If you've never tried lemon balm tea, it's one of those subtly brilliant herbal teas that doesn't shout about itself in the way a big, bold chai or a smoky Lapsang Souchong might. It's soft: lemony without being sharp and calming without being sleepy. Moreover, it comes with a history that stretches back further than most of the teas it shares a shelf with.
Here's everything worth knowing about lemon balm tea — what it is, where it comes from, how people have traditionally used it, and how to actually brew a good cup.
What Is Lemon Balm, Exactly?
Lemon balm's proper botanical name is Melissa officinalis. "Melissa" comes from the Greek word for honeybee, since the plant has always been a favourite of bees and beekeepers alike. It may come as a surprise to some but it's also a member of the mint family, native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean. Although it now grows happily across much of the world, including here in the UK, where it's a common sight in cottage gardens.
The leaves have a soft, citrusy scent, hence the name, without any of the actual acidity of lemon. When dried and steeped as a loose leaf tea, that lemon character comes through gently, paired with a mellow, slightly grassy warmth underneath.
A Long History, Not Just a Trend
Lemon balm isn't a new discovery dressed up in modern wellness packaging. People have been growing and drinking it for centuries, with it appearing in European herbal traditions that trace back to at least the Middle Ages, where it was as common to see it grown in a monastery as it was in a household herb patch.
Traditionally, it has been seen as a calming herb — something you might reach for at the end of a long day, or when things feel like they need to slow down a little. That reputation has stuck with it for hundreds of years, long before "herbal tea" was a category on a supermarket shelf.
It is worth being clear about this is traditional, historical use we're talking about. These are not claims that lemon balm tea treats or cures anything. If you're looking into lemon balm for a specific health reason, it's always worth having that conversation with a doctor or pharmacist.
What Does Lemon Balm Tea Actually Taste Like?
Gentle is the word that comes up most. It's a soft, herbal cup with a light citrus note running through it, and closer to a delicate green tea than a punchy fruit infusion. There's no bitterness and no need for milk or sugar; it's naturally pleasant on its own. And because it's naturally caffeine-free, it's a good option any time of day — including the evening, when you want something warm in your hands without anything that'll keep you up.
How to Brew Lemon Balm Tea
Getting a good brew is easy:
- Water temperature: 100°C (a full boil is fine — lemon balm is a hardy leaf)
- Amount: 1 heaped teaspoon per 300ml cup
- Steep time: 5–8 minutes
- Milk or sugar: Not needed — it's naturally smooth and lightly sweet on its own
If you like a stronger cup, let it steep toward the 8-minute mark. For something lighter, pull it earlier — lemon balm is forgiving and won't turn bitter the way some black teas can if you leave them too long.
Lemon Balm and Evening Wind-Down
Lemon balm's calming reputation is part of why it's such a natural fit for an evening routine. It's one of the ingredients in our Sleepy Tea blend, alongside chamomile and lavender — three herbs that have traditionally been paired together for exactly this moment in the day: the point where the to-do list stops and the kettle goes on instead.
If you're curious about lemon balm on its own first, it's also available as a standalone Lemon Balm Loose Leaf Tea, sourced from Albania.
Where to Find Lemon Balm at Postea
Lemon balm shows up in a few different places across the range, depending on how you like to drink it:
- Her Seasons — paired with Ashwagandha Tisane and Minty Comfort, built around hormonal balance and stress
- A Moment of Calm — paired with Breathe Well and Minty Comfort, for evenings and quiet moments
- New Mum Care Package — paired with Sleepy Tea and Pure Peppermint, a gentle set for new mums
FAQ
Is lemon balm tea caffeine-free?
Yes — lemon balm is naturally caffeine-free, making it suitable any time of day, including in the evening.
What does lemon balm tea taste like?
Soft and lightly lemony, with a gentle herbal warmth underneath. It's mild rather than sharp or bitter.
How long should I steep lemon balm tea?
5–8 minutes in freshly boiled water (100°C), using around 1 heaped teaspoon per 300ml.
Is lemon balm the same as lemongrass?
No — they're different plants. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is part of the mint family, while lemongrass is a tropical grass. They share a citrus character but taste and grow quite differently.
Can I drink lemon balm tea every day?
Many people do, as part of an evening routine. As with any herbal tea, if you have specific health questions or are pregnant or breastfeeding, it's worth checking with a doctor or pharmacist first.