How to Make Lemon Balm Extract

If you have followed along with my lemon balm recipes, such as my Lemon Balm Tea or Lemon Balm Syrup, then you know I love finding ways to capture this fragrant, medicinal herb and enjoy it throughout the year. This Homemade Lemon Balm Extract is another favorite that I keep in my cupboard. With just a handful of fresh lemon balm leaves and some vodka, you can create an herbal extract to use year-round. 

The process is simple, but it does require a bit of patience. Lemon Balm extract is made by infusing lemon balm leaves in vodka for 4-6 weeks, allowing the oils and flavors of the herb to infuse into the alcohol in a concentrated form slowly. Once strained, you will have a versatile extract (or tincture) that can be stored for months. 

What is Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) is a bushy perennial that is part of the mint family. The leaves are oval or heart-shaped and toothed on the edges, with a distinct, mild lemon flavor. When crushed, the leaves have a very distinct lemon scent, similar to lemongrass. The plant will produce tiny white or purple flowers that attract bees. This is one reason I planted mine near my garden so that I can attract pollinator bees for my vegetable plants.  

Ingredients & Equipment

• Fresh lemon balm leaves rinsed and patted dry
• Vodka – Vodka has a neutral flavor profile compared to other spirits. Consider choosing a good quality vodka, 80 proof, as it is best for flavor and results. 
• Clean, sterile one-pint sized mason jar with secure lid.
• Fine mesh strainer
• Medium bowl
• small jars for storage. I use 2oz. dark amber glass jars with dropper. The amber helps to keep the extract from degrading due to light exposure.

Instructions

Prep the lemon balm: Wash and dry the leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or garden debris. Once dry, bruise the leaves by gently rubbing them with your fingers to release their oils. This will help the oils to infuse. 

Place the lemon balm leaves into a clean glass jar and packed the leaves down. Pour the vodka over the leaves until they are fully submerged. Seal the jar with a tight-fitting lid. I use a mason jar for my vessel.

Allow to Infuse: Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking gently once every few days to help with the infusion process. 

Strain: After the infusion time, strain out the lemon balm leaves using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Transfer the finished extract into a clean jar or small bottles.

Store & Use: Keep your lemon balm extract in a cool pantry. It will last up to one year. 

How to Use Lemon Balm Extract

• Before bed, add a few drops to a warm cup of tea to help promote restful sleep. Taking it before bed is one of my favorite ways to use lemon balm extract. Adding a few drops to warm tea or water before bed helps me relax and get a good night’s sleep. 
• Lemon balm extract can be added to cocktails and beverages for a hint of lemony flavor.
• Or, add to desserts for a hint of lemon flavoring.

Benefits of Lemon Balm

• Lemon Balm is known for its calming properties that help support relaxation and reduce stress.
• It’s known to support sleep, and it is often consumed as a tea before bedtime, as in our Lemon Balm Tea recipe. 
• As with many herbs, it’s rich in antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative stress.
• Being in the mint family, lemon balm also helps to relieve indigestion, similar to mint.
• Many studies show that due to its properties of relieving stress, it also helps with mental clarity and focus. 
• Lemon Balm has antiviral and antibacterial properties, making it a good herb to incorporate during the cold and flu season.
• When mixed with lotion or carrier oil and applied to cold sores, it helps to reduce symptoms and increase healing time. 

Contraindications

While lemon balm is considered safe and beneficial, individuals with thyroid disease or who take sedatives should consult their physician before using lemon balm. Women who are pregnant should also consult their physician before using lemon balm. 

If you enjoy this herb as much as I do, then check out these other lemon balm recipes: Lemon Balm Pesto, Lemon Balm Tea, and Lemon Balm Syrup. And if you want to learn how to make your own Vanilla Extract, check this post on how to make Homemade Vanilla Extract.