What Are Lemon Balm and St. John’s Wort? Benefits, How to Enjoy, Caffeine-Free Features & Important Precautions
OBARASOTAROWhat Are Lemon Balm and St. John’s Wort? Characteristics, How to Enjoy, Caffeine-Free Features & Important Precautions
Lemon balm, known for its fresh, lemon-like aroma, and St. John’s Wort, recognized by its distinctive bright yellow flowers, are herbs with long histories of traditional use around the world.
When researching these herbs, you may often see them mentioned alongside words such as “relaxation,” “mood,” and “sleep.” However, particularly with St. John’s Wort, it is important not to choose it based on these associations alone. There are important safety considerations to understand, especially potential interactions with medications.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- What is lemon balm?
- What is St. John’s Wort?
- What are their histories?
- Which naturally occurring plant compounds are associated with them?
- Do they contain caffeine?
- Can they be enjoyed as part of an evening tea routine?
- What should you know if you take medication?
- What should you know about pregnancy, breastfeeding, and children?
From their basic botanical characteristics to important precautions to consider before drinking them, this guide takes a closer look at both lemon balm and St. John’s Wort.
Important: If you are currently taking any medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist before consuming foods, supplements, or herbal teas containing St. John’s Wort.
This article also discusses research into these plants and some of their naturally occurring compounds. However, research into a particular plant compound does not mean that drinking an ordinary herbal tea containing that plant will provide a specific health effect.
Herbal tea is not a medicine and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent, or improve any disease or medical condition.
What Is Lemon Balm? A Herb with a Fresh, Lemon-Like Aroma
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial herb belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae.
It has vibrant green leaves and is best known for its fresh aroma reminiscent of lemon.
Despite its name, lemon balm is not a type of lemon or citrus fruit.
It has long been enjoyed as an herbal tea and used in various ways for its distinctive fresh aroma.
Its bright herbal character also pairs well with other aromatic herbs such as lemongrass and mint, making it a popular ingredient in herbal tea blends.
Lemon Balm Is Also Known as “Melissa”
Lemon balm is also commonly known as “Melissa.”
In early summer, the plant produces small white flowers that attract bees.
The name “Melissa” is believed to derive from the Greek word for “honeybee.”
Lemon balm also has a history of being cultivated as a nectar-producing plant for bees in Mediterranean regions and elsewhere.
Lemon Balm Has a Long History
Lemon balm has a remarkably long history of human use.
It was known in ancient Greek and Roman times and has been used in everyday life throughout Europe for centuries.
Historical texts and traditions include many references to uses that, by modern standards, could be considered medicinal.
However, historical use does not mean that the same medicinal effects have been established for lemon balm tea today.
What Is St. John’s Wort? The Herb Known for Its Yellow Flowers
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the Hypericaceae family.
It is widely known by its English name, St. John’s Wort, and is native to parts of Europe and Asia, although it can now be found in many regions of the world.
The plant is particularly recognizable for the bright yellow flowers it produces in early summer.
The name “St. John’s Wort” is traditionally associated with St. John’s Day on June 24, around the time the plant typically flowers in the Northern Hemisphere.
A Plant with a Long History
St. John’s Wort also has a very long history of human use.
It is believed to have been known since ancient Greek times and was used in various ways throughout medieval Europe.
Historical records describe it as a medicinal plant, and St. John’s Wort and its naturally occurring plant compounds continue to be the subject of scientific research today.
However, historical uses and findings from specific studies should not be interpreted as evidence that an ordinary herbal tea containing St. John’s Wort provides the same effects.
Important: St. John’s Wort Can Interact with Medications
One of the most important things to understand about St. John’s Wort is that it is known to interact with a range of medicines.
Compounds found in St. John’s Wort can influence some of the processes the body uses to metabolise medicines, potentially affecting how certain medications work.
Do not assume that it is safe to combine with medication simply because it is a natural herb or because it is consumed as herbal tea.
If you currently take any prescription or over-the-counter medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist before consuming a product containing St. John’s Wort.
Are Lemon Balm and St. John’s Wort the Same Herb?
No. Although both are commonly used as herbs, lemon balm and St. John’s Wort are botanically different plants.
- Lemon balm: A member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), known for its fresh, lemon-like aroma.
- St. John’s Wort: A member of the Hypericaceae family, recognizable by its bright yellow flowers.
They contain different naturally occurring plant compounds and also differ in their historical uses and the areas in which they have been studied.
