If you have bee balm growing in your garden or can find it fresh or dried, making your own bee balm tea is simple and rewarding. To make bee balm tea, you steep fresh or dried leaves and flowers in hot water for several minutes until the flavors and benefits are released. This tea is caffeine-free and has a mild, pleasant taste that many find relaxing and refreshing.
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Bee balm tea has been enjoyed for a long time because it is not only tasty but also known for its calming effects and digestive benefits. Whether you want a soothing drink after a busy day or a natural way to support your wellness, this herbal tea could be a great choice. As you read on, you’ll learn easy steps to brew your perfect cup.
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How to Make Bee Balm Tea
Making bee balm tea involves choosing the right leaves and flowers, getting them ready whether fresh or dried, and then brewing them properly. Each step helps you enjoy the best flavor and benefits from your tea.
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Selecting and Harvesting Bee Balm
Choose healthy bee balm plants with bright green leaves and colorful flowers. Harvest in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot. This timing helps keep the leaves fresh and full of flavor.
Pick leaves and flowers that are free from bugs and damage. Use clean scissors or garden shears to clip stems about 4–6 inches long. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at a time to keep it growing strong.
If you want to use the tea right away, fresh leaves and flowers work best. If not, drying the herb first will preserve it for later use.
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Preparing Fresh or Dried Bee Balm
If you use fresh bee balm, rinse the leaves and flowers lightly with cool water. Pat them dry gently so they aren’t soggy before brewing. You can crush the leaves a little to release flavor.
To dry bee balm, hang small bundles upside down in a warm, dry, dark space with good air circulation. After 1–2 weeks, the leaves and flowers will be paper-dry and crumble easily. Store dried bee balm in an airtight container away from light.
Dried bee balm lasts longer but has a slightly different flavor, usually a bit milder. When using dried leaves and flowers, measure about one tablespoon for every cup of tea.
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Step-by-Step Brewing Instructions
Start by boiling water and letting it cool for a minute or two to about 200°F (93°C). Too hot water can make your tea bitter.
Place 1 to 2 teaspoons of fresh bee balm or 1 tablespoon of dried bee balm in a tea infuser or directly into your cup. Pour hot water over the tea and cover it to keep the flavors in.
Let the tea steep for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how strong you like it. Strain out the leaves and flowers if loose in the cup. You can drink it plain or add a little honey or lemon if you want.
Enjoy your refreshing and caffeine-free herbal tea anytime.
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Serving and Enjoying Bee Balm Tea
Bee balm tea has a fresh and slightly minty flavor that you can enjoy plain or with added touches. You can boost its taste, learn about its gentle health effects, and find the best ways to keep your tea fresh after brewing.
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Flavoring and Sweetening Ideas
If the natural flavor feels strong, try adding a little honey or sugar. These natural sweeteners can balance the mild mint and citrus notes of the tea. You might also want to add a slice of lemon or orange for extra brightness.
Fresh herbs like mint or a small piece of ginger work well if you want a new twist. Keep additions simple so they don’t overpower the delicate taste of bee balm.
You can serve the tea hot or cold. For iced tea, brew it stronger and chill it. Add ice cubes and a lemon wedge for a refreshing drink in warm weather.
Health Benefits of Bee Balm Tea
Bee balm tea has been used for digestive health. It may help calm your stomach if you feel uneasy. The tea also has mild calming effects, which can help if you’re feeling stressed or tense.
Some people use it to soothe colds and flu symptoms because it can help reduce congestion and support relaxation. However, not everyone should drink it, especially if you have allergies to plants in the mint family.
Since it’s caffeine-free, you can enjoy it day or night without affecting your sleep. Just remember, bee balm tea is a gentle herbal option and not a substitute for medical treatment.
Storage Tips for Bee Balm Tea
If you brew more tea than you need, you can store it in the fridge for up to two days. Use a sealed container to keep it fresh and stop it from absorbing other fridge smells.
For dried bee balm leaves and flowers, store them in an airtight jar away from sunlight. This keeps the herbs fresh and flavorful for several months.
Avoid storing fresh leaves for long periods before brewing. They’re best used soon after picking to get the fullest flavor and benefits.
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