Brew The Perfect Lemon Balm Tea With Fresh Or Dried Leaves

Searching for a simple, natural way to unwind? You’ve come to the right place.

This is more than just a beverage; it’s a simple herbal infusion made from the leaves of the Melissa officinalis plant. You’re likely looking for a foolproof lemon balm tea recipe because you want a moment of calm without any fuss. I’ve spent years perfecting this recipe using lemon balm straight from my own garden.

The best lemon balm tea is a simple herbal infusion made by steeping fresh or dried lemon balm leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes. This guide will show you how to brew the perfect, non-bitter cup every time, unlocking its gentle, relaxing properties.

Why Is Finding a Simple, Soothing Tea Recipe So Hard?

Finding a reliable, easy-to-follow recipe for lemon balm tea that tastes good and provides a sense of calm can feel overwhelming. Many guides are either too complicated or don’t explain the subtle differences between using fresh and dried leaves, which can lead to a bitter or weak-tasting brew. You just want a simple, natural way to unwind.

I’ve spent years perfecting this recipe using lemon balm straight from my own garden. This method ensures you capture its beautiful, gentle flavor without any bitterness. We’ll cover everything from the classic hot brew to refreshing iced tea variations, guaranteeing a perfect cup every time.

7 Soothing Lemon Balm Tea Recipes to Try Today

Lemon balm is an incredibly versatile herb. To show you just how adaptable this calming plant can be, I’ve tested and perfected seven distinct lemon balm tea variations. Each recipe offers a unique experience, from a classic hot brew that soothes the soul to a refreshing iced tea perfect for a summer afternoon. Let’s explore these simple, step-by-step recipes.

1. The Classic Hot Brew (Fresh or Dried)

Pin this classic recipe to your ‘Herbal Teas’ board!

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup (8 oz) filtered water
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon balm leaves, lightly chopped OR 1 tbsp dried lemon balm leaves
• 1 tsp honey or other sweetener (optional)
• 1 slice of lemon for garnish (optional)
• A high-quality stainless steel tea infuser ball for dried leaves

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Bring water to a near boil. Once it boils, remove it from the heat and let it cool for 60 seconds. The ideal temperature is around 195°F / 90°C.
2. Place your fresh or dried lemon balm leaves into a mug or tea infuser.
3. Pour the hot water over the leaves.
4. Cover the mug with a small plate or saucer to trap the aromatic volatile oils.
5. Steep for 5-10 minutes. A shorter steep time yields a lighter flavor, while a longer time creates a more potent tea.
6. Remove the fresh leaves or tea infuser.
7. Stir in honey if desired and garnish with a lemon slice.

Pro-Tip: Gently crushing the fresh leaves with your fingers before adding them to the mug helps release more of their natural oils, resulting in a more flavorful tea.

2. Refreshing Iced Lemon Balm Tea

Save this perfect summer drink recipe!

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 cups filtered water, divided
• 1 cup fresh lemon balm leaves, packed OR 1/2 cup dried lemon balm leaves
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup, or to taste
• Ice cubes
• 1 lemon, sliced into wheels for garnish
• A large, heat-proof glass pitcher with a lid for storing in the fridge

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a near boil.
2. Remove from heat and add the lemon balm leaves. Cover and let steep for 15 minutes to create a strong concentrate.
3. While the tea is steeping, stir your honey or maple syrup into the pitcher. The heat from the tea will help it dissolve.
4. Strain the tea concentrate directly into the pitcher, pressing gently on the leaves to extract all the liquid.
5. Add the remaining 2 cups of cold, filtered water to the pitcher and stir well.
6. Place the pitcher in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1-2 hours.
7. To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes, pour the chilled tea over top, and garnish with a lemon wheel.

Pro-Tip: For crystal-clear ice cubes that won’t dilute your tea as quickly, use filtered water that has been boiled once and then cooled.

3. Warming Ginger & Honey Infusion

Pin this comforting tea blend for a chilly day!

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup (8 oz) filtered water
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon balm leaves OR 1 tbsp dried
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1-2 tsp raw, unfiltered honey
• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Place the fresh lemon balm leaves and sliced ginger into your mug.
2. Bring water to a near boil and let it cool for one minute.
3. Pour the hot water over the lemon balm and ginger.
4. Cover and steep for 10-12 minutes to allow the ginger to fully infuse its spicy flavor.
5. Strain the tea into another mug, or simply remove the larger pieces of ginger and leaves with a spoon.
6. Stir in the raw honey and a squeeze of lemon juice until dissolved.

Pro-Tip: For a stronger ginger kick, lightly muddle (gently crush) the ginger slices in the bottom of the mug before adding the lemon balm and hot water.

4. Cooling Lemon Balm & Mint Blend

Save this ultimate refreshing tea combo!

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup (8 oz) filtered water
• 1.5 tbsp fresh lemon balm leaves, chopped
• 1.5 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped
• Honey or sweetener to taste (optional)
• A high-quality set of herb scissors for easy chopping without bruising

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Bring your water to a near boil and allow it to cool for a minute.
2. Place the chopped lemon balm and mint leaves into your mug or infuser.
3. Pour the hot water over the herbs.
4. Cover and steep for 5-7 minutes. Mint can become bitter if steeped for too long.
5. Strain the tea.
6. Sweeten if desired. This blend is also delicious served iced—follow the instructions in recipe #2 using a 50/50 blend of lemon balm and mint.

