How do I make lemon balm tea

How do I make lemon balm tea? All it takes is a handful of fresh lemon balm or dried leaves, some boiling water, and a few quiet minutes. This calming tea recipe delivers a gentle, citrus-mint flavor packed with essential oils and is perfect hot or cold. Whether you’re winding down with a warm cup of lemon balm or cooling off with iced lemon balm tea, it’s a simple, soothing ritual you’ll turn to again and again.

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Ingredients for How Do I Make Lemon Balm Tea

To prepare a calming and aromatic cup of lemon balm, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. This tea recipe can be made using either fresh leaves or dried leaves, depending on what you have on hand. The high content of essential oils in lemon balm leaves makes this tea one of the most flavorful and versatile lemon balm recipes to enjoy, whether you’re sipping it hot or pouring it over ice as a refreshing iced lemon balm tea.

Ingredients:

• 20 fresh lemon balm leaves
  (If using dried leaves, use about 2 tablespoons instead)
• 1 quart purified water
• Lemon slices for garnish
• Honey to taste (optional)

How to Make How Do I Make Lemon Balm Tea

Making a soothing cup of tea from fresh lemon balm is quick and rewarding. Whether you’re preparing a warm cup of lemon balm to enjoy as a tea before bed, or chilling it later for a crisp iced lemon balm tea, this method brings out the gentle citrus-mint flavor and beneficial essential oils in the lemon balm leaves. Follow these simple steps to make one of the easiest and most relaxing lemon balm recipes.

Instructions:

1. Bring 1 quart of purified water to a boil. The boiling water will help extract the calming properties from the lemon balm leaves.
2. Place the fresh leaves or dried leaves into a teapot or heatproof container.
3. Carefully pour the hot water over the leaves, stir gently, and cover.
4. Let the mixture steep for about 10 minutes to fully release the flavor and aroma.
5. Strain the tea into your mug or cup of tea.
6. Add honey to taste, and garnish with a slice of lemon and a few fresh lemon balm leaves if desired.

Now you’re ready to drink lemon balm tea—a simple, soothing ritual in every sip.

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If this lemon balm tea recipe sounds like something you’ll want to return to again and again—you’re not alone. With its calming aroma, easy prep, and nourishing qualities, a warm or chilled cup of lemon balm is a go-to for many who love simple, natural wellness routines. Be sure to bookmark this page or sign up to get the recipe delivered straight to your inbox so you can drink lemon balm tea anytime you need a moment of peace.

Lemon Balm ~ What Is It?

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a fragrant herb in the mint family, prized for its bright, lemony scent and calming essential oils. Used in traditional herbal medicine and modern lemon balm recipes alike, it’s ideal for infusions, skincare, and even cooking. Whether you’re using fresh leaves or dried leaves, the plant’s gentle citrus-mint flavor makes it perfect for crafting a soothing cup of tea.

Lemon Balm Tea Benefits

Drinking a daily cup of lemon balm offers a wide range of gentle health benefits, especially when made with high-quality lemon balm leaves. This herbal tea recipe is:

• Naturally caffeine-free, making it perfect as a tea before bed
• Known to promote relaxation and reduce occasional stress
• Helpful in calming digestive discomfort
• Mildly uplifting, with properties that support a balanced mood
• Rich in antioxidants and calming essential oils

Many people choose to drink lemon balm tea to wind down at the end of a long day or find mental clarity before diving into focused work.

How to Harvest Lemon Balm for Tea

Harvesting your own fresh lemon balm is simple and rewarding. Follow these quick steps to prepare your plant for tea-making:

1. Pick lemon balm leaves in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too strong—this is when essential oils are most potent.
2. Use clean scissors to snip just above a leaf node, encouraging healthy regrowth.
3. Choose vibrant, green leaves free from yellowing or spots.
4. Rinse gently and pat dry before using them fresh or drying them for future lemon balm recipes.

Whether steeped into a hot infusion or chilled into a refreshing iced lemon balm tea, home-harvested herbs make every cup of tea even more special.

How to Make Lemon Balm Tea

To prepare this gentle and aromatic tea recipe, begin by placing either fresh lemon balm or dried leaves into a teapot. For one cup of lemon balm, use about 20 fresh leaves or 2 tablespoons of dried lemon balm leaves. Pour boiling water over the lemon balm leaves to release their natural essential oils, which give the tea its signature calming effect and light citrus flavor. Cover and let it steep for 8 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors and soothing properties to fully develop.

Then strain the tea into your favorite cup of tea. You can drink lemon balm tea warm for a relaxing moment, especially as a tea before bed, or chill it to enjoy as iced lemon balm tea. Simple, nourishing, and refreshing—this is one of the most beloved lemon balm recipes for any time of day.

