Lemon balm tea and lemongrass tea are different infusions. A lemon-related name does not mean that both products contain lemon fruit, or that they are made from the same plant.
Different plants
Lemon balm is Melissa officinalis. Lemongrass commonly refers to grasses in the Cymbopogon genus, including Cymbopogon citratus. Kew records these as distinct plants. Their names may suggest a shared citrus theme, but their botanical identities differ.
Ingredient names and flavour descriptions
The word “lemon” can appear as part of a plant name, as an actual fruit ingredient or as a flavour description. Those uses are not interchangeable. A product called lemon herbal tea may therefore need more explanation than its front label provides.
What a blend changes
A blend can contain lemon balm, lemongrass and other ingredients together. That does not make the two plants the same. It simply means the final drink combines several components. Looking at the complete list helps distinguish a plain infusion from a multi-ingredient cup.
Exploring K&M lemongrass
Our lemongrass tea bags provide a way to explore the lemongrass side of this comparison. The product page and existing brewing guide describe that item. This article is not an offer of lemon balm or a suggestion that the two teas have identical uses or flavours.
Background reading: Kew’s lemon balm record.
More from K&M Herbs
Explore our current tea and gift range and download our free herbal tea and wellness book for more about K&M Herbs.
Related reading: Lemongrass Tea: How to Brew and Serve It.