Tea Total’s Lemon Balm & St. John’s Wort Relax Tea combines these herbs with apple and other ingredients to create a blended herbal tea.
Although the product is called “Relax Tea,” this is the product name and does not mean that the tea is intended to treat or improve anxiety, stress, insomnia, disease, or any other medical condition.
What Naturally Occurring Plant Compounds Are Found in Lemon Balm?
Lemon balm contains a variety of naturally occurring plant compounds.
Among the best known are polyphenols such as rosmarinic acid, as well as aromatic compounds associated with lemon balm’s distinctive fragrance.
These compounds have been the subject of various studies. However, research into a particular compound is not the same as evidence that drinking ordinary lemon balm tea will provide a specific health benefit.
Rosmarinic Acid
Rosmarinic acid is a type of polyphenol naturally found in plants such as rosemary, lemon balm, and perilla, particularly members of the mint family.
It is one of the naturally occurring plant compounds associated with lemon balm and has been the subject of various areas of research.
However, the presence of rosmarinic acid alone does not mean that drinking lemon balm tea can prevent a particular disease, improve symptoms, or produce specific beauty or cosmetic benefits.
Compounds Behind Lemon Balm’s Lemon-Like Aroma
Lemon balm contains several aromatic compounds associated with its characteristic fragrance, including citral (geranial and neral) and citronellal.
Although lemon balm does not contain lemon itself, these naturally occurring aromatic compounds contribute to its fresh, lemon-like fragrance.
What Naturally Occurring Plant Compounds Are Found in St. John’s Wort?
St. John’s Wort also contains a variety of naturally occurring plant compounds.
Two of the best known are hypericin and hyperforin.
St. John’s Wort and these naturally occurring compounds have been studied for many years.
What Is Hypericin?
Hypericin is one of the characteristic naturally occurring compounds found in St. John’s Wort.
However, the fact that hypericin has been studied does not mean that an ordinary herbal tea containing St. John’s Wort can be assumed to have specific effects on physical or mental health.
“Contains hypericin” does not mean that drinking the tea will improve mood, reduce stress, or help you sleep.
What Is Hyperforin?
Hyperforin is another naturally occurring compound commonly associated with St. John’s Wort.
When considering St. John’s Wort, an important issue is the relationship between compounds such as hyperforin and the processes involved in drug metabolism.
St. John’s Wort is known to influence some of the mechanisms involved in how medicines are processed by the body, which may affect the blood levels or effects of certain medications.
Research on Plant Compounds Is Not the Same as the Effects of Herbal Tea
When searching online for information about lemon balm or St. John’s Wort, you may come across many claims about their “benefits” or “effects.”
However, scientific studies may investigate the plant itself, individual plant compounds, concentrated extracts, or preparations containing standardized amounts of particular compounds.
These are not necessarily the same as an herbal tea prepared in a teapot and enjoyed as an everyday beverage.
Therefore, research findings involving particular compounds or concentrated extracts should not automatically be interpreted as effects you will receive from drinking Tea Total herbal tea.
This product is not a medicine and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent, or improve disease, anxiety, stress, insomnia, or any other medical condition.
Caffeine-Free Herbal Tea for Your Evening Tea Time
Tea Total’s Lemon Balm & St. John’s Wort Relax Tea is a caffeine-free herbal tea made without tea leaves that naturally contain caffeine.
If you prefer to reduce your intake of coffee, black tea, or green tea later in the day, a caffeine-free herbal tea can be an alternative.
It can be enjoyed after work or household tasks, after dinner, while reading or watching a movie, or simply whenever you feel like sitting down with a warm drink at the end of the day.
However, being caffeine-free does not mean that the tea improves sleep or makes it easier to fall asleep.
Can You Drink It Before Bed?
Because it is made without tea leaves that naturally contain caffeine, it can be enjoyed as part of an evening tea routine when you prefer to avoid caffeine.
There is no particular time, such as a certain number of minutes before bed, at which drinking this tea has been shown to help you sleep.
Instead, enjoy its aroma and flavour in a way that suits your lifestyle — perhaps after a bath, while reading, listening to music, or simply taking some time for yourself.
Important: This blend contains St. John’s Wort. If you take any medication, do not assume that the tea is suitable for you simply because it is caffeine-free. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before drinking it.
What Does Lemon Balm & St. John’s Wort Tea Taste Like?
When choosing an herbal tea, the ingredients matter — but so does something much simpler: whether you actually enjoy the taste.
