Lemon balm tea gives gentle yet profound benefits. Whether you are dealing with frazzled nerves, sleepless nights, or simply want a caffeine-free beverage to pamper yourself with a beverage that tastes like sunshine, then lemon balm tea is the answer.

It definitely deserves a permanent spot in your pantry. In this guide, I have gathered a list of nine stellar recipes from trusted creators across the web that you must try. So, no need to spend time finding that best one. I have done the tough job for you. Let’s steep into it.

What Is Lemon Balm Tea?

Lemon balm tea is an herbal infusion made from the leaves of Melissa officinalis, a plant from the mint family. It smells a bit like lemon drops and grows easily in most gardens. It’s different from true teas because it doesn’t contain caffeine, which makes it perfect for winding down after dinner or sipping throughout the day without the jitters.

The flavor isn’t overwhelming. It’s subtle and lemony with a hint of mint. It pairs beautifully with honey, lavender, or even a thin slice of ginger. Here’s a fun fact: 11th-century physicians wrote that lemon balm “causeth the mind and heart to become merry.”

Benefits of Lemon Balm Tea

Let’s get nerdy for a minute, because the research on lemon balm is exciting. Here are the top benefits that keep me reaching for this herb again and again.

1. Helps reduce anxiety: It actually helps reduce anxiety levels. There have been plenty of studies on that. It works by gently affecting your brain chemistry to create a calming effect without making you feel drowsy. So whenever your mind feels like it’s racing at 100 miles per hour, grab a mug of lemon balm tea.
2. Improves sleep quality: Waking up at 3 a.m. and suddenly your brain decides to replay every awkward conversation you’ve ever had? Then you need lemon balm tea before bedtime. It helps improve sleep quality, and when you pair it with valerian, it gets even more effective for those sleepless nights.
3. Antispasmodic properties: It has antispasmodic properties, which means it helps calm colic and gas in the digestive tract. That’s why you’ll often see lemon balm listed as an ingredient in over-the-counter digestive remedies. It helps ease bloating and mild tummy troubles.
4. Helps improve memory and focus: If you’re drawn to intelligence and depth, this one’s for you. Studies show that it can improve memory and focus without the caffeine crash. It helps clear brain fog, and I’ve found it super helpful during my exam prep (for context, I’m a medical graduate). If you’ve got a big work presentation coming up and prefer natural options, drink a cup of lemon balm beforehand.
5. Protects your heart health: It helps protect your heart health. Its antioxidant properties reduce inflammation throughout the cardiovascular system, which basically means your heart and how it functions. Think of lemon balm tea as a little bit of preventive self-care for your heart.
6. Helps in menstrual cramps: I know this one all too well. We’ve all been through those hormonal roller-coaster days. Lemon balm tea can help take the edge off those hormonal highs and lows. Drinking it regularly has definitely eased my cramps
7. Natural antiviral: For cold sores, applying soaked tea bags directly to the area speeds healing.

9 Best Lemon Balm Tea Recipes

Now for the fun part, here are my go-to lemon balm tea recipes from creators who know their herbs.

1. Classic Hot Lemon Balm Tea | The View from Great Island – This is the simplest way to enjoy this herb. Place fresh leaves in a teapot, add boiling water, and steep for about 5-10 minutes. The fresh leaves give a minty-lemon aroma that’s perfect for unwinding after dinner. It’s the most basic option.

2. Lemon Balm Tisane with Tincture Boost | Simply Beyond Herbs – For an extra medicinal punch, steep dried lemon balm and add a few drops of lemon balm tincture. This method extracts additional plant compounds that water alone can’t reach, perfect for when you need serious calm.

3. Lemon Balm & Chamomile Sleep Blend | My Healthy Homemade Life – This relaxing tea pairs lemon balm with chamomile flowers for a double dose of tranquility. Steep both herbs for 10 minutes and sip before bed for dreamless sleep. It is your best bet for insomnia.

4. Iced Lemon Balm Infusion | Tidbits & Company – Pack a jar 1/3 full with fresh lemon balm leaves, fill with boiling water, and let infuse for at least 20 minutes. Strain, add honey while warm, and serve over ice. The longer infusion time creates a more potent, cooling summer drink.

5. Lemon Balm Detox Water | We Cook Recipes – Add a handful of fresh lemon balm leaves and lemon slices to a pitcher of water. Let infuse for 2 hours or overnight in the fridge for a hydrating beverage you can sip all day.

6. Lemon Balm & Lavender Stress Relief Tea | The Kitchn – This sophisticated blend adds oatstraw, rose hips, and lavender to lemon balm for a tea that nourishes the nervous system while lifting your spirits. It’s like aromatherapy in a cup.

7. Korean-Style Concentrated Lemon Balm Tea | Better Homes & Gardens – Simmer dried lemon balm gently for 3-4 minutes (not a full boil) to create a more warming, therapeutic drink. Sweeten with honey and float pine nuts on top for a traditional twist.

8. Lemon Balm Sun Tea | Herbal Remedies Advice – This cold-infusion method uses fresh herbs and cool water, pulling out different aromatics than hot water. Place herbs in a covered jar and let it sit in the sun for 4-6 hours for a delicate, refreshing beverage perfect for hot summer days.

9. Lemon Balm & Ginger Digestive Tea | Mommypotamus – Combine fresh lemon balm with ginger slices for a tea that soothes the stomach and eases tension. The ginger adds warmth and additional digestive support, while lemon balm calms the nervous system.

Top 3 Lemon Balm Picks

A few staples I consistently reach for in my herbal apothecary:

Mountain Rose Herbs Organic Lemon Balm Leaf – This stuff is something special. The quality is incredible – the leaves are a vibrant green and still packed with essential oils. I use it for everything, from evening teas to DIY tinctures.

Traditional Medicinals Organic Lemon Balm Tea Bags – These are perfect for those lazy days when you just need something quick and convenient. The pre-portioned bags are a total lifesaver, and the quality isn’t compromised at all. They’re made with organic, fair-trade herbs, so you still get the therapeutic benefits you expect from lemon balm tea.

Stainless Steel Tea Infuser with Fine Mesh Basket – A good infuser is essential if you don’t like tea leaves floating in your balm tea. This one lets the leaves fully expand while keeping even the smallest bits out of your cup.

Final Thoughts on Making Lemon Balm Tea Your New Ritual

Incorporating lemon balm tea into your daily routine is one of the gentlest yet most profound shifts you can make for your mental and physical wellbeing. Unlike harsh stimulants or heavy sedatives, this herb works with your body’s natural rhythms—calming when you’re anxious, focusing when you’re foggy, and soothing when your stomach is unsettled.

The beauty of following these curated recipes from trusted creators is that they’ve already done the testing for you. They’ve figured out the perfect steep times, the ideal herb pairings, and the most delicious variations. Your job is simply to show up, boil water, and allow yourself a few mindful minutes to sip and reset.

Whether you grow your own lemon balm in a pot on your windowsill or source dried leaves from reputable herbalists, this is one wellness practice that pays dividends in both immediate comfort and long-term health. As we navigate increasingly stressful times, having a cup of lemon balm tea to reach for feels like having a wise, calming friend always ready to listen.

So brew a cup, breathe in that citrus-mint aroma, and toast to your health—one soothing sip at a time.