Did you know lemon balm is part of the mint family? It grows fast and can spread quickly if not kept in check. For centuries, people have used it for its calming effects. It’s a favorite for making a soothing tea.
We’ll share a simple lemon balm tea recipe and five fun ways to use it. These ideas will help you add this natural remedy to your self-care routine.
Lemon balm tea can help you relax and sleep better. It also reduces anxiety and supports your nervous system. This tea can make you feel happier and more relaxed.
Whether you love tea or are new to herbal teas, this article has something for you. We’ll show you how to enjoy the benefits of lemon balm tea.
Introduction to Lemon Balm Tea
What is Lemon Balm?
Lemon balm, known as Melissa officinalis, is a mint family herb. It smells and tastes like lemon. People have used it for centuries for its calming effects.
Benefits of Lemon Balm Tea
Lemon balm tea helps with relaxation, anxiety, and sleep quality. It also supports the nervous system. Its compounds, like rosmarinic acid, help calm the body and mind.
Research shows lemon balm boosts mood and alertness. A 600 mg dose can make a big difference. It also helps sleep, with 81% of users seeing better sleep than those on a placebo.
Lemon balm fights antibacterial and antiviral infections. It’s good for cold sores caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV).
“Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has been used since the Middle Ages for various health purposes such as reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep, and aiding in digestion.”
Lemon Balm Tea
Ingredients Needed
To make a refreshing herbal tea recipe with lemon balm, you’ll need a few things. Start by picking 6-10 cups of fresh lemon balm leaves. Make sure to remove them from the stems. You’ll also need boiling water and honey (optional) to sweeten it.
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, boil some water. Once it’s boiling, pour it over the fresh lemon balm leaves in a teapot or large jar. Let the leaves steep for at least 20 minutes. This allows the infusion to get its full flavor and aroma.
After steeping, strain the liquid to remove the lemon balm leaves. While the tea is still warm, add honey to taste, if you like. You can enjoy the lemon balm tea hot or chilled over ice. It’s a refreshing and soothing drink. Or, you can dry the lemon balm leaves for later use by hanging them or baking them in the oven at a low temperature until crisp.
“Lemon balm tea is a natural and gentle way to relax and unwind. Its calming properties make it a wonderful addition to any herbal tea collection.”
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh lemon balm leaves | 6-10 cups |
| Boiling water | As needed |
| Honey (optional) | To taste |
Refreshing Lemon Balm Tea Ideas
There’s more to lemon balm tea than just the classic version. Try chilling it after brewing for a cool iced lemon balm tea. Adding fresh lemon juice or lemon slices can give it a zesty kick.
Feel free to mix lemon balm with other teas like calming chamomile or invigorating peppermint. This herb is perfect for any time of day, whether you want to relax or boost your mood.
| Lemon Balm Tea Recipes | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Iced Lemon Balm Tea | Refreshing, mood boosting, relaxation |
| Lemon Balm Tea with Chamomile | Calming, sleep aid, stress relief |
| Lemon Balm Tea with Peppermint | Energizing, digestive support, mood boosting |
Lemon balm tea is super versatile. It can be your go-to drink for a calming evening or a pick-me-up in the morning. It’s a tasty and beneficial choice for any time.
Growing and Drying Lemon Balm
If you have access to fresh lemon balm, consider growing your own plant. Lemon balm is a hardy, perennial herb. It thrives in well-drained soil and partial shade. Plant the lemon balm seeds or seedlings in the spring, spacing them about 12-18 inches apart.
The plant will spread and can become invasive. So, it’s important to contain it or plant it in a designated area of your garden.
Planting Lemon Balm
Lemon balm grows best in areas where winter temperatures rarely dip below 45-50°F (7-10°C). This allows for year-round growth and harvesting. In colder regions, lemon balm’s growing season is from mid-spring to early fall.
The plant dies back as temperatures drop. The roots of lemon balm can survive winter temperatures as low as -20°F (-29°C). They re-emerge in springtime.
Drying Lemon Balm Leaves
To dry lemon balm leaves for later use, hang them upside down in a cool, dry place. Or spread them out on a baking sheet in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F) until they are crisp and brittle. Once dried, store the leaves in an airtight container for up to a year.
Lemon balm can be grown in a variety of garden soils as long as they drain well and have some nutrients. The plant grows best with direct sun in the morning to noon, followed by dappled afternoon shade.
Lemon balm can be grown from seeds, but starting with a nursery plant reduces the wait time for the first harvest by half.
“Lemon balm is a hardy, perennial herb that thrives in well-drained soil and partial shade.”
Lemon balm plants need about 18 inches (46 cm) of space each to grow fully. They should be watered when the top 1-2 inches (2.5 – 5 cm) of soil feel dry to the touch. Lemon balm plants in containers may need additional feeding with organic liquid fertilizer every 10 days to remain well nourished.
| Lemon Balm Growing Tips | Lemon Balm Drying Tips |
|---|---|
| – Plant in well-drained soil and partial shade – Spacing of 12-18 inches between plants – Hardy in Zones 3-7 | – Hang upside down in a cool, dry place – Spread on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven – Store dried leaves in an airtight container |
Conclusion
Lemon balm tea is a refreshing drink that’s good for your health. It helps you relax and sleep better. It also eases anxiety and supports your nervous system.
Enjoying lemon balm tea can make you feel happier and more relaxed. It’s perfect for any time of day, hot or cold. This tea is a great way to take care of yourself.
Lemon balm has a unique taste and is easy to grow. It’s been used for thousands of years for its health benefits. Adding lemon balm to your life can be very beneficial.
Looking for a calming drink for bedtime or a stress reliever? Lemon balm tea is a great choice. It’s a versatile and healthy option for your well-being.
FAQ
What are the benefits of drinking lemon balm tea?
How do I make a refreshing lemon balm tea?
Can I grow my own lemon balm for making tea?
How can I incorporate lemon balm tea into my daily routine?
Is lemon balm tea safe for everyone to drink?
Source Links
- Homemade Lemon Balm Tea – Bev Cooks
- Lemon Balm Tea Recipe and Benefits
- Lemon balm Information | Mount Sinai
- LEMON BALM: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews
- Health Benefits of Lemon Balm
- Lemon Balm Tea
- Super Easy Lemon Balm Iced Tea Recipe – AppleGreen Cottage
- How To Make Lemon Balm Tea – Two Ways
- Fresh Mint and Melissa (Lemon Balm) Tea – Tisane- Infusion
- Easily Dry & Make Lemon Balm Tea (Superb Benefits)
- How to Make Lemon Balm Tea • soothing and relaxing!
- Ditch That Store-Bought Lemon Balm Tea … Start Growing Your Own!!
- Sipping Serenity: Your Guide to Lemon Balm Tea
- Effects of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) consumption on serum lipid profile: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
