Lemon Balm Recipe for Weight Loss
Hey friends! So last summer I was drowning in lemon balm from my garden (seriously, that stuff grows like crazy) when my nutritionist mentioned something about lemon balm for weight loss. I was like, wait what? That plant taking over my yard might actually help me drop these stubborn pounds?
Fast forward 3 months and I’m down 11 pounds with this lemon balm recipe for weight loss that’s become my morning ritual. Not saying it’s magic or anything – still had to watch portions and move more – but this definitely helped curb my snacking habit and boosted my metabolism.
Wanna know the recipe that changed everything? Keep reading!
Recipe Snapshot
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Steep Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Servings: 1 large or 2 small
- Calories: Approx 22 per serving
- Difficulty Level: Super easy (if you can boil water, you’re good)
Why This Lemon Balm Drink Weight Loss Recipe Is Different
First off, I’m not gonna lie to you – a lot of “weight loss” drinks taste like swamp water. But this one? Actually delicious. The secret is balancing the lemon balm with just enough other ingredients to create something you’ll WANT to drink daily.
I discovered this by accident when I was trying to make a regular lemon balm tea and knocked over my spice rack (classic me lol). Some ginger and mint fell in, and instead of starting over, I just went with it. Best kitchen disaster ever!
Does lemon balm help you lose weight? From what I’ve experienced and researched, it helps in several ways. It reduces stress (stress eating was my downfall), improves digestion, and seems to give metabolism a gentle boost.
My cousin started Ozempic last year and dealing with side effects has been rough for her. Comparing lemon balm vs Ozempic, obviously they’re totally different things, but I prefer starting with gentle, natural options when possible. And tbh, the research on lemon balm for fast metabolism is pretty promising.
What really surprised me was how this drink killed my sugar cravings. Used to be a major cookie monster after dinner, but that basically stopped after about a week of drinking this regularly. Game changer.
What You’ll Need For This Lemon Balm Recipe For Weight Loss
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon balm leaves (roughly chopped)
- 1 tsp dried lemon balm (optional but adds more potency)
- 1/2 lemon, sliced (organic if possible)
- 1/2 inch ginger root, sliced or grated
- 5-6 fresh mint leaves
- Tiny pinch of cayenne (trust me on this)
- 1 tsp raw honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 2 cups filtered water
- 1 green tea bag (optional but boosts metabolism benefits)
I get most of my herbs from my garden or the farmer’s market, but honestly, the stuff from grocery stores works fine too. One time I even used those sad looking herbs from the back of my fridge that were about to go bad – still tasted great!
The How-To: Making Your Lemon Balm Drink Weight Loss Potion
- Grab your water and bring it to almost boiling. I aim for that point where small bubbles form but it’s not rolling yet. Boiling water can make herbs bitter – learned that the hard way!
- While waiting for water to heat, give your lemon balm and mint a good rinse. Garden herbs sometimes have tiny visitors you don’t want in your tea!
- Rough chop the lemon balm. Don’t stress about making it perfect – just tear it up a bit to release the oils.
- Slice that lemon. I like to squeeze one slice directly into the pot and then add the rest for infusing.
- Prepare your ginger. Pro tip: I keep ginger in the freezer and grate it with the skin on when needed. Way easier than that time I tried to precisely slice fresh ginger and almost lost a fingertip!
- Find a container for steeping. I use a French press because it makes straining super easy, but any heat-safe container with a lid works.
- Toss in your lemon balm (fresh and dried if using), lemon slices, ginger, mint leaves, and that tiny pinch of cayenne.
- If using a green tea bag, add it now. The combo of green tea and lemon balm for weight loss is pretty powerful – they seem to enhance each other.
- Pour the hot water over everything and give it a quick stir.
- Cover and let steep for 10-15 minutes. I usually aim for 12 but sometimes forget and go longer. Still turns out fine!
- Strain into your favorite mug or a glass jar if drinking cold.
- Add sweetener if using. I usually go without, but if you’re transitioning from sweet drinks, a tiny bit of honey helps.
For best results with this lemon balm for weight loss recipe, try having a cup first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, and another before dinner. That’s the routine that worked for me.
Oh! And don’t toss those steeped herbs! I sometimes add them to my bath for a nice aromatherapy bonus. My bathroom smells amazing and I’m reusing something instead of wasting it – win-win!
Ways To Switch Up Your Lemon Balm Tea Recipe For Weight Loss
Even the best recipes get boring if you have them everyday. Here’s how I keep it interesting:
- Summer version: Make a big batch, refrigerate, and serve over ice with extra lemon slices and mint
- Digestion booster: Add a few fennel seeds and a slice of cucumber
- Metabolism kicker: Add an extra pinch of cayenne and a cinnamon stick
- Bedtime version: Add a small amount of chamomile and valerian (makes me sleep like a baby and apparently your body burns more fat during quality sleep)
- On-the-go option: Brew concentrated, freeze in ice cube trays, and add 2-3 cubes to water for a quick lemon balm drink weight loss boost
My sister adds a splash of apple cider vinegar to hers, which some people swear by for weight loss. I tried it once and… let’s just say it’s an acquired taste! But might work for you?
