If you’re looking for a soothing and delicious way to enhance your health journey, making lemon balm tea is a fantastic option. This herbal tea is well-loved for its brisk and tart flavor, which comes from the minty and lemony notes of the Melissa plant, also known as lemon balm. It’s an instant hit thanks to its exquisite beverage profile, which pairs beautifully with a variety of herbs and sweeteners. The tea’s rich medicinal history, dating back years to the Mediterranean, highlights its ability to soothe, calm, and even reduce anxiety. Whether enjoyed for its amazing flavor or as a remedy for health purposes, it’s an experience worth trying.
To prepare, start with homegrown lemon balm for the best results. A quick harvesting of fresh leaves ensures a potent cup filled with benefits. Use simple techniques to brew your tea: steep a handful of leaves in hot water for 5-7 minutes to unlock its culinary magic. Experiment with recipes by adding complementary flavors to play with the taste—think honey or mint for a refreshing twist. The soothing properties of this herbal drink make it a comforting choice to unwind and discover the best way to nurture your well-being. It’s no surprise this timeless favorite continues to shine in kitchens worldwide.
What Is Lemon Balm Tea?
Lemon balm tea is made from the leaves of the Melissa officinalis plant, a perennial herb that belongs to the mint family. This native plant is found in parts of Europe and Africa, especially around the Mediterranean, and has been used for centuries. Known by many names like balm mint or common balm, it has a long history of being used not only for its culinary purposes—such as in salad dressings, marinating chicken, and fish—but also as a natural herbal remedy. The sweet lemon scent and lemony aroma make it a popular choice in both kitchens and medicine cabinets.
Lemon balm is celebrated for its numerous health benefits. From stress reduction to promoting better sleep, it has been shown to reduce anxiety, and depression, and calm the nervous system. Studies even show that lemon balm tea may help reduce blood pressure, potentially protecting the heart and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The herbal tea is known for its ability to protect the body, providing relief from various ailments. Whether you are looking to boost your mood or calm your mind, lemon balm has been shown to be beneficial in many ways.
Apart from its health-related benefits, lemon balm also offers a variety of practical uses. It functions as a mosquito repellent, and a skin balm, and can even be used to rinse hair and clarify the scalp. Its aromatic and medicinal properties make it a powerful tool in holistic healing. Lemon balm grows quickly in the garden and, whether fresh or dried, provides the convenience needed for making this reinforcing herbal tea. For those looking to benefit from its healing effects, preparing lemon balm tea is an easy and enjoyable way to incorporate it into your daily routine.
Types of Lemon Balm
Discover the Wonders of Lemon Balm: A Versatile Herb for Every Garden
Aesthetic Charm Meets Functionality
Lemon balm varieties like the common type with their lime scent and bright leaves bring a pop of color and vibrancy to gardens. Varieties like Aurea, with variegated foliage, add even more visual appeal, making them a gardener’s delight.
Culinary Bliss
From soups to salads, lemon balm enhances dishes with its subtle citrusy flavor. It’s a perfect herb to experiment with in the kitchen for a fresh twist on your favorite recipes.
Aromatherapy Superstar
Rich in essential oils, lemon balm is a natural choice for relaxation and stress relief. The Lemonella variety, with its refreshing lemon juice scent, is especially prized in aromatherapy circles.
Eco-Friendly Benefits
Beyond its beauty and culinary uses, lemon balm is a true garden workhorse. It attracts bees for pollination, contributing to a healthy ecosystem, and its mosquito-repelling properties make it a must-have for outdoor spaces.
Tea Lovers’ Treasure
Lemon balm tea, especially when brewed with the high-oil-content Queidlinburger variety, is a soothing and aromatic beverage. Perfect for winding down or starting your day with a refreshing lift.
Whether you’re enhancing your garden’s beauty, experimenting with culinary creations, or tapping into the plant’s therapeutic and eco-friendly benefits, lemon balm proves to be an all-rounder herb you’ll adore!
