Lemon Balm Leaf – Melissa officinalis L. – Herba Organica

Description

Lemon Balm Leaf (Melissa officinalis L.) Dried Herbal Tea & Infusion

Lemon Balm Leaf from Herba Organica consists of carefully collected and gently dried leaves of Melissa officinalis L., a fragrant perennial herb long appreciated across European herbal traditions. Recognised for its fresh, lemony aroma and softly green, slightly sweet character, Lemon Balm Leaf has been used for centuries as a refined botanical ingredient for infusions, decoctions, and aromatic herbal blends. Each batch is processed to preserve the leaf’s natural colour, texture, and citrus-forward aroma, ensuring ease of preparation and a consistently pleasant sensory experience.

Historical and Botanical Background

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) is native to Southern Europe and the Mediterranean region, where it thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil. It is a leafy, bushy perennial belonging to the mint family, distinguished by its softly serrated, heart-shaped leaves and subtle lemon fragrance released when the leaves are handled.

Historically, Lemon Balm has been recorded in European herbals since antiquity and was widely cultivated in monastery gardens for its aromatic qualities and versatility. Its name, derived from the Greek word melissa, meaning “bee”, reflects its long association with pollinators and fragrant garden spaces. Over time, Lemon Balm Leaf became a familiar component of traditional herbal infusions, particularly appreciated for its gentle flavour profile and its naturally soft, soothing character, making it a popular choice for evening and contemplative herbal preparations. Its adaptability allowed it to be enjoyed both as a single-herb infusion and as a balancing element in blended formulations.

Characteristics of Lemon Balm Leaf

Herba Organica’s Lemon Balm Leaf is supplied in a cut, dried form that maintains its pliable structure and allows for even extraction during steeping or simmering. When prepared as an infusion, the dried leaves produce a clear, pale golden-green beverage with a fresh citrus aroma and a mild, softly herbal taste.

The flavour is smooth and rounded, with subtle lemon notes rather than sharp acidity. This makes Lemon Balm Leaf particularly suitable for standalone herbal drinks as well as for blending with floral, leafy, or lightly aromatic botanicals. Its gentle character allows it to harmonise easily with other herbs without dominating the overall profile.

Ingredients

100% Lemon Balm Leaf (Melissa officinalis L.), with no additives, preservatives, artificial colours, or flavourings.

Traditional and Contemporary Uses

Lemon Balm Leaf is well suited to a range of herbal preparations, offering flexibility in both traditional and modern routines. Its balanced aroma and mild citrus notes make it adaptable across various preparation methods.

Herbal Infusion

A warm infusion highlights the leaf’s fresh, lemony fragrance and produces a clean, lightly aromatic beverage.

Preparation:

• Add 1–2 teaspoons of Lemon Balm Leaf to 200–250 ml of hot water

• Cover to retain volatile aromatic compounds

• Steep for 7–10 minutes

• Strain and serve warm

This method yields a smooth, lightly citrus herbal drink suitable for everyday enjoyment.

Herbal Decoction

Although Lemon Balm is most often infused, gentle simmering can be used to create a fuller, more rounded herbal liquid.

Preparation:

• Add 1–2 teaspoons of Lemon Balm Leaf to 200–250 ml of water

• Simmer gently for 8–10 minutes

• Strain before use

This approach produces a slightly deeper herbal profile, ideal for blended preparations that include sturdier leaves or stems.

Cold Herbal Preparation

Cold extraction brings out Lemon Balm’s naturally smooth and refreshing character.

Preparation:

• Add 1–2 teaspoons of Lemon Balm Leaf to 200–250 ml of cold water

• Refrigerate for 6–10 hours

• Strain before serving

The result is a delicate, citrus-scented beverage well suited to warmer days or as a light, aromatic refreshment.

Creative Herbal Blends

Lemon Balm Leaf combines easily with a wide range of dried herbs, flowers, and leaves. Its soft citrus profile complements both floral and green botanicals, allowing for balanced and layered infusions.

Herbal Garden Blend

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp Lemon Balm Leaf

• ½ tsp Lemon Peel

• ½ tsp Linden Flower

Preparation:
Steep in hot water for 8–10 minutes, strain, and serve warm. Lemon peel enhances the citrus aroma, while linden flower adds gentle floral depth, creating a rounded and fragrant infusion.

Green Herbal Mix

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp Lemon Balm Leaf

• ½ tsp Raspberry Leaf

• ¼ tsp Sweet Woodruff Herb

Preparation:
Infuse in hot water for 8–12 minutes, strain, and enjoy. Raspberry leaf provides a soft, green base, while sweet woodruff introduces a subtle grassy sweetness that complements Lemon Balm’s lemony notes.

Quality and Handling

Herba Organica supplies Lemon Balm Leaf in a carefully cut, dried form to ensure consistency in appearance, aroma, and performance. The leaves retain their natural green tones and characteristic lemon fragrance, making them easy to measure and prepare for various herbal applications.

Storage Tips:

• Store in a tightly sealed pouch

• Keep away from direct sunlight

• Protect from moisture and humidity

• Use a dry utensil when handling

Proper storage helps maintain freshness, aroma, and overall quality over time.

Versatile Uses and Aromatic Preparations

Lemon Balm Leaf offers a refined and adaptable herbal experience suitable for a wide range of routines. It can be enjoyed on its own as a simple infusion, gently simmered for a more rounded herbal liquid, or used as a foundational ingredient in creative blends. Its mild citrus aroma allows it to integrate seamlessly with other botanicals, supporting experimentation with ratios, steeping times, and preparation methods.

Incorporating Lemon Balm Leaf into your herbal routine allows you to explore a consistently smooth, lemon-scented infusion, develop balanced herbal combinations, and enjoy a versatile botanical ingredient rooted in longstanding European herbal traditions.

Important Information

The description and any information provided about this product are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor to replace professional medical advice. For official UK guidance on the safe use of herbal products, see the NHS page. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medication or have a medical condition, please consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Keep out of reach of children.