If you’re looking for a gentle way to boost your daily well-being, this lemon balm recipe is a perfect place to start. I’ve always loved how this humble herb can soothe the nerves and uplift a simple meal at the same time. In this post, I’ll show you how to turn fresh lemon balm into calming teas, refreshing drinks, and even a light herbal pesto, all quick, nourishing, and full of plant-powered goodness.
Here’s a welcoming view of the lemon balm tea setup you’ll be learning about in this post.
The Healing Power of Lemon Balm Recipe
This lemon balm recipe isn’t just about taste, it’s rooted in centuries of herbal tradition. From soothing nerves to aiding digestion, lemon balm leaves offer gentle but real wellness support you can feel every day.
Proven Benefits for Mind and Body
Lemon balm has a long history of calming use, and modern research backs it up. Randomized, double-blind human trials report improvements in calmness and cognitive task performance after single doses of standardized lemon balm extract (Kennedy et al., 2003; see also stress-attenuation data in Kennedy et al., 2004). Recent reviews likewise support benefits for mood and sleep, while noting the need for more robust trials (Mathews et al., 2024).
Weight Management & Metabolic Health
Lemon balm isn’t a weight-loss drug, but early evidence suggests it may support metabolic health when used alongside a balanced diet and movement. In obese mice, a lemon balm–derived extract (ALS-L1023) reduced visceral fat and improved fasting glucose and glucose tolerance (Lee et al., 2020). Mechanistically, ethanolic extracts have activated PPAR pathways linked to glucose and lipid regulation and improved insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in animal models; PPAR target genes were also up-regulated in human adipocytes in vitro (Weidner et al., 2014).
Human evidence is emerging: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in adults with type 2 diabetes reported improvements in glycemic and lipid parameters after 12 weeks of M. officinalis capsules (Asadi et al., 2019), and a 2024 meta-analysis found reductions in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL across pooled studies (Shahsavari et al., 2024). These findings are promising but preliminary; higher-quality, longer-term RCTs are still needed.
For another soothing herbal option with anti-inflammatory perks, explore our Turmeric Tea recipe with full benefits explained. For a practical way to enjoy lemon balm daily, see the iced infusion and water ideas below.
How to Harvest and Store Lemon Balm Leaves
For the freshest results, harvest your lemon balm in the early morning after the dew has dried. Snip just above a leaf node, this encourages fuller growth. To preserve your harvest, hang small bunches upside down in a dry, shady spot, or use a dehydrator/low-temperature oven. Once dried, store the leaves in a sealed jar away from sunlight. These are excellent for teas, tinctures, or even homemade capsules. Curious to dive deeper? Explore the full story on Wikipedia – Melissa officinalis.
To make it easier to compare, here’s a quick table showing the differences between fresh and dried lemon balm leaves.
| Feature | Fresh Lemon Balm | Dried Lemon Balm |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor Profile | Bright, citrusy | Mild, earthy |
| Best Uses | Teas, garnishes | Teas, tinctures |
| Potency | Very high | Long-lasting |
Here’s a closer look at lemon balm leaves in both fresh and dried form, two simple ways to enjoy this soothing herb, whether you brew tea right away or save it for later.
Lemon Balm Tea Recipe
This lemon balm tea recipe is one of the easiest, and most soothing, ways to enjoy the calming benefits of this gentle herb. Whether you’re using fresh leaves from the garden or dried ones from your pantry, it’s a daily ritual worth savoring.
How to Make Lemon Balm Tea (Fresh Leaves)
Start by gently crushing a handful of fresh lemon balm leaves to release their aromatic oils. Place them in a teapot or infuser and pour boiling water over them. Let steep for about 10 minutes, then strain and enjoy. I often add a few slices of fresh ginger for an extra warming kick. If you love herbal infusions with a citrusy twist, you’ll enjoy our Ginger Lemon Honey Tea recipe with immune-boosting benefits too. A touch of lemon juice or a spoon of honey can also brighten the flavor and enhance its soothing effects.
How to Make Lemon Balm Tea (Dried Leaves)
Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried lemon balm leaves per cup of hot water. Steep for 8–10 minutes, covered, to retain all the beneficial oils. This method is perfect for those who’ve been drying lemon balm leaves for tea and want to enjoy it throughout the year. For more dried tea inspiration, check out our Oolong Tea brewing & benefits guide, it’s packed with rich flavor and wellness perks. Dried lemon balm tends to have a slightly more mellow taste but remains wonderfully calming and digestive-friendly.
