Lemon Balm Tea: Recipe, Detox Facts and Safety

Lemon balm tea is a caffeine-free infusion of lemon balm leaves and water that takes 2 hours 5 minutes to make and yields about 1 cup (250 mL).

What is lemon balm tea?

Lemon balm tea is made by steeping the leaves of lemon balm, Melissa officinalis, in water. The leaves have a mild, lemon-like aroma, but the drink does not need lemon juice or slices.

This recipe uses a refrigerated steep to draw out the flavor. It is a simple option among herbal detox tea recipes, although its useful contribution is hydration rather than a special detox effect.

How do you make lemon balm tea?

This cold-steeped recipe makes one unsweetened serving. You can drink it chilled or warm the strained tea before serving.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Steep time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Yield: About 1 cup (250 mL)

Ingredients

• 5 g fresh lemon balm leaves, about 1/4 cup loosely packed or 2 sprigs
• 250 mL (about 1 cup) drinking water

Method

1. Rinse the lemon balm leaves under clean running water.
2. Place the leaves in a clean jar or covered container and add the water.
3. Refrigerate for 2 hours. For a stronger flavor, steep for up to 4 hours.
4. Strain into a cup and serve chilled, or warm the strained tea gently before drinking.

To customize another infusion, try the ai detox recipe generator.

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Use food-grade lemon balm that you can identify confidently. Rinsing removes visible dirt, but it does not make an unidentified or unsuitable plant safe to eat. A covered container also helps keep the infusion clean while it steeps.

Keep prepared lemon balm tea refrigerated and drink it within 24 hours for the best flavor. Discard it after 2–3 days, or sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy or sour-smelling. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than a few hours.

What does lemon balm tea do for detox?

Lemon balm tea can help you stay hydrated, which supports normal body functions. Your liver and kidneys do most of the body’s detoxification; the lungs and gut also help eliminate waste, while sweat removes only trace amounts.

There is no established evidence that lemon balm tea removes toxins or improves the body’s detoxification process. Some people enjoy it as part of a calming routine, but that is not the same as evidence that the tea treats stress or improves sleep. Read more about lemon balm tea benefits.

How much lemon balm tea should you drink, and when?

There is no established evidence-based dose of lemon balm tea for detox. One cup of this infusion is a practical starting serving; see how it suits you rather than treating it as a required daily amount.

You can drink it with a meal or on its own. Lemon balm tea made only with lemon balm and water contains no caffeine, so an evening serving is an option if you prefer a caffeine-free drink. It can contribute to fluid intake, but it does not need to replace plain water.

What are the side effects of lemon balm tea?

Safety information about lemon balm tea is limited, and people can respond differently. If you feel unwell after drinking it, stop using it and ask a healthcare professional for advice, particularly if symptoms persist.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a health condition or take medication, ask a healthcare professional before using lemon balm regularly. Check with a child’s healthcare professional before giving it to them. Do not stop prescribed medication to use the tea.

Seek urgent medical help for difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or throat. For more detail, see lemon balm tea side effects.

Lemon balm tea FAQs

Can you use dried lemon balm?

Yes, if it is sold for food or tea. Fresh and dried leaves do not measure interchangeably, so follow the package directions rather than using this recipe’s fresh-leaf amount as a dried-leaf dose.

Can you warm cold-steeped lemon balm tea?

Yes. Strain the leaves first, then gently warm the amount you plan to drink. Keep the remaining tea refrigerated and follow the storage guidance above.

Can you make a larger batch?

Yes. Multiply the fresh lemon balm and water by the same amount, use a clean covered container, and follow the same refrigerated steeping and storage directions.