Hi friends,
I have been busy working in the garden.
Summer will be here soon
and I need to do some
clean up and Larkspur seed collecting today.
One of my favorite plants is Lemon Balm
it needs to be cut back today before it blooms.
I love to grow LEMON BALM.
The scent is amazing.
If you enjoy the fresh scent of Lemons
this plant is a must for your garden.
It grows very well in my area- it fact I hear some say
it can take over. It is part of the mint family.
The plant does not spread with runners it spreads by seed.
To keep your Lemon Balm neat and tidy
trim the plant when you see it flowering.
It can be cut way back !
If you have a small space, it can be kept in a pot on a patio.
It does repel most insects.
My chickens loved to eat it!
...but most of all it makes great tea-
It's easy
Trim about 2 cups of fresh leaves.
Wash well, I like to use a salad spinner.
Fill jar with Lemon Balm leaves
I had to boil water in a kettle and then cover leaves to steep.
I used about 4 cups of water to cover the leaves
Just a few minutes-
This makes just enough for you and a friend-
Soothing and delicious served warm
...but I recommend you make more.
I let the rest cool and transferred to a pitcher.
Store in the fridge.
You may decide to add more filtered water.
The tea is naturally sweet to us, but if you like a sweeter tea
add a bit of honey, agave or stevia.
Refreshing over ice !
You can dry the leaves too-
I prefer the taste of the fresh leaves.
What are some of the benefits of Lemon Balm Tea ?
The tea can improve sleep quality, and aid in digestion.
In can help with relieving anxiety and stress.
It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Always check with a healthcare professional
if you have any concerns about trying something new.
What a treat for summer!
xo Lisa S
I have this plant but never made tea with it. I will have to try it this year. Thanks. Visiting from Wonderful Wednesday
ReplyDeleteAmy,
DeleteYou are gonna love it !!!!!!! I waited years to try it. I was really missing out. xo Lisa S
I have a lot of Lemon Balm. This tea sounds so good I am going to try tie. We keep it in our garden to repel bugs and mosquitoes. Since we love tea this is perfect!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are going to give it a try. It's a great way to keep the plants trim and under control. Love that it repels bugs , I am a mosquito magnet!
Deletexo Lisa S
I buy dried Lemon Balm from my monthly co-op, I will need to grow it! Melynda @scratchmadefood! Visiting from #CrazyLoveBirds
ReplyDeleteMelynda, I 'm so glad you already enjoy Lemon Balm tea. If you decide to grow it you will love the taste of the fresh leaves!!!!
DeleteIt's one of those perennials that take care of themselves and look great doing it!
xo Lisa S
This grows mad in a pot in my garden - I love it.
ReplyDeleteJo Tracey,
DeleteIt grows well here also- It's scent is so wonderful. The tea is so refreshing! Thanks for visiting.
xo Lisa S
very soothing I'm sure.
ReplyDeletecheers
sherry
Sherry,
DeleteMy favorite tea now ! I hope you can grow some.
xo Lisa S
I have a few lemon balm bushes growing around here and was just wondering what to do with them—maybe dry some for tea or try making a syrup. Thanks so much for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteMariama,
DeleteI like fresh the best. Give it a try. Thanks for visiting.
xo Lisa S
Never tried to grow lemon balm or drink the tea. Now I will. Thanks for sharing at June's Hearth & Soul Blog Party. My shares this time are #54 thru 58. Wishing you a beautiful June.
ReplyDeleteNancy, Thank you for the sweet comment!
Deletexo Lisa S
Hey Lisa, this is so timely I was just looking at lemon balm at the store and had wondered about Tea. Now I know. I appreciate this post.
ReplyDeleteVisiting today from Will Blog For Comments
Paula, You will love it! So easy to grow, you will have tea all summer and then some.
Deletexo Lisa S
That looks so refreshing, featuring you at Wednesdays in the Studio!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jennifer!!!!!
Deletexo Lisa S
Thanks bunches for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month dear friend.
ReplyDeletePaula,
DeleteGreat to have you visit!
xo Lisa S
I didn't realize what you could do with a lemon balm plant! Thanks for sharing this post with us at the Will Blog for Comments #63 linkup! We hope you'll stop in and share more at #64, which opens Monday. Hope your weekend is a great one. :)
ReplyDeleteJennifer,
DeleteI wish you could join me for tea :) but thanks for visiting.
xo Lisa S
Sounds so good! Thank you for sharing with us at the Crazy Little Lovebirds link party.
ReplyDeleteStephanie,
DeleteIt tastes great and no caffeine.
xo Lisa S