This is how lemon balm tea looks as it steeps, fresh leaves releasing their citrusy aroma into hot water, turning a simple moment into a calming ritual.
How do you like your lemon balm tea, fresh or dried leaves? Tell me your favorite twist in the comments!
Lemon Balm Drink for Wellness
Building on the benefits described above, this lemon balm drink shows you how to turn the fresh leaves into a refreshing infusion or light herbal water you can enjoy every day.
Lemon Balm Iced Infusion
Steep a generous handful of lemon balm leaves in hot water for 15–20 minutes, strain, and chill the infusion. Serve it over ice or dilute with sparkling water for an all-day sipper that feels both calming and revitalizing. For a more energizing contrast, discover how to brew Yerba Mate and why it’s considered a powerful energizing tea.
Simple Lemon Balm Water
If you prefer something lighter, just crush a few sprigs of fresh lemon balm and add them to cold water, refrigerating for at least an hour. The result is a subtly citrusy, minty herbal water that feels fresh and hydrating. Add lemon, cucumber, or berries for extra flavor. If you’re craving something cozy instead, try our Pumpkin Chai Latte recipe for a seasonal treat.
Here’s the lemon balm drink I keep in the fridge, an easy cold infusion that tastes bright, herbal, and perfectly refreshing.
Tried the lemon balm drink or water? Share your go‑to add‑ins (mint, ginger, berries) so others can try them too.
What to Do with Lemon Balm in Savory Recipes
While lemon balm shines in teas, its delicate citrus-mint flavor is just as magical in savory dishes. If you’ve ever wondered what to do with lemon balm beyond the teapot, you’re in for a treat.
Lemon Balm Pesto Recipe
For a fresh twist on a classic, try replacing basil with lemon balm in your favorite pesto recipe. Just blend a big handful of lemon balm leaves with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and a spoonful of nuts or seeds, cashews, almonds, or even sunflower seeds work beautifully. The result is a bright, minty green sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta, roasted veggies, or spread on a piece of warm toast. I love serving it with grilled vegetables or dolloped over a grain bowl for an extra layer of flavor.
Savory Pairings & Quick Uses
Lemon balm leaves can be used much like other soft herbs, folded into sauces, stirred into marinades, or even infused into oils. Here are some quick, delicious ways I like to use them when I need a dash of herby brightness at dinner time.
Here’s a handy table that highlights simple ways you can use lemon balm in savory cooking, along with the benefits each option brings.
| Dish | Lemon Balm Application |
|---|---|
| Grilled Fish | Marinade with olive oil and lemon zest |
| Roasted Veggies | Herb butter or pesto dollop |
| Pasta | Lemon balm pesto or tossed fresh leaves |
| Tofu | Stir-fried with chopped lemon balm and garlic |
3 Quick Uses:
• Mix chopped lemon balm with olive oil and minced garlic, drizzle over grilled eggplant or zucchini.
• Stir into lemon rice for a bright herbal lift.
• Blend with Greek yogurt and cucumber for a refreshing sauce or dip.
This is my favorite twist on pesto, made with lemon balm leaves for a light, citrusy flavor that brightens pasta, veggies, or even a slice of bread.
What’s your favorite savory way to use lemon balm, pesto, marinades, or something new? Drop your ideas below!
Refreshing Lemon Balm Iced Tea
If you’re looking for a cooling herbal drink that calms the mind and refreshes the body, this lemon balm iced tea is a must-try. I started making it during long summer afternoons when coffee felt too heavy, and it quickly became a daily ritual. The citrusy-mint notes of lemon balm blend beautifully with ginger or mint, and it’s easy to customize with a splash of honey or maple syrup. Whether you’re winding down after a busy morning or hosting a sunny brunch, this iced tea brings lightness and calm to any moment. Naturally caffeine-free and wonderfully soothing.
Lemon Balm Iced Tea Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing lemon balm iced tea recipe that’s naturally calming, caffeine-free, and easy to customize with ginger, mint, or your favorite natural sweetener.
