how to brew: lemon balm herbal tea

Herbal tea, also known as a tisane, is the simple act of stewing fresh herbs in hot water to release their flavour and fragrant oils. Lemon balm has a refreshing lemony taste (hence the name) and many beneficial properties such as aiding digestion, relieving nausea and acting as a mild anti-depressant. Easy to grow from seed, lemon balm can be grown indoors as a houseplant or outside in a pot in a shady position. Follow the simple steps below to brew your own mug of herbal tea.

Note: The same method can be used for peppermint, basil, sage and other herbs suitable for drinking.

All that’s needed for lemon balm tea are fresh lemon balm leaves, a mug and a source of hot water. Glass teapots with infusers are very handy for brewing herb leaves but are not essential.

Make sure the leaves are healthy and free from disease - the plant doesn’t need to be especially large - a small pot will do. Harvest leaves before the plant has flowered and early in the morning when the oil content is high and will produce more flavour.

Pinch/snip off a stem about two inches long with plenty of leaves attached. How much of the plant you use depends on how strong you like the flavour to be and you can experiment with different quantities.

Lightly crush the leaves in your hands to release the fragrant oils.

Or place the leaves directly in a mug and submerge in hot water.

Cover the mug with a plate or something similar and leave to brew for 3 - 6 minutes. The plate stops the oils evaporating, or if using an infuser teapot, simply replace the lid.

Relax and enjoy! Leaves can be removed with a spoon or left in the mug - it’s up to you.

If using an infuser, place the leaves in the metal strainer and cover with water that’s been boiled and left to sit for about 30 seconds.

Drinking a lemon balm tisane on a regular basis (eg one cup a day) can help to aid digestion, lower fevers, relieve nausea, and ease mild anxiety and depression. If you’re considering using any kind of herbal tea to treat medical conditions you should speak to your GP or a trained herbalist first and don’t replace any prescribed medication with herbs without consulting a medical professional.