Pro-Tip: Spearmint offers a sweeter, more subtle flavor that complements lemon balm beautifully, while peppermint will provide a stronger, more intense cooling sensation.

5. Ultimate Sleepytime Tea (with Chamomile)

Pin this dreamy bedtime tea recipe for better sleep!

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup (8 oz) filtered water
• 1.5 tsp dried lemon balm leaves
• 1.5 tsp organic dried chamomile flowers
• 1 tsp honey (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Combine the dried lemon balm and dried chamomile flowers in a tea infuser.
2. Bring water to a near boil and let it rest for a minute.
3. Place the infuser in your favorite mug and pour the hot water over it.
4. Cover the mug and let the herbs steep for 10 minutes to extract their full calming properties.
5. Remove the infuser.
6. Add honey if you like a little sweetness before bed. Enjoy as part of your nightly wind-down routine.

Pro-Tip: For an even more potent sleep-promoting blend, consider adding 1/2 teaspoon of dried lavender buds to the mix.

6. Effortless Lemon Balm Sun Tea

Save this easy sun tea method for lazy summer days!

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 quarts (8 cups) cold, filtered water
• 2 cups of loosely packed fresh lemon balm leaves, washed
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced (optional)
• A large, clean 2-quart glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, preferably a sun tea jar with spigot.

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Place the fresh lemon balm leaves and lemon slices inside the large glass jar.
2. Fill the jar with the cold, filtered water.
3. Screw the lid on tightly and place the jar in a location that gets direct sunlight for 3 to 5 hours.
4. Monitor the tea’s color. Once it has reached a light golden-green hue, it’s ready.
5. Strain the leaves and lemon slices from the tea.
6. Refrigerate immediately. Sun tea is best consumed the same day it is made for safety and freshness.
7. Serve over ice, sweetened to your liking.

Lesson Learned: Do not leave sun tea out for more than 5 hours, and always refrigerate it immediately after brewing to prevent the growth of bacteria.

7. Smooth Cold Brew Lemon Balm Tea

Pin this super smooth cold brew tea idea!

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 quart (4 cups) cold, filtered water
• 1 cup fresh lemon balm leaves OR 1/2 cup dried lemon balm leaves
• A cold brew pitcher or a large mason jar with a fine-mesh strainer

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Place your lemon balm leaves into the infuser of your cold brew pitcher or directly into a large mason jar.
2. Fill the pitcher or jar with the cold, filtered water.
3. Secure the lid.
4. Place the container in the refrigerator and let it steep for 8 to 12 hours (or overnight).
5. In the morning, remove the infuser or strain the leaves from the tea.
6. Serve over ice. You’ll notice this tea is naturally sweeter and smoother than hot-brewed varieties.

Pro-Tip: Cold brewing is the best method for delicate herbs as it extracts the flavor compounds without pulling out the bitter tannins that can be released by hot water.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to the Perfect Cup

• Fresh vs. Dried: Use a 3:1 ratio. For every 1 part dried lemon balm, use 3 parts fresh.
• Water Temperature: Never use boiling water. Let it cool for a minute (to ~195°F / 90°C) to protect delicate flavors.
• Cover While Steeping: Always cover your mug or pot to trap the beneficial and aromatic volatile oils.
• Steep Time: 5-10 minutes is perfect for a balanced hot tea. Longer for concentrates or cold brew.
• For Smooth Iced Tea: Try the cold brew method. It takes longer but results in a naturally sweeter, less bitter tea.

People Also Ask About Lemon Balm Tea

What does lemon balm tea taste like?

Lemon balm tea has a pleasantly mild, lemony flavor with subtle notes of mint. It’s not sour or acidic like a real lemon. The taste is light, aromatic, and slightly sweet, making it a very easy-to-drink herbal tea. When brewed correctly, it should never be bitter.

Can I use the stems of lemon balm for tea?

Yes, you can include the tender stems along with the leaves. While the leaves contain the highest concentration of flavorful oils, the stems also hold beneficial compounds. For the best-tasting tea, prioritize using the leaves, but there’s no need to meticulously remove every bit of the softer, upper stems.

Is it OK to drink lemon balm tea every day?

For most healthy adults, enjoying 1-2 cups of lemon balm tea daily is generally considered safe. However, due to its potential effects on the thyroid, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider before daily use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a thyroid condition, or are taking any medications.

How much fresh lemon balm should I use for one cup of tea?

A good starting point for a standard 8-ounce cup of tea is 2 tablespoons of fresh, lightly chopped lemon balm leaves. This provides a lovely, balanced flavor. You can easily adjust this amount up or down depending on how strong you prefer your tea.

Final Thoughts

The simple ritual of preparing and sipping a cup of homemade herbal tea can be a powerful way to find a moment of peace in a busy world. Lemon balm, with its cheerful scent and gentle nature, is the perfect companion for this practice. Whether you prefer it hot and cozy or iced and refreshing, brewing this tea is an invitation to slow down and care for yourself.

I hope these recipes inspire you to brew a cup of calm. What’s your favorite way to relax and unwind at the end of the day? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Last update on 2025-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API