From reducing anxiety and promoting sleep to improving cognition, lemon balm is a powerful plant medicine. Learn how to make lemon balm tincture to be able to quickly access the herb’s beneficial compounds.
Benefits of lemon balm
Lemon balm (scientifically known as melissa officinalis) is a member of the mint family. It has been used for centuries as an herbal medicine to reduce stress, improve sleep, alleviate anxiety, and more. The herb’s lemony-mint scent always reminds me of summer days and it’s a treat that such a powerful herb tastes and smells so wonderful. And bonus, in most places lemon balm is a perennial herb, so you only need to plant it once to enjoy its bounty!
(You could also try making elderflower tincture, which can help reduce symptoms of colds and the flu.)
Beyond its medicinal uses, lemon balm is also a wonderful plant to have in your garden. It attracts beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies and acts as a natural pest repellent, making it a valuable companion plant for vegetable gardens.
Here are a few health benefits of lemon balm, including lemon balm extract and tincture.
Helps to reduce stress and anxiety – Lemon balm is believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system which can help to reduce stress. It contains compounds like rosmarinic acid and flavonoids that may have anxiolytic effects and reduce anxiety.
Improves sleep – Due to its calming effects, lemon balm is often used to improve sleep quality and alleviate insomnia. Consuming lemon balm tincture before bedtime can help you to fall asleep faster.
Supports cognitive function – Some research suggests that lemon balm can enhance cognitive function and memory. It does this through its active compounds (like rosmarinic acid and flavonoids) which possess antioxidant properties. These properties help protect neurons from oxidative stress, which is a key factor in cognitive decline.
Lemon balm also contains acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, which can increase levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is important for learning and memory processes.
Supports digestive health – Lemon balm has been traditionally used to support the digestive system and relieve gastrointestinal discomfort. It can help to reduce gas, bloating, and indigestion by relaxing the digestive tract.
Antioxidant properties – Lemon balm contains antioxidants like rosmarinic acid, quercetin, and flavonoids. These antioxidants help to neutralise free radicals in the body and play an important role in protecting cells from damage.
Antiviral properties – Lemon balm has a range of antiviral properties. Through the herb’s potent compounds like rosmarinic acid, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, it fights against a range of viruses, including herpes simplex virus and cold sores.
Anti-inflammatory – Some studies suggest that lemon balm may have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to various health conditions, so consuming lemon balm may offer protection against these conditions.
Note – For those using thyroid medications – some studies seem to indicate that lemon balm can decrease how well the thyroid hormone works in the body. I’m not a medical professional and do not intend to offer medical advice in any content I create. As always, do your research and speak to your doctor or paediatricians.
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How to make lemon balm tincture
Tools
An airtight container with a plastic lid – I use a glass mason jar with a piece of parchment paper between the metal lid and tincture to prevent the alcohol from corroding the metal.
Small amber glass dropper bottles – I use these ones.
A fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth
A small funnel
Supplies
Vodka (at least 80 proof or 40% alcohol)
Fresh or dried herbs – fresh lemon balm leaves will have a higher concentration of the medicinal constituents in the plant but use what you have!
For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.
Instructions
Pro tip: If you’re harvesting fresh leaves from your herb garden to make lemon balm tincture, the best time to do so is in the morning hours. This is because the volatile oils in lemon balm will be at their peak before they receive direct sunlight. These essential oils are what carry the majority of the plant’s beneficial compounds.
I like to use the folk method when making tinctures. This basically means that you simply add plant material to a jar and cover it with alcohol (rather than measuring things too precisely). This make the tincturing process super easy.
Remove the leaves from the stems. Fully wash the leaves and allow them to dry. Sanitise the glass jar and lid.
Chop up the leaves to maximise the surface area that is exposed to the alcohol.
Add enough fresh herbs to fill the jar ¾ of the way full. If you are using dried lemon balm, fill the jar ⅓ of the way full. This will ensure there’s enough space for the leaves to expand as they absorb the alcohol.
Fully submerge the lemon balm in alcohol.
Add a lid to the jar and tighten. If you’re using a metal lid, make sure to add a piece of parchment paper between the lid and the alcohol to prevent the metal from corroding. Give the jar a good shake to make sure everything is fully submerged.
Leave the jar to sit in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight for 6-8 weeks. If you remember to, give the jar a shake every few days to ensure the leaves remain fully covered in alcohol.
After 6-8 weeks, strain off the lemon balm using cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer. Make sure to fully remove all of the plant material to prevent the tincture from going bad. It’s easier to fully strain off dry lemon balm by using cheesecloth (or a coffee filter).
Use a small funnel to pour the remaining liquid into the amber glass dropper bottle.
Make sure to date and label your bottle so you know what it is! Store the tincture cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight.
How long does lemon balm tincture last?
This tincture will last about 2-3 years if stored in a dark, cool place. Make sure to strain off all of the plant material from the tincture before bottling it. If you don’t the tincture will expire more quickly.
How much lemon balm tincture to take?
The most common dosage is ½ – 1 teaspoon once or twice a day. This is about 30-60 drops from a dropper bottle.
