Lemon Balm Leaf

Lemon Balm Leaf is 100% dried lemon balm leaf, skillfully selected and processed to keep the bright, lemony scent that marks a well-handled batch, with no additives and no bulking agents. It is a mild mint-family herb valued for a character both calming and quietly invigorating: drink it as a tea, make it into a tincture, or fold it into blends. Offered in 4oz, 1lb and 10lb sizes.

At a glance

• 100% dried lemon balm leaf, no additives and no bulking agents
• Mild mint-family herb, both calming and quietly invigorating
• Bright, lemony scent from the volatile oils citral, citronellal and geraniol
• For tea, tincture or herbal blends
• Offered in 4oz, 1lb and 10lb sizes

The herb. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a bushy perennial of the mint family, Lamiaceae, native to southern Europe and Central Asia and now grown worldwide. Its genus name is the Greek word for honeybee, because beekeepers have rubbed the leaves on hives for two thousand years. The crushed leaf smells sharply of lemon thanks to the volatile oils citral, citronellal and geraniol, and it also carries rosmarinic acid, flavonoids and tannins that give a cup its light astringency.

What's in it. Pure lemon balm leaf and nothing else. The volatile oils are what you smell and taste, and they fade first, which is why a fresh, aromatic batch matters; vivid green color and a strong lemon scent are the signs of careful drying.

Dosage, first time. For tea, steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried lemon balm leaves in boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes, covered so the aromatic oils stay in the cup, then strain. Start with one cup; lemon balm is gentle and its character shows by the time you finish it. As a tincture, take the indicated amount in water or juice.

Regular use. Lemon balm is a daily-use herb for most people, one to a few cups over the day, with many preferring a cup in the evening to unwind. It blends easily with chamomile, mint or rose.

What to expect. Users describe lemon balm as easygoing, bright and softly calming, clear rather than heavy, a cup that takes the edge off without slowing you down. It suits a working afternoon as well as an evening, and it is not sedating. For a concentrated form see our Organic Lemon Balm Extract or Lemon Balm Resin Extract.

Side effects. In large amounts some people notice mild drowsiness, a headache or a little digestive upset, and the tannins can dry the mouth. Reduce the strength or the number of cups and these pass.

Interactions and cautions.

• Consult a healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant, nursing or taking any medication
• Has a documented interaction with thyroid medication
• May add to the effect of sedative medications
• Keep out of reach of children

Ingredients and storage. 100% lemon balm leaf (Melissa officinalis). Store airtight away from heat, light and moisture; the lemon scent fades with air exposure, so keep the bag sealed.

Common questions

• How do I make lemon balm leaf tea? Steep 1 to 2 teaspoons in boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes with a lid on, then strain.
• What does dried lemon balm leaf taste like? Light, lemony and slightly grassy with a mild mint-family finish, pleasant without sweetener.

Disclaimer. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Lemon balm is a traditional botanical, and traditional use does not establish that it will produce any particular result. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you take any medication or have a medical condition. Use at your own risk and keep out of reach of children. Formulated by Healing Herbals, run by a practicing herbalist of 13+ years.