If you’ve spent time tending to a lemon balm plant, you know how prolific it can be. Its bright, lemony scent is a delight in the garden, but once you’ve harvested a basketful, the question often becomes: what to do with lemon balm?
Beyond its lovely aroma, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has been a beloved herb for centuries, cherished for its calming properties and versatility. Whether you’re a new herbalist or just looking for a simple way to use up your harvest, this guide is for you.
We’ll cover some of the most popular benefits of lemon balm, share practical tips for preserving your leaves, and give you a few simple recipes to get you started.
Haven’t grown your own yet? Check out our beginner’s guide on How to Grow Lemon Balm from Seed.
The Soothing Benefits of Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a quiet powerhouse in the world of natural remedies. Its gentle, calming effects are what make it a must-have in any home apothecary. While it’s always wise to consult a healthcare professional for any health concerns, here are some of the reasons herbalists love this plant:
- Promotes a Sense of Calm: Lemon balm is most famous for its ability to reduce feelings of stress and nervous tension. It works by supporting the body’s own natural calming systems, making it a perfect ally after a long, busy day.
- Aides in Restful Sleep: A simple cup of lemon balm tea before bed can help prepare your body for sleep, soothing the mind and making it easier to drift off naturally.
- May Support a Healthy Mood: Preliminary research suggests that the calming properties of lemon balm may also have a positive effect on mood, helping to lift spirits and reduce feelings of low energy.
How to Dry and Preserve Your Lemon Balm
Wondering what to do with lemon balm? Preserving your harvest is one of the best ways to enjoy its benefits all year long.
1. Prepare Your Leaves: After harvesting, gently rinse the leaves and pat them dry with a clean towel.
2. Choose Your Drying Method:
- Air Drying (The Easiest Way): Tie small bundles of lemon balm stems together with twine. Hang them upside down in a clean, dark, and well-ventilated area, like a pantry or closet, for one to two weeks. The darkness helps the leaves retain their vibrant green color and potency.
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- A food dehydrator is a great way to speed up the drying process to just a few hours. We recommend a high-quality, affordable model on our tools page that’s perfect for home herb drying. Just spread the leaves on the trays and set the temperature to a low heat (around 95°F / 35°C).
3. Proper Storage: Once the leaves are completely dry and brittle, crumble them off the stems. Store the dried herb in a clean, airtight glass jar. Keep the jar in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to maintain its potency and flavor for up to a year.
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What to Do with Your Lemon Balm: Creative Recipes and Uses
Now for the fun part! Your dried lemon balm can be used in countless ways. Here are a few simple recipes to get you started.
1. A Calming Cup of Lemon Balm Tea
This is the most classic way to enjoy your harvest. The taste is light, fresh, and slightly citrusy.
- Ingredients:
- 1-2 teaspoons of dried lemon balm leaves (or a small handful of fresh leaves)
- 1 cup of hot water
- Instructions:
- Place the leaves in a tea strainer or directly in your cup.
- Pour hot water over the leaves.
- Steep for 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
- Strain and enjoy! (You can add a touch of honey or a slice of lemon if you like.)
Watch our short reel on Instagram where we walk you through harvesting and making this perfect cup of tea!
2. Simple Lemon Balm Syrup
This syrup is perfect for sweetening iced tea, cocktails, or drizzling over yogurt and pancakes.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup fresh or dried lemon balm leaves
- Instructions:
- Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon balm leaves.
- Let the mixture steep for 2-3 hours.
- Strain out the leaves and pour the syrup into a clean jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
3. Beginner’s Lemon Balm Tincture
Wondering what to do with lemon balm? Making a tincture is a fantastic way to preserve the plant’s benefits for long-term use.
- Ingredients:
- A handful of fresh lemon balm leaves (or about half a jar of dried leaves)
- A high-proof alcohol (like vodka or brandy)
- A small glass jar with a lid
- Instructions:
- Place the lemon balm leaves in the jar, filling it about halfway.
- Cover the leaves completely with the alcohol.
- Seal the jar tightly and place it in a cool, dark place.
- Shake the jar every day or two for about 4-6 weeks.
- Strain out the plant material and store the finished tincture in a dark-colored glass dropper bottle.
A Convenient Way to Enjoy Lemon Balm’s Benefits
While making your own tincture is a rewarding experience, sometimes a ready-made option is exactly what you need. For those moments, a high-quality tincture is the perfect solution.
We are proud to recommend HERBIFY Lemon Balm Tincture, a natural herbal supplement designed for promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and supporting digestive health. We love that it’s made in the USA with carefully sourced ingredients and is free from artificial additives. It’s an easy, reliable way to enjoy the calming and soothing properties of lemon balm anytime you need them.
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A Blended Approach: Lemon Balm with L-Theanine and GABA
If you’re looking for a supplement that combines the power of lemon balm with other well-known calming ingredients, a blended product might be a great fit. These can offer a comprehensive solution for stress relief and relaxation.
We also love these GABA Calming Drops with Lemon Balm Extract from KEY ELEMENTS. These drops are perfect if you’re looking for fast-acting, all-in-one support for stress relief, focus, and a healthy mood. Their liquid form absorbs quickly, and they’re made with clean, vegan ingredients. Plus, the light peach flavor is a bonus!
Where to Find Dried Lemon Balm
If you don’t have a garden, or you’re just starting your herbal journey, you can still enjoy the benefits of this wonderful plant. High-quality dried lemon balm leaves are readily available online.
Check out some of our favorite trusted sources for dried lemon balm leaves on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Balm
What are the main benefits of lemon balm?
Lemon balm is primarily known for its calming properties. It is often used to help reduce feelings of stress and nervous tension, aid in restful sleep, and may help support a healthy mood.
Can I use fresh lemon balm leaves for tea?
Absolutely! Fresh leaves are wonderful for tea. Just use a slightly larger amount than you would for dried leaves, as the flavor is a bit more subtle.
How do you dry lemon balm for tea?
The easiest method is to air dry it. Simply tie small bunches of lemon balm stems together and hang them in a clean, dry, dark, and well-ventilated space for 1-2 weeks until the leaves are brittle.
How long does dried lemon balm last?
When stored in a cool, dark, and airtight container, dried lemon balm can maintain its potency and flavor for up to a year.
What does lemon balm taste like?
Lemon balm has a light, subtle, and fresh citrusy flavor. It’s often described as a mix of lemon and mint, but much milder and less intense than pure lemon.
Conclusion: From Your Garden to Your Home
Lemon balm is truly a gift for the home herbalist. With a little care in the garden and a few simple preservation techniques, you can enjoy this versatile and soothing herb all year round. We hope this guide inspires you to experiment with your harvest and find new ways to incorporate this plant into your daily wellness routine.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.