Got lemon balm growing like crazy in your garden? Same. I’ve been making this simple lemon balm tea recipe for years and it’s seriously the best way to use up fresh herbs while getting amazing health benefits. This homemade lemon balm tea recipe takes just minutes to make but delivers a soothing cup that tastes way better than store-bought tea bags.
More refreshing drink ideas For Weight Loss
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Balm Tea Recipe
Most people don’t realize how easy it is to make fresh herb tea at home. I used to buy those expensive specialty tea bags until my neighbor gave me some lemon balm plants. Now they’ve basically taken over part of my garden, and I’m not even mad about it.
This recipe solves the common problem of what to do with abundant lemon balm. Plus, you can customize the flavor exactly how you like it – something you just can’t do with pre-packaged teas. I’ve served this to friends who swear they don’t like herbal teas and watched them go back for seconds.
The best part? You can make this tea in any season – use fresh leaves in summer or dried lemon balm in winter for year-round benefits.
What is Lemon Balm?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a lemon-scented herb from the mint family. It’s been used for centuries as a natural remedy for anxiety, sleep issues, and digestive problems. The leaves have a gentle citrus flavor that’s less intense than lemon but super refreshing.
Unlike other mint family plants, lemon balm has a subtle sweetness that makes it perfect for tea without needing tons of sweetener. It’s also super easy to grow – maybe too easy if you’re not careful!
Ingredients for Fresh Lemon Balm Tea
- Fresh lemon balm leaves – About 2 cups loosely packed leaves is perfect for a strong tea. The fresher the leaves, the more flavorful your tea will be. If you don’t grow your own, check farmers markets in summer.
- Filtered water – Regular tap water works, but filtered makes a noticeable difference in the clean taste of the final tea.
- Honey or agave nectar (optional) – Just a little brings out the natural sweetness of lemon balm. Raw honey works best if you want added health benefits.
- Fresh lemon slices (optional) – Adds brightness and extra vitamin C. Use organic lemons if you can since you’re using the peel.
- Additional herbs (optional) – Mint, chamomile, or lavender all pair beautifully with lemon balm for custom blends.
How to Make Lemon Balm Tea from Fresh Leaves
Harvesting the Leaves
- Pick lemon balm leaves in the morning when the essential oils are strongest
- Choose bright green leaves without any brown spots
- Rinse gently under cool water to remove any dirt
- Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel
Making the Tea
- Bring water to just below boiling (about 200°F) – boiling water can make the tea bitter
- Place fresh lemon balm leaves in a teapot or heat-safe container
- Pour hot water over the leaves
- Cover and steep for 5-7 minutes (you’ll notice the water turning a pale greenish-yellow)
- Strain the leaves out and pour into your favorite mug
- Add honey or sweetener if desired
For cold lemon balm tea, follow the same process but use double the leaves, then pour over ice after cooling.
Pro tip: Gently crush or bruise the leaves right before steeping to release more of the essential oils. Just rub them between your palms or use a wooden spoon to press them lightly.
Benefits of Lemon Balm Tea
People don’t just drink lemon balm tea cause it tastes good. This herb has some serious health benefits that have been recognized for centuries:
- Natural stress reliever – Contains compounds that help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation
- Improves sleep quality – Many people drink it before bed to help with insomnia
- Supports digestive health – Can help with bloating, gas, and upset stomach
- Potential weight management support – Some research suggests it may help regulate metabolism
- Cognitive benefits – Studies show it might improve focus and memory
- Immune support – Contains antioxidants that support overall health
I started drinking this tea during a super stressful time at work, and it definitely helped me wind down in the evenings without resorting to alcohol or medication.
6 Delicious Lemon Balm Tea Variations
1. Lemon Balm Mint Refresher
Mix equal parts lemon balm and fresh mint leaves for a cooling summer drink that’s amazing over ice.
2. Sleepytime Lemon Balm Blend
Combine lemon balm with chamomile and a tiny pinch of lavender for the ultimate bedtime tea.
3. Immune Booster
Add a slice of fresh ginger and a tablespoon of elderberries to your lemon balm tea during cold season.
