How to Use Lemon Balm at Home
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a fragrant herb from the mint family known for its calming lemon scent and wide range of health benefits. This easy-to-grow plant is not only a beautiful addition to your garden but also a practical herb for home remedies, cooking, skincare, and natural household uses. In this guide, you’ll discover the various ways to use lemon balm effectively at home.
1. As a Calming Herbal Tea:
One of the most common and soothing ways to use lemon
balm is as an herbal tea. Its mild lemony flavor and natural calming effects
make it perfect for reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and aiding sleep.
How to make lemon balm tea:
- Harvest
a handful of fresh lemon balm leaves (or use 1–2 tsp dried leaves).
- Rinse
and steep them in hot water for 5–10 minutes.
- Strain
and enjoy plain, or with honey and lemon.
Drinking lemon balm tea before bed can help improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety.
2. As a Natural Remedy for Cold Sores and
Skin Irritations:
Lemon balm contains antiviral properties, especially
effective against the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores. You can use
it topically in salve or oil form.
How to make lemon balm-infused oil:
- Fill
a jar halfway with dried lemon balm leaves.
- Cover
with olive or coconut oil.
- Let
it infuse for 2–3 weeks in a sunny spot.
- Strain
and store in a clean jar.
Apply this oil directly to cold sores, minor cuts, or bug bites to soothe and heal the skin. It reduces redness, swelling, and irritation.
3. In Homemade Skincare and Haircare:
Lemon balm’s antibacterial and antioxidant properties
make it an excellent ingredient for homemade beauty treatments.
Toner for oily/acne-prone skin:
- Brew
strong lemon balm tea, let it cool, and use it as a toner.
- Apply
with a cotton ball or spray bottle.
- Store
in the fridge and use within 3–5 days.
Hair rinse for shine and scalp health:
- Brew
lemon balm tea and rinse it through clean hair.
- Leave
it on for a few minutes, then rinse out.
This promotes a healthy scalp and adds natural shine to hair.
4. Culinary Uses in the Kitchen:
Lemon balm’s citrusy flavor makes it an excellent
addition to many dishes and drinks.
Ideas for using lemon balm in recipes:
- Chop
fresh leaves and mix into fruit salads or green salads.
- Add
to baked goods like cookies or lemon bars.
- Use
as a garnish for iced tea, cocktails, or lemonade.
- Infuse
into vinegar or butter for added flavor.
Its mild flavor pairs especially well with poultry, fish, and fruit-based dishes.
5. For Mood Support and Focus:
Lemon balm is known to support cognitive function,
memory, and mood. You can benefit from these effects by:
- Drinking
lemon balm tea regularly.
- Taking
it as a tincture (available in herbal shops or homemade with alcohol
extraction).
- Diffusing
lemon balm essential oil in your room for a calming aroma.
Students or those working from home may find lemon balm helpful during periods of stress or mental fatigue.
6. As a Natural Bug Repellent:
Lemon balm contains citronellal, a compound known to
repel mosquitoes and insects.
Ways to use it as a repellent:
- Rub
fresh leaves on your skin when outdoors.
- Crush
and hang bunches of fresh lemon balm near doors and windows.
- Make
a natural spray by combining lemon balm tea with witch hazel.
It’s a safe and pleasant-smelling alternative to chemical sprays.
7. Preservation and Storage:
To have lemon balm available year-round:
- Drying:
Tie bunches of lemon balm and hang upside down in a dry place. Store dried
leaves in airtight containers.
- Freezing: Chop fresh leaves and freeze in ice cube trays with water or olive oil. Great for soups or teas later.
Final Thoughts:
Lemon balm is more than just a pretty herb—it’s a
natural, affordable, and multipurpose solution for home wellness. From soothing
teas and skin treatments to kitchen recipes and natural remedies, this plant
brings both health and harmony into everyday life. Whether fresh from your
garden or dried for storage, lemon balm is a must-have herb in every home.
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