Today, I want to introduce you to my best friend in the herbal world: lemon balm. It’s a wonderful ally to keep in your garden, and if you do, you know how quickly its lemony scent can lift your mood–and how prolific it is. This gentle, joyful herb has helped me through anxious days, restless nights, and those uneasy moments when my stomach just wouldn’t settle. I’m excited to share with you how you can use it in your own daily routine.
Meet Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Lemon balm is a perennial herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae). And like many of its mint cousins, it tends to spread abundantly if you let it. For this reason, I like to grow it in pots on my porch. It is native to the Mediterranean but is now at home in many Appalachian gardens and wild spaces. It has long been loved for its calming, uplifting energy.
If lemon balm had a color, it would be yellow–not because of the lemon in its name, but because it feels like sunshine when you drink it. It is an herb of joy, happiness, and wisdom.
For centuries, herbalists have turned to lemon balm to lift the spirit, ease digestive troubles, and support the nervous system. Its light lemony scent, combined with its gentle and relaxing properties, make it one of the first herbs I recommend to beginners. It’s easy to grow, easy to love, and incredibly versatile. Any of my friends will tell you I am very fond of my lemon balm.
Lemon Balm for Mind, Body, and Spirit
For Anxiety & Stress
Lemon balm is considered a mild nervine–meaning it works gently on the nervous system to reduce tension and promote calm. It’s not overly sedating, so it can be used throughout the day to help you feel more grounded and emotionally balanced.
I often turn to lemon balm during anxious moments when I need to reconnect with my breath and body. It pairs well with meditation, reading, mantra, or just being still. It has helped me reconnect with myself, tame my wild mind, and bring presence back into my life.
For Sleep
If your mind tends to race when your head hits the pillow, lemon balm may become your new favorite nighttime companion. While not a strong sedative, it helps quiet mental chatter and ease the body into a restful state.
I especially love pairing it with chamomile for a soothing bedtime tea. My son prefers it as a plain tea or in a blend with chamomile with a pinch of catnip and a hint of honey–an herbalist in the making, perhaps?
For Digestion
If you ever feel like your stomach is holding onto your stress, lemon balm is perfect for that. It’s a carminative, which means it helps relieve gas, bloating, and that nervous stomach feeling. Whether taken as a tea or tincture, it helps bring ease to the belly–especially when tension is at the root of discomfort.
How to Use Lemon Balm
1. Tea / Infusion
Tea is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to connect with lemon balm. You can use it fresh or dried — either way, the aroma alone begins to soothe. Steep it on its own, or blend it with herbs like chamomile or lavender for a more layered effect.
2. Tincture
Tinctures offer a more concentrated and portable form of herbal support. A few drops under the tongue or in a bit of water can quickly calm nerves or settle digestion. I keep a small bottle of lemon balm tincture in my bag for unexpected moments of overwhelm.
3. Glycerite
This is a sweet, alcohol-free extract that’s great for kids or those who prefer no alcohol. It’s especially lovely before bed.
4. Culinary Uses
Lemon balm adds a hint of sunshine to food and drink. You can toss fresh leaves into fruit salads, steep them in lemonade, or use them in herbal mocktails. It’s a gentle way to incorporate the plant into everyday life.
5. Honey
One thing I always keep on hand is lemon balm infused into honey. It’s another tasty way for both kids and adults to enjoy the herb. And the honey really brings out the lemon flavor.
Safety & Considerations
Lemon balm is generally considered safe for most people and can be used regularly. However, those with hypothyroidism should check with a practitioner, as lemon balm may suppress thyroid function. As always, start small, listen to your body, and work with a trusted herbal resource if you’re unsure.
Final Thoughts
Lemon balm has become one of the most grounding and comforting herbs in my apothecary. I personally drink it as an herbal tea almost every day. I also have three plants growing in pots around my home because we love it so much. Its ability to calm the nervous system, support digestion, and uplift the spirit makes it a wonderful friend for all herbalists, beginner and experienced.
With gratitude,
🍋 Lemon Balm Tea for Calm and Comfort
This soothing tea is perfect when you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or having trouble winding down at night. It’s also lovely after meals to support digestion.
Ingredients:
- 1–3 teaspoons dried lemon balm
(or 2-6 teaspoons fresh, lightly crushed) - ½–1 teaspoon dried chamomile (optional, for added calm)
- ½–1 teaspoon dried peppermint (optional, for digestive support)
- 8–10 oz hot water
Instructions:
- Place the herbs in a tea infuser, teapot, or mason jar.
- Pour just-boiled water over the herbs.
- Cover and steep for 10–15 minutes.
- Strain, sweeten with honey if desired, and enjoy warm.
When to use:
- Before bed to ease into sleep.
- Sip during the day for a gentle mood lift.
- After meals to soothe the stomach.
If you try lemon balm for yourself, I’d love to hear how it works for you. Feel free to share your experience in the comments or drop me a message. Let’s keep learning from the plants–slowly, seasonally, and with intention.
FDA Disclaimer: The statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The herbal information shared here is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This blog is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal products, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.