Hey busy parents! If you’re looking for a simple, natural way to unwind after a long day, let me introduce you to lemon balm tea. This gentle, soothing herb is not only great for calming your nerves, but it’s also super easy to grow and make at home. Whether you’re trying to carve out a few minutes of quiet time or you need a caffeine-free option before bed, lemon balm tea is the perfect choice. Plus, you can involve the kids in harvesting the leaves—it’s a fun little project!
Here’s how you can make your own lemon balm tea from harvest to cup.
Step 1: Growing or Harvesting Lemon Balm
First things first—if you’ve got lemon balm growing in your garden or even a little pot on the windowsill, you’re already halfway there! Lemon balm is a member of the mint family, so it grows like crazy. If you don’t have it growing yet, no worries! You can easily find lemon balm plants at your local garden center or grab fresh leaves from a friend who’s growing it.
When to Harvest: The best time to harvest lemon balm is when the plant is nice and full but before it starts flowering. This is when the leaves are most potent and flavorful.
How to Harvest: Snip off the top few inches of the plant, picking the leaves that look healthy and vibrant. Don’t worry about taking too much—lemon balm grows back fast, so it’s almost like you’re giving it a little trim!
Tip: If you’re harvesting a lot, you can even dry some of the leaves to save for later.
Step 2: Preparing the Leaves
Once you’ve harvested your lemon balm, it’s time to get it ready for tea.
Wash the Leaves: Give the leaves a quick rinse under cool water to remove any dirt or little bugs that might be hanging out.
Fresh or Dried? You can use the leaves fresh or dried—it’s totally up to you! Fresh leaves will give your tea a lighter, more subtle flavor, while dried leaves tend to be a bit stronger.
Drying the Leaves (Optional): If you want to dry the leaves to save them for later:
- Lay them out in a single layer on a clean kitchen towel or a drying rack.
- Let them air dry in a warm spot out of direct sunlight, turning them every day or so until they’re completely dry and crumbly.
- Once dried, store them in an airtight container, and they’ll last for months!
Step 3: Making Lemon Balm Tea
Now comes the fun part—actually brewing your tea! Lemon balm tea is super simple to make and can be customized to your taste.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lemon balm leaves (or 1 tablespoon of dried leaves)
- 1 cup of boiling water
- Optional: honey, lemon, or other herbs like mint or chamomile
Instructions:
- Boil the Water: Start by bringing a cup of water to a rolling boil.
- Add Lemon Balm Leaves: Place your fresh or dried lemon balm leaves in a mug or teapot. If you’re using dried leaves, you might want to use a tea infuser to make cleanup easier.
- Pour the Hot Water: Pour the boiling water over the leaves and let it steep for 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
- Strain and Sweeten: After steeping, strain out the leaves (or remove the infuser). Add a bit of honey, lemon, or other herbs if you like, and your lemon balm tea is ready to enjoy!
Step 4: Sip and Enjoy the Benefits
Lemon balm is known for its calming effects, making it a perfect tea for busy parents who need to relax or unwind after a long day. It’s naturally caffeine-free, so it’s also great as a nighttime tea to help you wind down before bed.
Health Benefits of Lemon Balm Tea:
- Stress and Anxiety Relief: Lemon balm is famous for its ability to calm nerves and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. A cup of this tea can be a lifesaver during a hectic day!
- Better Sleep: Struggling with sleep? Lemon balm tea can help. It promotes relaxation and can make it easier to drift off into a peaceful night’s rest.
- Digestive Support: If you’ve had a busy day of snacking or meals on the go, lemon balm can help ease indigestion and bloating.
- Immune Boosting: Lemon balm has antiviral properties, making it a great choice for supporting your immune system, especially during cold and flu season.
Natural Remedies for Busy Parents: Final Thoughts
Making lemon balm tea is one of those simple things you can do for yourself that doesn’t take a ton of time or energy. Whether you’re brewing it fresh from your garden or using dried leaves, it’s an easy, healthy way to take a moment for yourself. So next time you need a break (or just want something to sip while chasing the kids), reach for some lemon balm and enjoy a few minutes of calm.
Have you tried making lemon balm tea at home? Let me know how you like to prepare it or if you have any other favorite add-ins to make it your own!