The Best Lemon Balm Tea Recipe (Calming, Aromatic & Dangerously Cozy)

Prep Time: 2 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 7 minutes | Servings: 1 cup | Calories: 5 kcal per serving (unsweetened)

There is something about a warm cup of lemon balm tea that just makes everything feel slower and calmer. It is gentle, subtly fragrant, and one of the most underrated teas you can make at home.

This is not a tea you need to hunt down at a specialty shop. If you have fresh lemon balm growing in your garden or a pot on your windowsill, you are already halfway there. Dried lemon balm works just as well.

Five minutes. One cup. That is all this takes.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Lemon balm tea is not like any other herbal tea out there. Here is why it is worth making.

It is genuinely calming. Lemon balm has been used for centuries to ease stress and quiet the mind. It is not just a nice drink — it actually does something good for you.

The flavour is delicate and fresh. It is not bitter, not overpowering, and not like the artificial lemon flavouring you get in most tea bags. It is soft, slightly sweet, and beautifully aromatic.

It helps you wind down without making you drowsy. Perfect for an evening ritual or a slow afternoon moment without the heaviness of chamomile.

It is incredibly simple to make. Fresh leaves, hot water, and a few minutes of steeping. That is the whole process.

It is great for digestion too. Lemon balm has long been used to settle the stomach after a meal. A cup after dinner is a lovely habit to get into.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon balm leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried lemon balm)
• 1½ cups (350ml) water
• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, to taste)
• Lemon slice (optional, for garnish and extra flavour)
• Fresh sprig of lemon balm or mint (optional, for garnish)

Equipment Needed

• Kettle or small saucepan
• Teapot, French press, or a mug with an infuser
• Fine mesh tea strainer or tea infuser ball (if not using a teapot or French press)
• Measuring spoons
• Small knife (for trimming leaves or cutting lemon)

Instructions

Step 1: If using fresh lemon balm, rinse the leaves gently under cold water and pat them dry. Gently bruise them by pressing them between your fingers — this releases the natural oils and brings out the flavour.

Step 2: Heat the water until it just reaches a gentle simmer. Do not let it reach a full rolling boil. Water that is too hot will make the tea bitter and muddy.

Step 3: Place the bruised lemon balm leaves into your teapot, French press, mug with an infuser, or a tea strainer.

Step 4: Pour the hot water over the leaves. Make sure they are fully submerged.

Step 5: Steep for 5 minutes. No more. Over-steeping will turn the tea bitter and dark.

Step 6: Remove the leaves by lifting out the infuser, straining into your mug, or pressing the French press plunger down.

Step 7: Add honey or sugar if you are using it. Stir until dissolved.

Step 8: Garnish with a slice of lemon or a fresh sprig of lemon balm or mint. Drink while it is hot and enjoy.

Substitutes & Swaps

Fresh lemon balm: If you cannot get fresh, use dried lemon balm — but use less. About 1 teaspoon of dried is equivalent to 1 tablespoon of fresh. Dried is easier to store and lasts much longer.

Honey: Agave syrup is a good neutral swap. Maple syrup adds a deeper, earthier sweetness that actually pairs surprisingly well with lemon balm. Leave it out entirely if you prefer your tea unsweetened.

Water temperature: If you do not have a thermometer, just boil the water and let it sit for 2 minutes before pouring. That brings it down to the right temperature without any guesswork.

Lemon slice: A small splash of fresh lemon juice stirred in at the end does the same job as a lemon slice — brightens the whole cup up without any fuss.

Variations

Lemon Balm and Chamomile Blend: Mix equal parts lemon balm and chamomile flowers. Extra calming and gorgeous before bed.

Lemon Balm Mint Tea: Combine fresh lemon balm with a few fresh mint leaves. Refreshing, clean, and brilliant served over ice in summer.

Lemon Balm Honey Ginger Tea: Add a small piece of fresh ginger (about 1 inch, sliced) to the steep along with the lemon balm, and sweeten with honey. Warming and wonderful for cold days or when you are feeling under the weather.

Iced Lemon Balm Tea: Make the tea as normal but use double the amount of leaves. Let it cool, then pour over ice. Add lemon slices and a sprig of fresh mint. Stunning summer drink.

Lemon Balm Green Tea: Steep 1 green tea bag alongside the lemon balm leaves for the last 2 minutes of steeping only. Adds a gentle energy boost without overpowering the lemon balm.

Tips & Tricks

Do not boil the water. This is the single most important rule. Boiling water scorches delicate herbal leaves and turns the tea bitter. Let it cool for a couple of minutes after boiling, or heat it to just below a simmer.

Bruise the fresh leaves. A gentle squeeze or a light tap with the back of a spoon releases the essential oils. It makes a noticeable difference to the flavour and aroma.

Do not over-steep. Five minutes is the sweet spot. Set a timer if you have to. Anything longer and the tea will taste flat and bitter.

Use the freshest leaves you can. Fresh lemon balm from the garden or a farmers’ market will always taste brighter and more aromatic than anything pre-packaged.

Grow your own. Lemon balm is one of the easiest herbs to grow. It thrives in pots, needs minimal care, and gives you an endless supply of fresh leaves from spring through autumn.

Store dried lemon balm properly. Keep it in an airtight jar away from light and heat. It will stay good for up to a year. After that, the flavour starts to fade.

Drink it warm, not hot. Letting it cool for a minute or two before drinking actually lets the flavour open up. It also stops you from burning your tongue, which nobody enjoys.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	5 kcal
Total Fat	0g
Saturated Fat	0g
Carbohydrates	1g
Fibre	0g
Sugars	0g
Protein	0g
Sodium	0mg

Nutrition is based on 1 cup of unsweetened lemon balm tea. Adding 1 teaspoon of honey adds approximately 20 calories and 5g of sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is lemon balm tea safe to drink every day? Yes, for most people it is perfectly safe to enjoy daily in moderate amounts. However, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication — especially for thyroid conditions — check with your doctor first.

Does lemon balm tea have caffeine? No. Lemon balm is a caffeine-free herbal tea. It is a great choice if you want something warm and calming in the evening without affecting your sleep.

Can I use lemon balm tea bags instead of fresh or dried leaves? Yes, absolutely. Follow the instructions on the box, but generally one tea bag per cup steeped for 3–5 minutes works well. Fresh or dried loose leaf will always taste better, but tea bags are a perfectly fine option.

Why does my lemon balm tea taste bitter? The water was too hot or you steeped it for too long. Both of these are the most common reasons. Use water that is just below boiling and keep the steep to 5 minutes maximum.

Can I make lemon balm tea with just the stems? The leaves are where all the flavour and the beneficial compounds are. Stems will not give you much of either. Stick to the leaves.

How much lemon balm is too much? For tea, 1 tablespoon of fresh leaves or 1 teaspoon of dried per cup is the sweet spot. Using more than this can make the taste too intense and may have a stronger sedative effect.

Can I add milk to lemon balm tea? You can, but it is not traditional and milk can mute the delicate lemon flavour. If you want a creamier herbal drink, try a splash of oat milk — it is the gentlest option and does not overpower the tea.

The Quiet Cup You Did Not Know You Needed

Not every great drink needs to be loud or flashy. Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is slow down, wrap your hands around a warm cup, and just breathe. This tea does exactly that.

Make it tonight. Five minutes is all it takes to give yourself a proper moment of calm.

Made this recipe? Tell me how it went in the comments. I would love to know if you added anything to make it your own.