4. Lemon Balm Berry Tea
Steep lemon balm with a handful of fresh berries for a naturally sweet treat without added sugar.
5. Digestive Aid
Combine lemon balm with fennel seeds and peppermint for a tea that helps after heavy meals.
6. Iced Lemon Balm Tea with Citrus
Make strong lemon balm tea, cool completely, then add fresh orange and lemon slices with a sprig of mint.
Lemon Balm Tea
Equipment
- Teapot or heat-safe container
- Strainer
- Wooden spoon (optional for bruising leaves)
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh lemon balm leaves loosely packed
- 2 cups filtered water
- 1 tsp honey or agave nectar optional
- 1-2 fresh lemon slices optional
- Additional herbs like mint chamomile, or lavender (optional)
Instructions
- Harvesting the Leaves: Pick fresh lemon balm leaves in the morning for maximum essential oils. Rinse and pat dry.
- Heating Water: Bring water to just below boiling (about 200°F) to avoid bitterness.
- Steeping: Place lemon balm leaves in a teapot and pour hot water over them. Cover and steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Straining & Serving: Strain out the leaves, pour into a cup, and add honey or lemon if desired.
- For Iced Tea: Use double the leaves, let cool, then pour over ice with citrus slices.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make lemon balm tea for weight loss?
To make lemon balm tea for weight loss, steep 2 tablespoons fresh leaves (or 1 tablespoon dried) in hot water for 10 minutes. Drink 2-3 cups daily, especially before meals. Adding a small amount of green tea can boost metabolism even more. Don’t add sugar or honey if your goal is weight management.
What does lemon balm tea taste like?
Lemon balm tea has a mild, pleasant lemony flavor that’s less tart than actual lemon. It has subtle herbaceous notes with a natural sweetness that doesn’t taste medicinal like some herbal teas. The flavor is delicate and refreshing with a slight minty undertone since it’s part of the mint family.
Where can I buy lemon balm tea?
You can buy lemon balm tea at most health food stores, specialty tea shops, and online retailers like Amazon or Mountain Rose Herbs. Look for organic options when possible. If you want fresh lemon balm, check farmers markets, gardening centers, or grow your own from seeds or small plants.
How much lemon balm tea is safe to drink daily?
Most adults can safely drink 2-3 cups of lemon balm tea daily. If you have thyroid issues, are pregnant, or take medication, check with your doctor first as lemon balm may interact with certain medications. Start with one cup to see how your body responds, especially if you’re sensitive to herbs.
Can I use dried lemon balm to make tea?
Yes, dried lemon balm works great for tea, especially when fresh isn’t available. Use about 1 tablespoon of dried lemon balm per cup of hot water (compared to 2 tablespoons of fresh). Dried lemon balm actually has more concentrated essential oils, so you need less. It keeps for about a year when stored in an airtight container away from light.
How can I preserve lemon balm for tea year-round?
The easiest way to preserve lemon balm is by drying or freezing. To dry, hang small bundles upside down in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight for 1-2 weeks. Alternatively, freeze fresh leaves in ice cube trays with water, or chop and freeze in olive oil in ice cube trays for easy tea portions all winter.
Is lemon balm tea good for anxiety?
Lemon balm tea is excellent for anxiety. It contains compounds like rosmarinic acid that have calming effects on the nervous system. Research shows it can reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels and improve mood. Many people notice reduced anxiety within 30 minutes of drinking. For best results with anxiety, drink a cup in the morning and another in the evening.
Make This Lemon Balm Tea Your Own
I first discovered lemon balm tea when visiting my grandmother’s garden years ago. She called it “melissa tea” (the plant’s latin name) and swore it was the secret to her calm demeanor despite raising seven kids.
What’s amazing about making your own herbal teas is the connection to traditional remedies that actually work. This simple lemon balm tea balances the perfect line between an everyday pleasure and a therapeutic remedy.
Give this recipe a try and experiment with your own variations. Whether you’re growing lemon balm in your garden or picking up fresh bunches at the market, this tea might just become your new daily ritual too.
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