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Lemon Balm: What It Is and How to Use It

Lemon Balm: What It Is and How to Use It

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a lemon-scented member of the mint family, traditionally brewed as a gentle, calming tea and used to flavor drinks, salads, and desserts. It's available at William's Natural Foods, 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA 94805, where it's one of our most popular evening-tea herbs.

Available in Bulk

We carry lemon balm in our bulk herb section so you can grab the exact amount you want, from a spoonful to a full bag. Buy a little to try it in a bedtime blend, or stock up if it's already your daily tea — and our staff can help you find it.

What We Carry

  • Dried lemon balm leaf, cut and sifted — sold by weight, perfect for teas and culinary use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does lemon balm taste like?

Gentle lemon with a soft herbal background — brighter than chamomile, milder than lemongrass, with none of the sharpness of actual lemon juice. It's naturally pleasant enough that many people drink it plain, without sweetener.

How do I brew lemon balm tea?

Steep one to two teaspoons of dried leaf per cup of hot water for 5 to 10 minutes, then strain. It blends beautifully with chamomile, mint, or lavender for an evening cup, and makes a refreshing iced tea in summer.

What is lemon balm traditionally used for?

European herbal traditions have used lemon balm for centuries in calming teas and after-dinner infusions — it's one of the classic "evening garden" herbs. Traditional herbalists also valued it in cordials and as a flavoring for light summer drinks.

Can I cook with lemon balm?

Yes — toss fresh or dried leaves into fruit salads, steep them in simple syrup for cocktails and lemonades, or chop them into herb butters and dressings. A little goes a long way, so start small and taste as you go.

Did you know? Lemon balm's genus name, Melissa, comes from the Greek word for honeybee — beekeepers have long planted it near hives because bees love its flowers (per botanical references including the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew).

Visit William's Natural Foods at 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA — open Monday through Friday 9 AM to 7 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. Our staff can help you find lemon balm in the bulk section and suggest tea blends to try.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or a qualified health professional about any health questions.