Storage Tips (From Someone Who’s Made Every Mistake)
If you batch brew this lemon balm for weight loss recipe (which I recommend for busy mornings), here’s how to store it right:
- Glass containers work best – something about the herbs reacting with plastic
- Stays good in the fridge for about 3 days
- Can be frozen as “tea cubes” for up to 3 months
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon to refrigerated tea to “wake it up” before drinking
Word of warning from experience: once I stored a batch in my husband’s protein shaker that wasn’t completely clean. The resulting concoction was… memorable, and not in a good way. Clean containers are kinda important!
Lemon Balm Recipe for Weight Loss
Equipment
- Kettle or saucepan
- Heat-safe container (French press or jar with lid)
- Strainer
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon balm leaves roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried lemon balm optional, for added potency
- 1/2 lemon sliced (organic if possible)
- 1/2 inch ginger root sliced or grated
- 5-6 fresh mint leaves
- Tiny pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon raw honey or maple syrup optional
- 2 cups filtered water
- 1 green tea bag optional, boosts metabolism benefits
Instructions
- Heat water until just before boiling (small bubbles forming, not a rolling boil).
- Rinse fresh herbs thoroughly.
- Rough chop the lemon balm to release oils.
- Slice the lemon and squeeze one slice into the pot; add the rest for infusion.
- Prepare the ginger (slice or grate as needed).
- Place lemon balm, lemon slices, ginger, mint leaves, and cayenne in a steeping container.
- If using a green tea bag, add it now.
- Pour the hot water over the ingredients and stir lightly.
- Cover and steep for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain into a cup or jar.
- Add sweetener if desired and enjoy warm or cold.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQ: Everything You Wanted To Know About Lemon Balm For Weight Loss
How to consume lemon balm for weight loss?
Well, this tea recipe is my favorite way, but there are others! You can add fresh lemon balm to salads, make lemon balm-infused water for all-day sipping, use it in smoothies, or even cook with it (it’s great with fish). Some people take supplements, but I prefer getting it through real food when possible. The key is consistency – having a little daily seems to work better than occasional large amounts.
How do you make lemon balm for a flat tummy?
So, this recipe already targets bloating pretty well! But if you want to focus specifically on belly bloat, I’d add a few fennel seeds and maybe some dandelion root if you have it. The combination helps with water retention and digestion. I notice the biggest difference when I drink a cup about 30 minutes before meals and avoid carbonated drinks completely. My jeans definitely fit better when I stick to this routine!
What is the strongest herb for weight loss?
Honestly? It depends on your body chemistry. For me, lemon balm works amazingly well, but my sister gets better results with ginger as her primary herb. Some research suggests that lemon balm for fast metabolism works because it reduces cortisol (stress hormone that can cause weight gain). Other powerhouse herbs include dandelion, green tea, hibiscus, and cinnamon. The strongest approach is probably combining several that work well together, which is what this recipe does.
What are the side effects of lemon balm?
For most people, lemon balm is super gentle and side-effect free. But, everyone’s different. Some people might experience headaches or drowsiness, especially at higher doses. I had mild nausea the one time I tried a super concentrated version (used way too much dried herb). It can also interact with certain medications like sedatives or thyroid meds. I’m not a doctor tho, so definitely check with yours if you have concerns!
Who should avoid lemon balm?
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your healthcare provider first. Same goes for people with thyroid conditions or those taking sedative medications. People scheduled for surgery should stop using lemon balm at least two weeks before. And if you have any liver issues, talk to your doctor before using lemon balm regularly. Better safe than sorry!
My Real Results With This Lemon Balm Recipe For Weight Loss
Let me keep it real with you – this drink isn’t some magical potion that melts fat while you eat donuts on the couch. But as part of a healthy routine? It’s been seriously effective for me.
I started this last June when none of my summer clothes fit right. By September, I was back in my favorite shorts and down 11 pounds. The biggest difference I noticed wasn’t even the weight – it was how much better I felt. More energy, less bloating, and way fewer cravings.
Last month I made this for my mom’s garden club and even my aunt who “hates healthy stuff” asked for the recipe. That’s when you know it’s actually tasty!
If you try this lemon balm water recipe for weight loss, I’d love to hear how it works for you! Everyone’s body is different, and you might discover a variation that works even better.
Remember – consistency beats perfection every time. I definitely don’t make this perfectly each day, but I make it most days, and that’s been enough to see real results.
Stay healthy and happy sipping!
DISCLAIMER
This article about lemon balm recipe for weight loss is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. While lemon balm may offer certain health benefits, it has not been evaluated by the FDA specifically for weight loss purposes. Results may vary from person to person.
Individual weight loss depends on many factors including diet, exercise, sleep, genetics, and overall health. This recipe should be considered a supplement to a healthy lifestyle, not a replacement for proper nutrition or exercise.
Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any weight loss regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions, are pregnant or nursing, or are taking medications. Some herbs, including lemon balm, may interact with certain medications or may not be suitable for everyone.
The personal experiences and results described in this article are anecdotal and not guaranteed. We do not claim this recipe will result in specific weight loss outcomes.
Always use herbs responsibly and in moderation. Discontinue use and seek medical attention if you experience any adverse reactions.