How to Make Bee Balm Tea (Easy Herbal Recipe)

If you have bee balm growing in your garden, making tea is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to use it.

Bee balm tea is a light, refreshing herbal tea made by steeping fresh or dried leaves and flowers in hot water. It’s naturally caffeine-free and has a mild, slightly minty flavor.

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Looking for more tips? Visit my full Bee Balm Recipes, Uses & Growing Guide.

What You Need

• Optional: honey or lemon
• 1–2 teaspoons fresh bee balm (or 1 tablespoon dried)
• 1 cup hot water

How to Make Bee Balm Tea

1. Bring water to a boil, then let it cool slightly
2. Add bee balm leaves and flowers to a cup or tea infuser
3. Pour hot water over the herbs
4. Cover and steep for 5–10 minutes
5. Strain and enjoy

Steep longer for a stronger flavor.

Fresh vs Dried Bee Balm

Both work well, but there are slight differences:

• Fresh bee balm → stronger, brighter flavor
• Dried bee balm → milder, longer shelf life

Learn more: How to Harvest and Dry Bee Balm

Flavor Variations

Bee balm tea is great on its own, but you can also try:

• Honey for sweetness
• Lemon for brightness
• Mint for a refreshing twist
• Ginger for a little warmth

Iced Bee Balm Tea

To make iced tea:

• Brew tea slightly stronger
• Let cool
• Pour over ice

Perfect for summer.

Storage Tips

• Store brewed tea in the fridge for up to 2 days
• Keep dried bee balm in an airtight container
• Use fresh leaves soon after harvesting

Why Drink Bee Balm Tea?

Bee balm tea is often enjoyed for:

• Its calming effect
• Digestive support
• A caffeine-free alternative to tea

Grow and Use Your Own

If you’re growing bee balm:

When to Harvest Bee Balm
How to Grow Bee Balm from Cuttings

FAQs

Can you use fresh bee balm for tea?

Yes—fresh leaves and flowers work great.

What does bee balm tea taste like?

Light, slightly minty, and mildly citrusy.

Can you drink it every day?

Yes, it’s caffeine-free and gentle.

Follow my bee balm board on Pinterest.