Place Fresh or Dried Lemon Balm in a Teapot

Place fresh lemon balm or dried leaves into a teapot to begin this calming tea recipe. If you’re using fresh leaves, pick vibrant lemon balm leaves that are rich in essential oils for the best flavor and aroma. When using dried lemon balm, make sure it’s stored well to preserve its calming properties. This step is the foundation for a soothing cup of lemon balm—whether you’re making a warm cup of tea to drink lemon balm tea as a tea before bed, or preparing a refreshing iced lemon balm tea as part of your favorite lemon balm recipes.

Add Boiling Water and Let Steep

Carefully pour boiling water over the lemon balm leaves in your teapot, whether you’re using fresh leaves or dried leaves. This step activates the herb’s natural essential oils, releasing the light, lemony aroma that makes this tea recipe so soothing.

Cover the teapot and allow the tea to steep for about 8 to 10 minutes. The longer it steeps, the more flavorful and aromatic your cup of lemon balm will be. This slow infusion process is key to unlocking the calming properties of lemon balm recipes, whether you prefer to drink lemon balm tea hot in a comforting cup of tea, or cool it for a refreshing iced lemon balm tea. Perfect for relaxing afternoons or as a gentle tea before bed.

Pour or Strain into Your Cup

Once the lemon balm leaves have steeped fully in the boiling water, it’s time to strain the infusion into your favorite cup of tea. Use a fine mesh strainer to catch any dried leaves or fresh leaves that may remain. What you’re left with is a fragrant, golden cup of lemon balm, filled with the soothing notes of citrus and mint from the herb’s natural essential oils. You can drink lemon balm tea warm as a relaxing tea before bed, or let it cool and pour it over ice for a refreshing iced lemon balm tea. However you enjoy it, this simple tea recipe remains one of the most comforting and timeless lemon balm recipes.

Pour or Strain into Your Cup

After steeping the lemon balm leaves in boiling water, strain the liquid into your favorite cup of tea. Use a fine strainer or tea infuser to catch any fresh leaves or dried leaves that remain. What you’re left with is a warm, aromatic cup of lemon balm that’s perfect to drink lemon balm tea as part of your daily wellness routine. Sip it hot for a calming effect—especially if you enjoy it as a tea before bed—or let it cool and serve over ice for a refreshing iced lemon balm tea. Simple and nourishing, this is one of the easiest lemon balm recipes to enjoy.

How to Dry Lemon Balm

Drying fresh lemon balm allows you to preserve its calming qualities and essential oils for use year-round in your favorite lemon balm recipes. Whether you’re making a winter cup of lemon balm or blending herbs for a custom tea recipe, drying the leaves properly ensures their flavor and benefits stay intact. Once dried, store your dried leaves in an airtight container away from sunlight. These can be used anytime you want to drink lemon balm tea, whether hot or cold.

How to Dry Lemon Balm in the Microwave

To quickly dry lemon balm leaves, use a microwave for a fast and effective method. Lay fresh leaves between two paper towels and microwave in short bursts of 15–20 seconds, checking for dryness between each round. The goal is to remove moisture while preserving the herb’s color and essential oils. Once fully dried, crumble the leaves and store them for future tea recipes. This method is perfect when you want to prepare a quick batch for a calming cup of tea or a refreshing iced lemon balm tea.

How to Dry Lemon Balm in the Sun

Sun drying is a traditional way to prepare fresh lemon balm for long-term storage. Gather healthy lemon balm leaves, tie them in small bundles, and hang them upside down in a warm, shaded, and well-ventilated area. It may take several days, but this slow drying method preserves the plant’s aroma and essential oils. Once crisp, remove the dried leaves and store them in a jar to use whenever you want to drink lemon balm tea—whether it’s a warm tea before bed or a cooling cup of lemon balm on a summer day.

How to Dry Lemon Balm in the Oven

Drying fresh lemon balm in the oven is a quick and efficient method for preserving its calming essential oils and delicate flavor. Preheat your oven to the lowest possible temperature, ideally around 90–100°F (32–38°C). Spread clean, dry lemon balm leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in the oven with the door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape.

Let the leaves dry for 1 to 2 hours, checking frequently to ensure they don’t burn. Once crisp and dry, crumble the dried leaves and store them in an airtight container for use in your favorite lemon balm recipes—perfect for a cozy cup of lemon balm, whether you drink lemon balm tea hot or enjoy it as iced lemon balm tea.

