In my experience fresh herbs do not make very effective teas, the cell membranes are not ruptured and they produce weak medicine. Lemon Balm makes a great tea when dried as long as it is dried properly and is not too old. If an herb is old and has lost it’s odor or color, it should be composted. Herbs that lose almost all activity when dried (Skullcap, Echinacea, Eyebright, fresh Oat, etc) should not be made into teas.