Tasty Hot and Iced Lemon Balm Tea Recipes

Lemon balm tea is a vibrant, citrusy concoction that is perfect as a hot tea or an iced tea. Brewing up this tea is quick and easy and delivers a bold lemony flavor that you're sure to love. Discover our favorite lemon balm tea recipes and enjoy the tart and sweet flavors of this herbal tea.

Why Lemon Balm Tea?

Lemon balm tea is an herbal tea made from the leaves of the lemon balm plant known by the botanical name Melissa officinalis. The lemon balm plant is a member of the mint family and features a vibrant flavor and tingling aroma. The plant is native to Europe and the Mediterranean region.

Lemon balm mint leaves are harvested for culinary use and as extracts such as essential oils. Research on the health benefits of lemon balm tea is fairly new, but studies have shown potential benefits for blood pressure and indigestion (1). Fresh lemon balm leaves also boast antibacterial and antioxidant properties, which may help with cold sores (2).

Lemon balm leaves have been used historically — particularly by the Ancient Greeks and Romans — as medicinal tinctures and to induce calm in the nervous system. The plants were commonly used to promote the production of honey by honey bees.

Today, dried lemon balm and fresh leaves are used to brew tea, spice up culinary dishes, and in aromatherapy. The lemon flavor and minty aftertaste make this the perfect summertime beverage. Read on to find some of our favorite lemon balm tea recipes.

Simple Lemon Balm Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon loose leaf lemon balm tea
• 10 ounces of water
• 1/2 teaspoon raw honey (OPTIONAL)
• A dash of lemon juice or a slice of fresh lemon

Instructions:

1. Bring water to a rapid boil in a large pot on the stove. Remove the boiling water from heat and add the lemon balm leaves.
2. Steep for 5 to 10 minutes. The longer the leaves steep, the stronger the flavors will become.
3. Use a fine mesh strainer to remove the tea leaves and pour into a teacup. Alternatively, you can place the leaves in a tea ball to make removal quick and easy.
4. Sweeten with a dollop of raw honey or emphasize the citrus notes with a dash of lemon juice.

Lemon Balm, Lavender, and Apple Iced Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons organic lemon balm leaves
• 2 teaspoons Cup & Leaf Lavender Green Tea
• 1 large apple - sliced
• 6 cups of water
• Honey (OPTIONAL)

Instructions:

1. Bring the water to a rapid boil in a stovetop pan or using a temperature controlled teapot.
2. Remove heat and steep the lavender and lemon balm leaves in the hot water for 5 minutes.
3. Add honey and let the tea mixture cool to room temperature. Strain out the fresh herbs and tea leaves. Pour the mixture into a large glass pitcher and add in the freshly sliced apples.
4. Serve immediately in tall glasses filled with ice cubes or store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for use later.

Lively Lemon Balm

Lemon balm tea offers a delicious flavor and very few side effects. Avoid this tea if you are allergic to the lemon balm plant or other members of the mint family. You can use lemon balm to create your own essential oils — just remember to store the bottles in a dark place to preserve the integrity of the tincture.

Brew up a tasty glass of lemon balm tea today with these handy recipes. The hot tea recipe is perfect for warming up in winter while the iced tea recipe is great for cooling off in the summertime heat.

Sources:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4576163/

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871149/