Ingredients
4 cups water
1 cup fresh lemon balm leaves (or 2 tbsp dried)
1–2 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
1 slice fresh ginger or a few mint leaves (optional)
Ice cubes and lemon slices to serve
Instructions
- Boil water: Bring the water to a boil, then remove from heat.
- Infuse: Add lemon balm leaves and optional ginger or mint. Cover and steep 10–15 minutes.
- Cool: Strain the tea and let it cool fully to room temperature.
- Sweeten (optional): Stir in honey or maple syrup to taste.
- Serve: Pour over ice with lemon slices. Enjoy chilled!
Notes
You can swap honey for agave or leave it unsweetened. For a stronger flavor, steep longer or add extra herbs. This tea stores well in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Steeping
- Cuisine: Herbal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 3
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 4mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Final Thoughts
Lemon balm is one of those gentle herbs you stumble upon by chance, and then wonder how you ever lived without. It helped me replace sugary or stimulating drinks with something that feels grounding and nourishing. What I love most? Its soft citrus-mint flavor that calms the senses without overpowering a dish or drink.
Whether you enjoy it steeped in a soothing cup of tea, chilled over ice, or tossed into a savory marinade, I encourage you to play with it. Lemon balm leaves bring subtle brightness to so many plant-based recipes, making your kitchen feel more like a wellness ritual than a routine.
And if you have space in a garden or even a sunny windowsill, grow some! Lemon balm is easygoing, generous, and will thrive with minimal care. Once you start harvesting those fresh, fragrant leaves, you’ll never want to be without it again.
If this guide helped, leave a comment or share it with a friend who loves plant‑based cooking, your tips inspire the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does lemon balm help you lose weight?
While not a magic bullet, some research suggests that lemon balm may support weight management indirectly by improving insulin sensitivity and lipid markers when used alongside a balanced diet. Evidence includes improvements in insulin resistance and triglycerides with lemon balm extract in experimental and clinical settings (Weidner et al., Mol Nutr Food Res, 2014; Asadi et al., Phytother Res, 2019).
What is the best time of day to drink lemon balm tea?
For better sleep, many people enjoy it 30–60 minutes before bed; for digestive comfort, after a meal works well. This caffeine-free herbal tea adapts to your routine. You can explore complementary habits in our Black Tea guide with brewing tips and flavor benefits.
How do you dry lemon balm leaves for tea?
Tie small bundles and air-dry in a warm, dark, well-ventilated space, or use a dehydrator on low heat. For clear, step-by-step methods from a university source, see Penn State Extension – Let’s Preserve: Drying Herbs.
Is lemon balm safe to drink every day?
For most healthy adults, lemon balm in typical culinary amounts is generally well tolerated. Authoritative reviews note it has not been linked to liver injury and is considered GRAS as a flavoring. Still, if you are pregnant, nursing, on thyroid or sedative medications, or have a medical condition, consult your clinician first. See the safety overview in NIH LiverTox – Lemon Balm and breastfeeding considerations in NIH LactMed – Lemon Balm. For related tips, check out our Pink Salt Mounjaro guide for natural wellness.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a health condition.
References
- Kennedy et al. (2003) – Study showing that lemon balm extract can reduce stress and improve calmness in healthy adults.
Read on PubMed - Kennedy et al. (2004) – Research on how different doses of lemon balm affect mood and cognitive performance.
Read on PubMed - Mathews et al. (2024) – Systematic review confirming lemon balm’s potential for easing anxiety and depression.
Read full article - Weidner et al. (2014) – Experimental study showing lemon balm extract improves insulin sensitivity and lipid levels.
Read on PubMed - Asadi et al. (2019) – Clinical trial in patients with type 2 diabetes showing improved glucose and lipid control.
Read on PubMed - Shahsavari et al. (2024) – Meta-analysis on how lemon balm supplementation affects cholesterol and triglycerides.
Read on PubMed - NIH LiverTox – Safety overview of lemon balm, including liver health considerations.
NIH Database - NIH LactMed – Guidance on lemon balm use while breastfeeding.
NIH Database - Healthline – General guide to lemon balm uses and benefits.
Read here - Wikipedia – Background information on Melissa officinalis.
Read article - Penn State Extension – Practical guide to drying herbs at home.
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