How to Dry Lemon Balm in a Dehydrator

Using a dehydrator is one of the most reliable ways to preserve fresh lemon balm while protecting its delicate essential oils. Lay the lemon balm leaves in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, making sure they don’t overlap. Set the dehydrator to a low temperature—around 95°F (35°C)—and dry for 6 to 12 hours, or until the leaves are completely crisp. Once dry, store your dried leaves in a cool, dark place. This method keeps the flavor intact for use in any tea recipe, whether you’re preparing a warming cup of tea before bed or a refreshing iced lemon balm tea during the summer.

How Hot Should Your Water Be for Herbal Tea?

When preparing herbal infusions like a cup of lemon balm, the temperature of your boiling water plays a crucial role. For best results, use water heated to about 200°F (93°C). This is just below a full boil and hot enough to extract the calming essential oils from both fresh leaves and dried leaves. Avoid overheating, as overly boiling water can damage the delicate compounds in lemon balm leaves.

This temperature ensures a full, flavorful infusion—ideal whether you’re crafting a hot tea recipe for a relaxing tea before bed, or cooling it down for an uplifting iced lemon balm tea. A properly brewed cup of tea not only tastes better, but also preserves the soothing qualities of your favorite lemon balm recipes.

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality fresh lemon balm or well-stored dried leaves for the best flavor and aroma.
• Heat your boiling water to just below a full boil to preserve the herb’s essential oils.
• Always cover your teapot while steeping to lock in the aroma and beneficial properties.
• Steep for 8–10 minutes for a full-bodied cup of lemon balm.
• Adjust the strength depending on whether you want a light daily tea or a stronger tea before bed.

Equipment Needed for How Do I Make Lemon Balm Tea

• Teapot or heatproof mug – for steeping your tea recipe.
• Kettle – to heat water to the right temperature for herbal tea.
• Fine mesh strainer or tea infuser – to filter out lemon balm leaves and dried leaves.
• Scissors or garden shears – helpful if harvesting fresh leaves at home.
• Pitcher and ice – optional, for making iced lemon balm tea.

Variations How Do I Make Lemon Balm Tea

There are many simple ways to customize this tea recipe depending on your taste and the time of year. Add a few mint or chamomile leaves to your teapot along with the lemon balm leaves for a layered herbal blend rich in essential oils.

For a citrus twist, steep a slice of lemon or a strip of orange peel with the fresh leaves or dried leaves. If you enjoy floral notes, add a pinch of dried lavender to your cup of tea for a calming tea before bed. You can also sweeten your cup of lemon balm with honey or maple syrup, or chill the brewed tea and serve it over ice for a refreshing iced lemon balm tea. These easy variations make this one of the most flexible and enjoyable lemon balm recipes to explore.

Serving Suggestions How Do I Make Lemon Balm Tea

Your freshly brewed cup of lemon balm can be served in several delicious and relaxing ways. For a simple and soothing experience, enjoy the tea warm with a touch of honey, especially as a tea before bed. If you’re making iced lemon balm tea, pour the steeped liquid over ice and garnish with a few fresh lemon balm leaves or a lemon slice. This tea recipe also pairs beautifully with light snacks like shortbread, scones, or fresh fruit. Whether you’re sipping a warm cup of tea in the evening or a cool drink lemon balm tea on a hot afternoon, serving it with care enhances the ritual and makes each sip even more rewarding.

FAQs How Do I Make Lemon Balm Tea

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been asking, how do I make lemon balm tea, the answer is delightfully simple and deeply rewarding. Whether you’re using fresh leaves or dried leaves, a soothing cup of lemon balm takes just a few minutes to prepare with boiling water and a handful of fragrant lemon balm leaves. From a calming tea before bed to a cooling iced lemon balm tea, this herbal tea recipe is one of the most comforting and versatile lemon balm recipes you can enjoy daily.

More Bibodo Recipes to Try How Do I Make Lemon Balm Tea

If you’re exploring lemon balm recipes and wondering how do I make lemon balm tea even more nourishing, there are plenty of flavorful ideas waiting for you on Bibodo. After you’ve mastered a warm cup of lemon balm or refreshed with a glass of iced lemon balm tea, why not expand your herbal and wellness-inspired cooking with these hand-picked recipes? From sweet to savory, these ideas pair wonderfully with a calming cup of tea, making them perfect for relaxed afternoons or a light meal before enjoying a tea before bed.

• Lemon Balm Weight Loss Recipe – A gentle detox blend featuring fresh lemon balm to support digestion and balance.
• Lemon Balm Recipe – Discover new ways to use lemon balm leaves in everything from drinks to desserts.
• Simple Lemon Balm Recipe for Weight Loss – An easy infusion to drink lemon balm tea in support of your wellness goals.