in many parts of the world. It has even been used to make lemon balm essential oil for aromatherapy purposes.
Flavor, Fragrance, and Color
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is an aromatic herb with a unique flavor, fragrance, and color.
Here are some of these pleasant attributes I enjoy about this lovely herb!
What does Lemon Balm tea Taste Like?
Lemon balm tea has a lightly sweet, gently tart lemony flavor and a sweetly fragrant aroma.
What does Lemon Balm tea Smell Like?
When brewed into a tea, lemon balm gives off a calming floral-citrusy scent.
What does Lemon Balm tea Look Like?
Made from the leaves of the Melissa officinalis plant, lemon balm leaves are bright green in color. They remind me of spring! As a brewed tea, I think it has a very light golden hue.
Health Benefits and Risks of Lemon Balm tea
Lemon balm tea is an incredibly beneficial drink, brimming with potential health benefits. However, while lemon balm is generally safe, it may cause some side effects such as nausea or headaches in some people. As with any herbal supplement, it is important to consult a healthcare practitioner before using it.
Caffeine Content
Lemon balm tea is a naturally caffeine-free herbal beverage. It can be enjoyed any time of day and is a great alternative to caffeinated drinks such as coffee and black or green tea.
Benefits and Risks
Although primarily known for its possible calming effects, it contains antioxidants that work to combat a host of health issues. Research suggests that it may also have calming and soothing effects on the body and mind, helping to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Additionally, lemon balm tea also has been known to help reduce inflammation and promote a better night’s sleep.
The risks of consuming lemon balm tea are mostly minimal for most people. However, some people can experience mild side effects such as nausea, an upset stomach, or even headaches.
Storage and Shelf Life
To ensure that your tea stays fresh for as long as possible, it’s important to store it correctly. The best way to store dried lemon balm tea is by storing it in an airtight container away from direct sunlight. This should be done at room temperature; if stored correctly, it should last for several months up to one year.
Fresh leaves should be rinsed, patted dry, and stored in the refrigerator between slightly damp paper towels.
Dehydrating for Storage
Drying lemon balm leaves is a great way to preserve their flavor and aroma while still maintaining their beneficial health properties. The process of dehydrating the leaves helps to remove water from the leaves, allowing them to be stored for longer periods of time without compromising taste or quality. Plus, dehydrated lemon balm leaves can be used to make a delicious herbal tea.
To dehydrate your lemon balm leaves, you’ll need to prepare them by washing them and patting them dry. Once they are dry, place the leaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in an oven preheated to 95°F (82°C) for about 4 hours. Once the leaves are completely dried and cooled, store them in an airtight container for up to six months.
FAQs
- How long to steep Lemon Balm tea? The amount of time you steep the leaves in hot water will affect the flavor and strength of the tea. To get the maximum flavor and benefits from your lemon balm tea, it is best to steep it in hot water (212°F) for at least 5 minutes.
- Lemon Balm tea for anxiety? Lemon balm may help with stress and anxiety. Additionally, just the aroma of lemon balm may lead to a relaxed state.
- What part of Lemon Balm is used for tea? Lemon balm tea is typically made with the leaves of the lemon balm plant. The leaves are packed with essential oils and active compounds that give this herb its unique flavor and benefits.
- Can I drink Lemon Balm tea every day? You can drink lemon balm tea every day for a few weeks. According to Healthline, take a week off of consuming every 3 weeks. Drinking this tea regularly may provide several health benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety and promoting better sleep.
- How do you cut Lemon balm for tea? Separate the leaf at the point it joins the rest of the plant being careful not to tear or damage the rest of the plant. Lemon balm leaves have a delicate texture and can be easily bruised, so it is best to use a sharp, sterile tool when cutting them. A pair of sharpened, clean scissors or a kitchen knife will work well for this purpose.
- What’s Lemon Balm tea good for? Lemon balm tea is known for providing a number of health benefits, ranging from reducing stress, improving the quality of sleep, and anxiety to alleviating digestive issues such as indigestion and bloating. Remember, it is best to consult your doctor before making any changes to your wellness routines.
Why You’ll Love Lemon Balm tea!
Lemon balm tea is a wonderful beverage to enjoy throughout the day. Not only does it have a fragrant scent, but it also has many amazing health benefits and can help reduce stress and anxiety levels while promoting better sleep. Plus, since it’s naturally caffeine-free, you don’t have to worry about the jitters! Whether you drink it freshly brewed or use dried leaves to make tea, lemon balm is sure to become your go-to herbal beverage for relaxation and well-being!
More Herbal Tea Recipes
- Fennel Tea
- Sage Tea
- Rosemary Tea
- Chamomile Tea with Milk
- Cinnamon Tea
- Hibiscus Tea
I hope you enjoy this lemon balm tea recipe. Leave a comment below and let’s connect!
