Can You Put Lemon Balm in Hot Water? Brewing the Perfect Herbal Tea

December 14, 2025 •

4 min read

For centuries, herbalists have utilized the calming properties of Melissa officinalis, or lemon balm. So, can you put lemon balm in hot water? The answer is a resounding yes, and it's one of the most common and effective ways to unlock its aromatic and health-promoting benefits.

Quick Summary

Lemon balm leaves are ideal for hot water infusions, creating a flavorful and relaxing herbal tea. Proper brewing involves steeping fresh or dried leaves in hot water for several minutes to extract their beneficial compounds and calming essence.

Key Points

Optimal Brewing Temperature: Using water just off the boil (around 200°F) is recommended to protect the volatile oils in lemon balm leaves, though boiling water is also effective for extraction.
Fresh vs. Dried Leaves: Both fresh and dried lemon balm leaves can be used to make a hot water infusion, with fresh leaves offering a brighter, more citrusy flavor.
Proper Steeping Time: Steeping lemon balm for 5-15 minutes is standard. A longer steep produces a stronger, more potent tea, while a shorter one results in a milder flavor.
Health Benefits: A hot infusion of lemon balm is known for its calming, anxiety-reducing, and digestive-aiding properties, supported by its antioxidant content.
Versatile Preparation: The hot tea can be enjoyed as is, sweetened with honey, or chilled to create a refreshing iced tea.

Is Lemon Balm Suitable for Hot Water?

Yes, lemon balm is perfectly suited for hot water, which is the traditional method for preparing it as a relaxing herbal tea. The heat helps to release the plant's volatile oils, like citronellal, which are responsible for its distinctive lemony aroma and therapeutic effects. The resulting brew, often called a tisane or herbal infusion, offers a refreshing, subtly minty and citrus-flavored beverage.

The Importance of Water Temperature

While boiling water is a common practice, some herbalists suggest using water that is just off the boil to preserve the more delicate compounds in the leaves. Extremely high temperatures can potentially degrade some of the beneficial plant constituents, though a full boil is still effective for extracting flavor and is a more common method. A compromise is to bring the water to a boil, then let it cool for a minute before pouring it over the leaves.

How to Make the Perfect Lemon Balm Tea

Making lemon balm tea is a simple process, whether you are using fresh leaves from your garden or dried leaves. For best results, avoid over-steeping, as this can lead to a bitter flavor profile.

Ingredients:

1-2 tablespoons of fresh lemon balm leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried leaves)
1 cup of hot water (just off the boil)
Optional additions: Honey, a slice of lemon, or mint sprigs

Instructions:

Wash fresh leaves thoroughly and gently crush or tear them to help release their oils. For dried leaves, simply measure and place them in your brewing vessel.
Place the leaves in a teapot, infuser, or directly into your mug.
Heat your water to just under a rolling boil (approx. 200°F) and pour it over the leaves.
Cover and let the tea steep for 5 to 15 minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger the flavor will be.
Strain out the leaves and discard them.
Add honey or lemon to taste if desired, and enjoy your fresh tea.

Fresh vs. Dried Lemon Balm: A Comparison


Feature	Fresh Lemon Balm	Dried Lemon Balm
Flavor	Brighter, more aromatic, and vibrant citrus flavor.	Subtler, warmer "balmy" flavor. Lemon scent diminishes upon drying.
Potency	Offers a potent extraction of active compounds.	Retains medicinal properties well if dried and stored correctly.
Quantity	Requires a larger amount of leaves per cup (approx. 1-2 tbsp).	Needs less herb per cup (approx. 1 tsp) due to concentration.
Availability	Seasonal, requires growing your own or finding fresh herbs.	Available year-round as loose leaf tea or in teabags.
Preparation	Involves gentle crushing of leaves to release oils.	Can be stored for months and ready for use at any time.

The Health Benefits of a Hot Infusion

Lemon balm has been valued in traditional medicine for its many positive effects, and a hot water infusion is an excellent way to harness them. The warmth of the tea can also provide additional comfort, especially during cooler seasons or when you feel under the weather.

Stress and Anxiety Relief: Known for its calming effects, lemon balm tea is a popular choice for reducing stress and anxiety. It's particularly useful for winding down before bed and promoting restful sleep.
Digestive Support: The herb's carminative properties help relieve common gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, gas, and indigestion. Drinking a cup after a meal can aid digestion and ease stomach discomfort.
Antioxidant Power: Lemon balm contains powerful antioxidants, including rosmarinic acid, which helps protect the body from oxidative damage and inflammation.
Immune System Support: Some evidence suggests that lemon balm can help support the immune system and has antiviral properties, which may assist during cold and flu season.

How to Store Lemon Balm for Your Next Cup

If you grow your own lemon balm, proper harvesting and storage will ensure you have a supply for hot infusions all year long. The ideal time to harvest leaves is in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun is too strong.

Drying: To dry lemon balm, tie small bunches together and hang them upside down in a well-ventilated, dark place away from direct sunlight. Once the leaves are crumbly (about a week), remove them from the stems and store them in an airtight container.
Freezing: You can also freeze fresh leaves by chopping them and placing them in ice cube trays with water. This is a great way to have fresh lemon balm readily available for teas or other recipes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, putting lemon balm in hot water is not only possible but is the optimal way to enjoy a soothing and beneficial herbal tea. Whether you prefer the vibrant taste of fresh leaves or the convenience of dried ones, a warm lemon balm infusion is a simple pleasure with significant potential health perks. Its reputation as a natural remedy for relaxation and digestion is well-earned, making it a valuable addition to any herbalist's pantry. For more information on the wide range of health benefits associated with this versatile herb, consider consulting resources from trusted institutions like the Cleveland Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

For optimal results, use water that is just off the boil, around 200°F. This temperature is hot enough to extract the flavors and compounds but gentler than a full boil, which may preserve some of the more delicate plant constituents.

Fresh leaves tend to produce a brighter, more aromatic citrus flavor, while dried leaves offer a warmer, subtler taste. Dried leaves are more concentrated, so you will use less per cup of tea.

A steeping time of 5 to 15 minutes is recommended. The longer the tea steeps, the more potent and flavorful it will be. Experiment with the timing to find your preferred strength.

Lemon balm tea is known for its calming and relaxing effects, which help reduce stress and anxiety. It also aids digestion by relieving bloating and indigestion, and provides antioxidant support.

Yes, lemon balm can be used for cold infusions. Simply place fresh leaves in cold water and let them steep in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours to create a refreshing drink with a more subtle flavor profile.

Lemon balm is generally considered safe for most people when consumed in moderation. However, individuals with thyroid issues should consult a doctor before regular consumption. If you have an underlying medical condition, seek professional advice before using it therapeutically.

Lemon balm tea has a refreshing, delicate citrus flavor with minty undertones. Unlike citrus fruits, the lemon taste is not sour but bright and herbaceous.