This blend combines the fresh herbal character of lemon balm with St. John’s Wort, apple, and other ingredients.
Despite the name “lemon balm,” the herb is not lemon itself.
It has a fresh, lemon-like aroma rather than the sharp acidity you might expect from lemon juice.
The fragrance that develops as hot water is poured over the herbs is also part of the enjoyment of herbal tea.
How to Brew Lemon Balm & St. John’s Wort Herbal Tea
Basic Hot Tea
For one cup:
- Tea: Use the amount recommended on the product packaging
- Fresh hot water: Approximately 200 ml
- Steeping time: Approximately 3–5 minutes
- Place the recommended amount of tea into a teapot or tea infuser.
- Pour approximately 200 ml of fresh hot water over the tea.
- Allow it to steep for around 3–5 minutes.
- Remove or strain the tea, then enjoy the aroma and flavour.
The flavour and aroma can change depending on the steeping time, so start with the recommended brewing method and adjust it slightly to suit your personal preference.
Try It Straight First
If you are trying the blend for the first time, we recommend tasting it without adding anything.
This allows you to experience the natural character of the lemon balm and the flavour created by the blend of herbs and apple.
Simple Ways to Enjoy Your Herbal Tea
Herbal tea can be enjoyed straight, but a few simple ingredients can also create a different flavour experience.
These ideas are intended purely as ways to vary the taste and aroma, rather than to increase any health effect.
Add a Little Honey
If you prefer a touch of sweetness, try adding a small amount of honey.
The gentle sweetness of honey can soften the herbal flavour and create a different taste from the tea served straight.
Note: Honey should not be given to infants under 12 months of age.
Add Apple for a Fruity Twist
Because apple is already part of this blend, apple-based additions pair naturally with its flavour profile.
- Add a few thin slices of fresh apple
- Serve with dried apple
- Add a small amount of apple juice
- Combine apple with a little honey
Enjoy It as Iced Herbal Tea
Herbal tea is often associated with a warm cup, but it can also be enjoyed chilled during warmer weather.
Brew the tea slightly stronger than usual, then pour it over a glass filled with ice for a simple iced herbal tea.
Add a few slices of apple for a fresh, colourful finishing touch.
If you prepare herbal tea in advance, keep it refrigerated in a clean container and consume it as soon as reasonably possible.
Making Time for a Relaxing Tea Routine
With a name such as “Relax Tea,” it is natural to wonder whether drinking the tea itself will make you feel relaxed.
However, this product is not intended to treat or improve stress, anxiety, tension, insomnia, or other health conditions.
What you can do is make a little space in your day for a tea ritual you enjoy.
Boil the water. Choose your favourite cup. Brew the herbal tea. Take a moment to notice its aroma and enjoy the flavour slowly.
Perhaps read a book, listen to music, or simply enjoy a quiet moment while you drink it.
Rather than thinking of herbal tea as something that will “fix” a particular condition, it can simply be enjoyed for its aroma, flavour, and place in your daily routine.
Remember: This product contains St. John’s Wort. If you are currently taking any medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist before drinking it.
St. John’s Wort Precautions: Important Information If You Take Medication
One of the most important things to understand before enjoying Tea Total’s Lemon Balm & St. John’s Wort Relax Tea is that St. John’s Wort is known to interact with a range of medications.
St. John’s Wort can influence some of the processes involved in how medicines are metabolised in the body, potentially affecting the blood levels or effects of certain medications.
If you currently take any prescription or over-the-counter medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist before consuming this product.
Do not assume that it is safe to combine with medication simply because it is “natural,” an herbal tea, or caffeine-free.
Which Medications Can Interact with St. John’s Wort?
St. John’s Wort is known to interact with a wide range of medicines. Examples include:
- Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
- Some antidepressants
- Anticoagulants such as warfarin
- Immunosuppressants such as ciclosporin and tacrolimus
- Some heart medications, including digoxin
- Some medicines such as theophylline
- Some medicines used in the treatment of HIV
- Some cancer medicines
- Other medicines that may be affected by St. John’s Wort
This is not a complete list of medicines that may interact with St. John’s Wort.
Do not assume that your medication is safe to combine with St. John’s Wort simply because it does not appear on this list. If you take medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Oral Contraceptives and St. John’s Wort
One particularly important interaction to be aware of involves oral contraceptives (birth control pills).