Top Benefits of Lemon Balm Tea
Lemon balm is a native herb found in Europe and North Africa, and it offers immense benefits when consumed in a tea format. This popular herb is widely recognized for its ability to reduce anxiety, making it an ideal choice for those seeking relaxation. Beyond stress relief, lemon balm is known to boost cognitive function, helping to enhance focus and mental clarity. Many people also rely on it to treat sleep disorders, as it effectively improves sleep quality. Additionally, lemon balm can alleviate common pains, such as headaches and toothache pains, providing a natural remedy for these issues. Drinking lemon balm tea regularly can be a simple and effective way to experience these health benefits while potentially aiding in weight loss.
1. Aids in reducing stress
When feeling stressed or overwhelmed by daily tasks, lemon balm tea can be a powerful ingredient to help reduce the tension. Many of us struggle with the challenge of achieving daily targets and solving life’s hurdles, but lemon balm helps clear stressful thoughts and promotes relaxation. A study conducted in 2004 showed that participants who consumed lemon balm experienced increased calmness and a better orientation of thoughts, even when exposed to lab-induced stress. This makes lemon balm tea a perfect choice to boost the mind and help rationalize thoughts, allowing you to focus and reduce anxiety. Drinking lemon balm tea regularly can make a noticeable difference in your ability to deal with stress and maintain clarity of thought.
2. Eliminates anxiety
When you’re feeling anxious, whether it’s due to a busy day or the pressure of an important phone call, a cup of lemon balm tea can help calm your nerves and eliminate those uneasy feelings. Lemon balm tea has been studied for its ability to diminish nervousness and excitability, making it a great choice for moments when you need to relax. Research from 2014 found that participants who drank lemon balm tea experienced a better mood and reduced anxiety levels, showing that it can have positive effects on both cognitive function and mood. So, the next time you’re feeling jittery or overwhelmed, a simple cup of lemon balm tea could be just what you need to help you stay calm and focused.
3. Enhances cognitive function
Drinking lemon balm tea regularly can do more than just help you relax—it can also boost your cognitive functions. A study from 2014 showed that lemon balm tea may enhance mental robustness, improving memory, concentration, and alertness. Participants who consumed lemon balm performed better in tasks like solving mathematical equations and other challenging tasks, compared to those who didn’t. The results suggest that lemon balm tea can enhance reasoning capability and help with tasks that require more focus, showing its potential for increasing mental clarity and cognitive performance.
4. Promotes sleep
If you struggle with insomnia or stress-related sleep disorders, lemon balm tea might be just what you need. Known for its mild sedative effect, lemon balm can help calm the mind and ease symptoms of restlessness and irritability, making it easier to fall into a deep, sound sleep. Studies have shown that lemon balm, often used in combination with valerian, can reduce dyssomnia and promote better sleep quality. Drinking a cup of lemon balm tea before bedtime can support attaining a peaceful rest, helping individuals wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
5. Aids in treating flu
When you feel a cold or flu coming on, lemon balm tea can be an effective and overlooked remedy. Thanks to its antiviral properties, it helps the body fight flu-related symptoms and can even strengthen the immune system to prevent future infections. Adding a spoon of honey can soothe the throat while lemon balm works to reduce symptoms like congestion and aches. Its polyphenol and anti-viral constituents also support the body’s ability to combat viruses like the herpes simplex virus and cold sores, making it an excellent ingredient for fighting off the seasonal flu.
6. Relieves indigestion
If you often struggle with indigestion due to eating too quickly, spicy foods, or over-indulging in carbonated beverages, a warm cup of lemon balm tea can be just what you need. Known for its positive effect on the digestion process, lemon balm tea helps to soothe abdominal pain, cramps, and general discomfort. Regular consumption of this herbal tea, made from the lemon balm herb, works to reduce the uncomfortable symptoms of indigestion. It also contains antiviral ingredients that can help combat stomach viruses and keep your digestive system balanced. This makes lemon balm a highly effective and natural remedy for those prone to indigestion problems.
7. Can reduce nausea
If you’re dealing with nausea, a cup of lemon balm tea can be a great natural remedy. Known for its beneficial impact on the digestive system, lemon balm has been shown to help relieve nausea. A 2005 study found that this herb is effective in treating gastrointestinal symptoms, helping to strengthen the gastrointestinal system. While further research is needed to confirm its full potential, the combination of lemon balm with other herbs may offer a promising way to alleviate nausea and improve overall digestion. If you’re feeling unwell or nauseous, sipping on lemon balm tea might just provide some relief.
