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Herbal (tisane) · Melissa

Lemon Balm Tea

Melissa officinalis, balm

6.9/10 editor's score

An infusion of lemon balm, a herb in the mint family native to south-central Europe, the Mediterranean, Central Asia and Iran.

Caffeine-freeLemonyHerbal
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this herbCompare

Tisane, not from Camellia sinensis. Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dried lemon balm leaves, top-down

What you need

2 g dried leavesLemon Balm Tea
250 ml water100°C
Steep 5:002 steeps
InfusionPale yellow-green
Served inMug or cup

At a glance

An infusion of lemon balm, a herb in the mint family native to south-central Europe, the Mediterranean, Central Asia and Iran.

CaffeineCaffeine-free
Beginner fit8.5 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestSummerLeaf picked.
Pairs withHoney, Lemon cake, FruitLess good with strong cheese
Grown asGardens and fieldsVarious regions, Native from Europe to Iran
Served inMug or cupA general choice

About Lemon Balm Tea

What sources say about the taste

Sources say it is used in herbal teas, often with other herbs such as spearmint 1.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it is grown

Various regionsNative from Europe to IranIRAN
Plant
Melissa officinalis, mint family 1
Native
Europe, Mediterranean, Central Asia, Iran 1
Used
In herbal teas, often with spearmint 1
Name
Greek for "honey bee" 1

More from Various regions and Iran.

History and culture

Lemon balm has been cultivated, and used to attract honey bees, since at least the 16th century 1.

It is also used as a flavouring in ice cream 1.

Editor's score

6.9/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the plant, not a brand. How we score →

1086Flavour & complexity: 6.0Origin & heritage: 6.0Availability: 7.5Value: 8.0Beginner-friendliness: 8.5Versatility: 7.5Flavour 6.0Heritage 6.0Availability 7.5Value 8.0Beginners 8.5Versatility 7.5
Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg
Black tea (average)~47 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg
Lemon Balm Tea0 mg

Lemon balm contains no caffeine. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo ClinicC.

Harvest calendar

Our general guide for garden herbs. Tap a month or a season.

The plant

Leaves of Melissa officinalis 1.

How it is made
01Picking

Leaves cut.

02Drying

Dried.

Dry herb and infusion
Dry leavesCrumbled green leaves.
LiquorPale yellow-green.
After steeping
Wet leafSoft green leaves.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Honey
  • Lemon cake
  • Fruit

Best avoided

  • Strong cheese

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

  • Airtight, opaque container, away from light, heat and moisture.
  • Dried flowers and leaves lose aroma within about a year.
  • Buy small amounts and keep away from spices and coffee, which taint the smell.
Quality and buying

Whole leaf or cut.

Buying tips

  1. Region shown is an approximate area.
  2. Not the same plant as bee balm 1.
FAQ
Does lemon balm tea have caffeine?

No. It is a herb, not the tea plant.

Find it inHerbal infusionsTeas from IranVarious regionsCaffeine-freeLemonyHerbal

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Lemon balm". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemon_balm
  2. Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.