Lemon Balm: A Gentle Herb for Calm, Clarity, and Everyday Support
A staple in my apothecary — and one I reach for often
There are a few herbs I always want within reach, and lemon balm is one of them. It’s light, lemony, and just as good for the spirit as it is for the body.
It’s the kind of herb that meets you where you’re at — whether you’re feeling anxious, overstimulated, or just want a cup of something calming. It’s gentle enough for children, yet powerful in its ability to calm the nervous system and lift the mood.
I use lemon balm in several of my blends, especially those meant for sleep, relaxation, or immune support. You’ll find it in Soothing Sleep, Citrus Mint Revive, and others throughout the year.
Benefits of Lemon Balm
This plant may be soft and delicate, but it brings a lot to the table. Lemon balm is:
• Uplifting and mood-boosting
• Calming to the nervous system
• Supportive for restful sleep
• Great for stress-related tension or tummy troubles
• Antiviral and immune-supportive
• Gentle enough for children
• Supportive for cognitive clarity and focus
• Helpful for headaches and mild pain
• Known to help balance hormones and ease PMS
• Delicious on its own or paired with other herbs
How to Use Lemon Balm
Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried lemon balm in hot water for 10–15 minutes. It’s mild, lemony, and slightly sweet — and makes a wonderful solo tea or addition to blends.
It pairs beautifully with chamomile, mint, lemon peel, tulsi, and lavender — making it a go-to for teas that calm without making you drowsy. But tea is just the beginning. Lemon balm is equally at home in the kitchen.
Try it:
• In pesto – blend lemon balm with lemon basil, olive oil, garlic, and your favorite seeds or nuts. It’s light, citrusy, and bursting with flavor. Try it spread on homemade pizza with heirloom tomatoes — it’s one of the best flavor combos I’ve ever had.
• In fruit salads – toss a few chopped lemon balm leaves with berries, melons, or citrus for a bright, refreshing twist.
• In baked goods – stir finely chopped lemon balm into shortbread, sugar cookies, or lemon loaf for a gentle, herbal lemon note.
• As an infused syrup – simmer lemon balm with water and honey to make a calming syrup you can drizzle over pancakes, stir into sparkling water, or blend into mocktails.
It’s also lovely in facial steams, infused oils, or bath blends when you’re looking to unwind. However you use it, lemon balm is a sweet and soothing staple worth keeping close.
Where to Find It
If you’re looking to try lemon balm in a balanced, refreshing way, I recommend starting with Citrus Mint Revive. For something more relaxing and sleep-focused, Soothing Sleep or Evening Garden are your cup. You can shop our entire tea collection here.
No matter how you enjoy it, lemon balm is one of those herbs you’ll want to keep on hand — and once you get to know it, it might become one of your favorites too.