In the evening, when I often find fresh lemon balm leaves, I like to prepare the bedtime lemon balm and ginger tea.
A delicate, enveloping evening tea designed to relax body and mind. Lemon balm calms the nervous system, ginger warms from the inside, and lemon adds freshness and lightness.
A herb emblematic of European herbal tradition, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is known for its natural calming and anxiolytic properties. It is perfect in the evening because it promotes relaxation without weighing you down.
Lemon balm is a plant that grows wild, it has that pleasant lemony scent, and it is called lemon balm because it attracts bees with its pretty little white flowers — you often find it near beehives, hence the Greek-derived name melissa.
It was the Arabs who first highlighted its virtues, saying that lemon balm “has the marvelous property of cheering and comforting the heart” because it calms and relaxes. Besides aiding sleep, it soothes digestive disturbances and colic.
The famous French liqueur Bénédictine, which features lemon balm among its ingredients, was actually created by an Italian Benedictine monk as a digestif.
I have several little plants that grow wild in my garden in spring. Have you ever tried the delicious chips made with lemon balm?
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Here are a few recipes using lemon balm
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very inexpensive
- Rest time: 10 Minutes
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Cooking time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 2 Servings
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients for the bedtime lemon balm tea
1 teaspoon of dried lemon balm or about 8 fresh lemon balm leaves
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon lemon balm (dried or fresh)
- 2 slices lemon
- 10 slices fresh ginger
Steps
First, prepare the ginger: peel and thinly slice about 10 g of fresh ginger (about 1/3 oz), sliced thin. The thinner the slices, the more it will release its essential oils and warmth into the water. If you prefer a milder flavor, use a few fewer slices.
Bring about 2 cups (500 mL) of water almost to a boil, when you see the first bubbles (about 194°F).
At this point add the sliced ginger and 2 strips of organic lemon peel to the hot water. Let it steep for 3 minutes.Turn off the heat and add 8 fresh lemon balm leaves (or 1 teaspoon of dried lemon balm). Lemon balm should always be added off the heat. Cover with a lid.
Let it rest covered for 5 minutes, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve.Add the juice of one lemon wedge directly to the cup for a fresh vitamin C boost.
I don’t add anything else, but if you really want to, a drizzle of honey is allowed.
Sit down, breathe in the aromatic steam and let the evening envelop you. 🌙
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Daniela’s Tips
I recommend a water temperature of about 194°F to preserve the lemon balm’s essential oils.
Add the ginger while heating the water, but always add the lemon balm off the heat; lemon goes directly in the cup.
This tea is already balanced, but you can enhance it to suit your needs: a sprig of lavender makes it even more relaxing, a fresh mint leaf adds freshness, and a cinnamon stick pairs perfectly with ginger on colder nights. In summer it’s also great cold, with ice and a lemon slice.
FAQ (Questions & Answers)
Does lemon balm really help you sleep?
It promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety, preparing the nervous system for rest. It is not a sleeping pill, but a gentle, natural ally.
Can you drink ginger in the evening?
Yes, in small amounts it helps digestion and provides warmth. Over about 15 g (roughly 1/2 oz) it can be too stimulating: for the evening, staying around 10 g (about 1/3 oz) is the right choice.
How many lemon balm leaves for one cup?
For two cups, 6–8 fresh leaves are enough, or one level teaspoon of dried organic lemon balm. Don’t overdo it: the aroma is already intense.
When should you drink it before sleep?
I drink it about half an hour before bedtime, while reading my book, when it’s warm but not hot.