St. John’s Wort may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, and breakthrough bleeding has also been reported in connection with their combined use.
If you use an oral contraceptive, do not consume this product without first consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
Antidepressants and St. John’s Wort
Caution is also required when St. John’s Wort is combined with certain antidepressants and other medicines that affect serotonin.
Some combinations may increase the risk of serotonin-related adverse effects.
If you take antidepressants or other medicines that affect serotonin, do not add St. John’s Wort to your routine without medical or pharmaceutical advice.
This product should also not be used as a substitute for appropriate medical care for persistent low mood, anxiety, insomnia, or other symptoms.
What If You Are Already Taking St. John’s Wort with Medication?
If you have already been consuming St. John’s Wort while taking medication, it is important to be aware that suddenly stopping St. John’s Wort may also affect the blood levels or effects of some medicines.
If you are already using medication together with a St. John’s Wort-containing product, do not suddenly stop or significantly change your intake without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
St. John’s Wort and Sensitivity to Sunlight
St. John’s Wort has also been associated, under some conditions, with increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.
This potential for photosensitivity has been particularly associated with higher intakes or concentrated preparations.
Information obtained from high-dose preparations or concentrated extracts cannot automatically be applied to a single cup of ordinary herbal tea.
However, it would also be inappropriate to assume that a reaction is impossible simply because the product is consumed as herbal tea.
If you notice an unusual skin reaction or other concerning change after drinking the tea, stop consuming it and seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional if necessary.
Can You Drink St. John’s Wort Tea During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding?
This product is caffeine-free, but being caffeine-free does not mean that it is necessarily suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
There is insufficient safety information regarding the use of St. John’s Wort during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor, midwife, pharmacist, or another appropriate healthcare professional before consuming this product.
Can Children Drink It?
This herbal tea is made without tea leaves that naturally contain caffeine.
However, “caffeine-free” does not mean “suitable for children.”
There is insufficient safety information regarding the use of St. John’s Wort in children.
If you are considering giving a St. John’s Wort-containing product to a child, consult a paediatrician, pharmacist, or another appropriate healthcare professional first.
Avoid Excessive Consumption
There is no need to drink large amounts of this tea in an attempt to consume more herbs or naturally occurring plant compounds.
This product is not intended to be consumed in increasing quantities in order to achieve a particular health effect.
Follow the brewing instructions provided with the product and enjoy it as an herbal tea in a reasonable amount.
Who Should Seek Professional Advice Before Drinking This Tea?
Because this product contains St. John’s Wort, you should seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional before drinking it if you:
- Take prescription medication
- Regularly use over-the-counter medication
- Use oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
- Take multiple medications
- Are currently receiving treatment for a medical condition
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are considering giving the tea to a child
St. John’s Wort is an herb for which medication interactions require particular attention.
Do not judge whether it is suitable for you based only on words such as “natural,” “herbal,” or “caffeine-free.” Your health circumstances and any medicines you take also need to be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Balm & St. John’s Wort
Q1. Does This Tea Contain Caffeine?
No. This is a caffeine-free herbal tea made without tea leaves that naturally contain caffeine.
However, because this product contains St. John’s Wort, special care is required if you take medication.
Q2. Can I Drink It Before Bed?
Because it is made without tea leaves that naturally contain caffeine, it can be enjoyed as part of an evening tea routine when you prefer to avoid caffeine.
However, this does not mean that drinking it before bed will help you sleep, improve sleep quality, or treat insomnia.
Q3. Does “Relax Tea” Mean the Tea Will Make Me Relax?
“Relax Tea” is the product name. It does not mean that the tea is intended to treat, prevent, or improve stress, anxiety, tension, insomnia, or any other medical condition.
Think of it instead as a blended herbal tea to enjoy for its aroma and flavour as part of your own tea routine.
Q4. What Are the Benefits of Lemon Balm?
Lemon balm and naturally occurring compounds such as rosmarinic acid have been the subject of various studies.
However, research into particular compounds or extracts is not the same as evidence that drinking an ordinary herbal tea containing lemon balm will provide specific health benefits.
Q5. What Are the Benefits of St. John’s Wort?
St. John’s Wort and naturally occurring compounds such as hypericin and hyperforin have been studied in a variety of contexts.
However, extracts, preparations, or specific compounds used in research are not necessarily equivalent to an ordinary cup of herbal tea.
Therefore, it should not be assumed that drinking this product will improve low mood, reduce anxiety, help you sleep, or provide other specific health effects.