8. Eases menstrual cramps
Lemon balm tea can be a comforting solution for women experiencing menstrual cramps. Thanks to its antispasmodic properties, it helps relax the muscles and ease the discomfort of cramps. A 2015 study involving 100 high school girls showed that regular consumption of lemon balm over three consecutive menstrual cycles significantly reduced the intensity of their cramps. By drinking lemon balm tea, women can find relief from not just the physical pain but also from mood swings and irritation often associated with PMS. So, if you’re looking for a natural way to fight off the symptoms of menstrual cramps, a warm cup of lemon balm tea may be just what you need.
9. Eliminates headaches and toothaches
Lemon balm tea is a popular choice for alleviating both headaches and toothaches, making it a great option for those seeking natural relief. The relaxing properties of lemon balm help to ease tension and stress, which are often the root causes of headaches. By drinking lemon balm tea, the tight blood vessels that contribute to headache pain can lower, offering a calming effect. For toothaches, the volatile oils like citral and citronellal found in lemon balm can help calm the nervous system and provide soothing relief. Its de-stressing properties also make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to unwind, and it’s frequently used in spas and wellness centers for its detoxifying and relaxing benefits.
How To Make Lemon Balm Tea
Making lemon balm tea is simple and a wonderful way to enjoy its benefits. Start by picking about 1 cup of lemon balm leaves. Gently roll the leaves into a ball with your hands to release their natural essential oils. Once that’s done, place the leaves into a teapot. Add boiling water and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to steep. You can pour the tea into your cup and serve it hot. If you like, add a spoonful of honey to taste, making it even more enjoyable. This easy process will provide you with a soothing, aromatic cup of tea, perfect for relaxing with a good blanket and a book.
Lemon Balm Tea Recipes:
Homemade Lemon Balm Tea
Ingredients:
Ingredients for Lemon Balm Tea
- Lemon Balm Leaves: Use 1 tablespoon of dried leaves or 2 tablespoons of fresh leaves.
- Water: Boil 10 ounces for steeping.
- Sweetener (Optional): Add honey, sugar, or agave to taste.
Enjoy a refreshing, calming tea that’s effortless to make and perfect for relaxing at home!
Instructions:
Instructions for Making Lemon Balm Tea
- Place fresh or dried lemon balm leaves in a tea strainer or tea ball, then set it in your teacup.
- Bring water to a boil using a kettle or stovetop.
- Pour hot water over the leaves and let it steep for 5–10 minutes.
- Remove the tea strainer and sweeten it with honey, sugar, or agave, if desired.
Enjoy a calming, aromatic cup of tea in just a few simple steps!
Lemon Balm Sun Tea:
Ingredients:
Ingredients for Lemon Balm Sun Tea
- Large Glass Container: Perfect for steeping in sunlight.
- Lemon Balm Leaves: Use 4 tablespoons of dried leaves.
- Water: Add 40 ounces of cool water.
Combine these ingredients and let the sun do the work for a refreshing, naturally brewed tea!
Instructions:
Instructions for Making Lemon Balm Sun Tea
- Fill a glass container with cool water and add 4 tablespoons of lemon balm leaves.
- Place the container in direct sunlight for 3–4 hours to naturally steep.
- Once brewed, serve the tea over ice for a refreshing iced tea experience.
Simple, natural, and perfect for sunny days!
Other Lemon Balm Recipes and Uses
Lemon balm is a versatile herb that can be used in various recipes to support wellness. Beyond tea, it helps with health issues like indigestion, insomnia, and anxiety, while also improving poor cognitive function and reducing stress. Whether added to salads, smoothies, or infused into oils, lemon balm offers natural benefits for both the body and mind..
Are there any side effects of Lemon Balm?
Potential Side Effects of Lemon Balm
- Mild Reactions: Some may experience nausea, bloating, gas, headaches, or fatigue, especially with high doses.
- Thyroid Impact: Excessive use can slow thyroid hormone production, potentially affecting thyroid health.
- Who Should Avoid It: Those with thyroid disorders, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or those on sedatives should consult a healthcare provider before use.
Enjoy lemon balm tea in moderation and stay mindful of its effects!