Lemon Balm Tea Recipe
A lemony herbal tea made with fresh or dried lemon balm leaves and optional honey and lemon. Brew one serving; lemon balm tea has not been shown to cause weight loss.
Equipment
- 1 Heat-safe mug or pitcher Choose a vessel larger than the total amount of water, with room above it; use a saucer or lid to cover it.
- 1 Tea infuser or fine-mesh strainer Use an infuser for easy leaf removal, or strain loose leaves.
- 1 Kettle or small saucepan For bringing the water to a boil.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon balm leaves or half this volume of dried lemon balm leaves
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon honey optional
- 1 slice lemon optional
Instructions
- Rinse fresh lemon balm leaves under running water. If using dried leaves, measure them instead. While preparing the leaves, bring the water to a boil, then turn off the heat.2 tablespoons fresh lemon balm leaves, 1 cup boiling water
- Put the leaves in a tea infuser inside a heat-safe mug, or place them loose in the mug. Choose a vessel larger than the total amount of water so there is room above it. For scaled batches, use a suitably sized heat-safe pitcher or brew separate cups.2 tablespoons fresh lemon balm leaves
- Pour the boiling water over the leaves and cover the mug with a saucer or lid. Steep for 5 minutes, then taste carefully. If you prefer a stronger cup, continue up to 7 minutes total. Look for a lemon-herbal aroma and a flavor you enjoy; color alone does not indicate strength. Do not simmer the leaves.2 tablespoons fresh lemon balm leaves, 1 cup boiling water
- Remove the infuser or strain out the loose leaves. Stir in the optional honey and add the optional lemon slice to taste. Allow the tea to cool to a comfortable drinking temperature and serve warm.1 teaspoon honey, 1 slice lemon
Notes
The recipe makes one serving from 1 cup of water; the amount poured after straining may be slightly smaller. Dried leaves replace fresh leaves at half the volume. The listed total allows 5 minutes to prepare and heat the water and the full 7-minute steep; kettle speed varies. Honey and lemon are optional flavor additions, not weight-loss ingredients.
For iced tea, strain first, then refrigerate in a clean covered container within 2 hours. Add ice when serving; it will dilute the flavor.
Nutrition is not listed because recipe-specific data for the strained lemon balm infusion are unavailable. Optional honey and lemon change the nutrition.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!