Q6. Can I Drink This Tea If I Take Medication?
If you currently take any medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist before consuming this product.
St. John’s Wort is known to interact with a range of medicines and may affect the blood levels or effects of certain medications.
Q7. Can I Drink It If I Use the Contraceptive Pill?
St. John’s Wort may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, including oral contraceptive pills, and breakthrough bleeding has also been reported in connection with combined use.
If you use hormonal contraception, consult your doctor or pharmacist before consuming this product.
Q8. Can I Drink It During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding?
Although this product is caffeine-free, this does not mean that it is necessarily suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
There is insufficient safety information regarding St. John’s Wort during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor, midwife, pharmacist, or another appropriate healthcare professional before consuming this product.
Q9. Can Children Drink It?
Being caffeine-free does not mean that this product is necessarily suitable for children.
There is insufficient safety information regarding the use of St. John’s Wort in children.
If you are considering giving this tea to a child, consult a paediatrician, pharmacist, or another appropriate healthcare professional first.
Q10. Can I Drink It Every Day?
There is no need to increase the amount or frequency of consumption in an attempt to obtain more naturally occurring plant compounds.
Enjoy the tea in a reasonable amount according to the brewing instructions provided with the product.
If you take medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist before consuming St. John’s Wort, regardless of whether you intend to drink the tea occasionally or regularly.
Tea Total Lemon Balm & St. John’s Wort Relax Tea
If you enjoy the fresh character of lemon balm and blended herbal teas, discover Tea Total’s Lemon Balm & St. John’s Wort Relax Tea.
This caffeine-free herbal blend combines lemon balm, known for its fresh lemon-like aroma, with St. John’s Wort, apple, and other ingredients.
Rather than thinking of it as a tea for achieving a particular health effect, enjoy it for the aroma and flavour created by its blend of herbs and fruit.
Enjoy It as Part of Your Tea Time
- When you prefer to avoid caffeine later in the day
- As a warm caffeine-free drink after dinner
- While reading or watching a movie
- During your tea time after work or household tasks
- When you want to enjoy the fresh aroma of lemon balm
- When you feel like something different from your usual coffee or tea
Enjoy the blend straight to appreciate its natural character, or try it with a little honey or apple. During warmer weather, it can also be served as an iced herbal tea.
IMPORTANT: This product contains St. John’s Wort. If you currently take any prescription or over-the-counter medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist before purchasing or consuming this product. St. John’s Wort is known to interact with a range of medicines, including hormonal contraceptives.
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Tea Total Lemon Balm & St. John’s Wort Relax Tea 50g
Summary: Understand the Herbs and Important Precautions
Lemon balm and St. John’s Wort are two distinct herbs with long histories of human use.
Lemon balm is known for its fresh, lemon-like aroma, while St. John’s Wort is recognizable by its bright yellow flowers.
These plants also contain naturally occurring compounds that have been studied in various contexts, including rosmarinic acid in lemon balm and hypericin and hyperforin in St. John’s Wort.
However, research into particular compounds, extracts, or preparations is not the same as evidence that drinking an ordinary herbal tea will provide specific health effects.
This product is not a medicine.
It is not intended to reduce stress, treat anxiety, regulate the nervous system, improve insomnia, improve low mood, or diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.
Herbal tea can instead be enjoyed for something much simpler: its aroma and flavour.
Choose your favourite cup, pour in the hot water, notice the aroma of the herbs as they brew, and enjoy your tea slowly while reading, listening to music, or simply taking some time for yourself.
And when a product contains St. John’s Wort, it is important not to assume that “natural” automatically means suitable for everyone. Potential interactions with medications need to be taken seriously.
If you currently take any medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist before consuming this product.
View Tea Total Lemon Balm & St. John’s Wort Relax Tea 50g
※ This article provides general information about lemon balm, St. John’s Wort, and herbal tea. It is not intended as medical advice or for the diagnosis, treatment, cure, prevention, or improvement of any disease or medical condition.
※ This product contains St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum). St. John’s Wort is known to interact with certain medicines and may affect their blood levels or effects. If you take prescription or over-the-counter medication, use hormonal contraception, are receiving treatment for a medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are considering giving this product to a child, consult an appropriate healthcare professional before use.
※ If you are already taking medication while consuming a product containing St. John’s Wort, do not suddenly stop or significantly change your St. John’s Wort intake without first consulting your doctor or pharmacist.