How to use lemon balm tincture
For anxiety relief – take a ½ a teaspoon of lemon balm tincture diluted in a cup of liquid to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. I like to add this tincture to hot water that has a squeeze of lemon in it or to a cup of tea.
For digestion support – add ½ a teaspoon (or about 30 drops) of the tincture to a cup of water and consume it after meals to help reduce bloating and discomfort.
For sleep support – lemon balm has mild sedative effects. To help improve your sleep quality, add about 30 drops of the tincture directly under your tongue or to a cup of mint or lemon balm tea.
For cold sores – you can add lemon balm tincture directly to the affected area to help promote healing.
For headache relief – you can apply ½ – 1 teaspoon (about 30 drops) of the tincture directly under your tongue.
To soothe irritated skin (such as insect bites) – you can apply a few drops of the tincture directly to your skin to help heal the irritation.
Have you given this tincture a try? Share your experience down in the comments!
What to read next
How To Remove Alcohol From Herbal Tinctures (Three Methods)
How To Make A Simple Blueberry Tincture
Simple DIY Rosemary Tincture Recipe
How To Make Elderberry Tincture
How To Make Echinacea Tincture
Elderflower Tincture – Simple Homemade Recipe
Thyme Syrup For Coughs And Colds
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How To Make Lemon Balm Tincture (Soothing Recipe)
From reducing anxiety and promoting sleep to improving cognition, lemon balm is a powerful plant medicine. Learn how to make lemon balm tincture to be able to quickly access the herb’s beneficial compounds.
Materials
- Glass container
- Vodka (at least 80 proof or 40% alcohol)
- Fresh or dried herbs
Tools
- An airtight container with a plastic lid – (I use a glass mason jar with a piece of parchment paper between the metal lid and tincture to prevent the alcohol from corroding the metal.)
- Small amber glass dropper bottles
- A fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth
- A small funnel
Instructions
- Remove the leaves from the stems. Fully wash the leaves and allow them to dry. Sanitise the glass jar and lid.
- Chop up the leaves to maximise the surface area that is exposed to the alcohol.
- Add enough fresh herbs to fill the jar ¾ of the way full. If you are using dried lemon balm, fill the jar ⅓ of the way full. This will ensure there’s enough space for the leaves to expand as they absorb the alcohol.
- Fully submerge the lemon balm in alcohol.
- Add a lid to the jar and tighten. If you’re using a metal lid, make sure to add a piece of parchment paper between the lid and the alcohol to prevent the metal from corroding. Give the jar a good shake to make sure everything is fully submerged.
- Leave the jar to sit in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight for 6-8 weeks. If you remember to, give the jar a shake every few days to ensure the leaves remain fully covered in alcohol.
- After 6-8 weeks, strain off the lemon balm using cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer. Make sure to fully remove all of the plant material to prevent the tincture from going bad. It’s easier to fully strain off dry lemon balm by using cheesecloth (or a coffee filter).
- Use a small funnel to pour the remaining liquid into the amber glass dropper bottle.
- Make sure to date and label your bottle so you know what it is! Store the tincture cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight.
Notes
How long does lemon balm tincture last?
This tincture will last about 2-3 years if stored in a dark, cool place. Make sure to strain off all of the plant material from the tincture before bottling it. If you don’t the tincture will expire more quickly.
How much lemon balm tincture to take?
The most common dosage is ½ – 1 teaspoon once or twice a day. This is about 30-60 drops from a dropper bottle.
How to use lemon balm tincture
For anxiety relief – take a ½ a teaspoon of lemon balm tincture diluted in a cup of liquid to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. I like to add this tincture to hot water that has a squeeze of lemon in it or to a cup of tea.
For digestion support – add ½ a teaspoon (or about 30 drops) of the tincture to a cup of water and consume it after meals to help reduce bloating and discomfort.
For sleep support – lemon balm has mild sedative effects. To help improve your sleep quality, add about 30 drops of the tincture directly under your tongue or to a cup of mint or lemon balm tea.
For cold sores – you can add lemon balm tincture directly to the affected area to help promote healing.
For headache relief – you can apply ½ – 1 teaspoon (about 30 drops) of the tincture directly under your tongue.
To soothe irritated skin (such as insect bites) – you can apply a few drops of the tincture directly to your skin to help heal the irritation.
I started my lemon balm inside in those starter little containers! I watered them until they bloomed and planted then outside !
Lovely.. did they come up again this spring? I’m trying again this spring!
Hi, I have a 2 and 7 year old and would like to use this on them for sleeping aid. Have you made this with glycerin? Or would you put it on their feet for absorption.
I haven’t made this with glycerin before but normally you’d use the same method as you do with alcohol. To avoid using alcohol you could also make a strong infusion by filling 1/3 – 1/2 of a glass jar with dried lemon balm leaves and covering them with water. Let them sit for 12-24 hours on the countertop to steep and then strain the liquid off. The infusion won’t last like a tincture and won’t include the same degree of medicinal benefits but it still can be quite helpful for sleep. If you store it in the fridge and then warm up enough for a small cup of tea nightly, it should last a week or so.