An In-Depth Guide to Lemon Balm Tea: Benefits, Risks & Making Process

Lemon Balm Tea

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Have you heard about lemon balm tea? If not, prepare yourself for a treat! This wonderful herbal tea is prepared from the Melissa officinalis plant’s leaves. It is not only refreshing but also full of health advantages. Whether you want to relax after a long day or improve your general health, lemon balm tea is an excellent addition to your routine.

Here, we’ll go over the basics of lemon balm tea and how to make a cup using your own lemon balm. You’ll learn about the health advantages, flavor profile, and harvesting procedures so you can make the best lemon balm tea. Continue reading to learn our favorite lemon balm dishes and the flavor of this zesty, minty tea.

What Is Lemon Balm Tea?

Lemon balm tea is a herbal tea produced from the plant Melissa officinalis. The plant is also commonly referred to as balm mint and common balm. Lemon balm, which has a crisp lemony flavor with notes of mint, is a member of the mint family. The flavor of this tea is lemony, tangy, and brisk. The addition of agave syrup, fresh honey from honey bees, and a squeeze of lemon juice enhances this herbal tisane.

As early as the Middle Ages, it was used to treat indigestion (including gas and bloating, as well as colic), decrease tension and anxiety, encourage sleep, and enhance appetite. Before the Middle Ages, lemon balm was steeped in wine to treat severe insect bites and stings, heal wounds, and raise spirits. These days, lemon balm is frequently used to encourage relaxation in combination with other relaxing, soothing herbs, including hops, chamomile, and valerian. It is also found in lotions that treat oral herpes, or cold sores.

Nutritional Profile of Lemon Balm Tea

Here’s a breakdown of the main nutrients present in lemon balm tea per serving:

NutrientAmountPercent of RDA
Energy1 Kcal0%
Carbohydrates0.20 g<1%
Protein0 g0%
Total Fat0 g0%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Dietary Fiber0 g0%
Calcium2 mg0.2%
Iron0.08 mg1%
Magnesium1 mg<1%
Zinc0.04 mg<1%
Sodium1 mg<1%
Potassium9 mg<1%

History of Lemon Balm

Organic lemon balm has been grown for more than 2,000 years in the Mediterranean region, and it is well-known for its subtle lemon aroma and several health advantages. Greek and Roman societies utilized it extensively to improve mood, sleep quality, and cognitive performance. Ancient herbalists and medics praised it for its calming and restorative qualities. It became a prized plant in monastic gardens throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, used for its aromatic virtues in cooking as well as its therapeutic capabilities in herbal treatments. 

With time, the production of lemon balm shifted to focus on organic agricultural methods, guaranteeing the plant’s potency and purity without the use of artificial chemicals. Nowadays, organic lemon balm is a prized herb in both traditional and modern herbal medicine, valued for its therapeutic properties as well as its dedication to ecologically responsible and sustainable farming methods.

Plant Description

Lemon balm, which originated in Europe, is now grown worldwide. It is grown in crops for the manufacture of medicine, cosmetics, and furniture polish in addition to herb gardens to draw bees. The plant can reach a height of 2 feet and sometimes greater if not well maintained. Clusters of tiny, light yellow blooms appear where the leaves meet the stalk during the spring and summer. Depending on the soil and temperature, the leaves color can vary from dark green to yellowish green and are extremely severely wrinkled. The leaves will smell like lemons when you rub them between your fingers. The leaves belong to the same plant family and resemble mint leaves in shape.

Uses of Lemon Balm

A healthcare expert, such as a pharmacist, certified dietitian, or healthcare practitioner, should evaluate and customize supplement use. No supplement is meant to prevent, treat, or cure any illness.

A substance found in lemon balm called rosmarinic acid seems to have antibacterial and antioxidant qualities. Antioxidants can help prevent cell damage. Antimicrobials destroy bacteria, viruses, and other organisms that cause infections.

There has been little research into lemon balm’s possible usefulness. While lemon balm has been investigated in labs and on animals for specific health conditions (e.g., cold sores, stomach distress, Alzheimer’s disease), there is insufficient data to recommend its usage for everyone because it has not been properly tested in people.

It’s also crucial to remember that several studies combined herbal supplements with lemon balm. As a result, it is unclear whether lemon balm alone may achieve the same results.

Benefits of Lemon Balm Tea

Those who experience anxiety, insomnia, colds, coughs, the flu, respiratory infections, fevers, unpleasant menstrual cramps, herpes, bloating, flatulence, migraines, high blood pressure, or bug bites should drink lemon balm tea. Let’s explore them in detail.

Anxiolytic Properties

Lemon balm tea is widely used to treat anxiety. Excess stress hormones in the body can cause a number of issues, including increased oxidative stress, metabolic strain, and poor heart health. The antioxidants and volatile compounds in this tea offer relaxing qualities that can have a nervine impact and lessen stress and anxiety symptoms.

Inflammation

There are many different types of inflammatory illnesses, such as headaches, indigestion, allergic reactions, and joint and arthritic disorders. Regular usage of lemon balm can swiftly lessen or eradicate these problems because it contains numerous recognized anti-inflammatory components.

Gastrointestinal Distress

Another common application for lemon balm tea is to soothe the stomach. If you frequently have indigestion, excessive gas, constipation, acid reflux disease, cramps, or bloating, drinking a soothing cup of this tea daily can improve digestion and guarantee adequate nutritional absorption.

Immune System

This tea’s antibacterial and antiseptic qualities make it a powerful tool for fighting off infections, the flu, and a number of colds. In addition to its antioxidant properties, this tea can aid in the generation of white blood cells and the removal of mucus and phlegm, which are common places for germs to hide and proliferate.

Menstrual Cramps

One of the most traditional and reliable treatments for uncomfortable menstruation cramps is this tea. In addition to relieving the agony of uncomfortable periods, the sedative and analgesic qualities, together with certain antispasmodic actions, can help lessen the anxiety or mood swings that frequently accompany menstruation.

Cognitive Boost

Tea made with lemon balm has been shown to enhance memory and cognitive function. Drinking the tea also provides the healthy antioxidants that can stop plaque buildup in the neurological pathways, even though lemon balm is frequently employed as an aromatherapy tool.

Herpes

Numerous studies have connected a decrease in the herpes simplex virus to the flavonoids and phenolic chemicals found in lemon balm tea. Although lemon balm can be administered topically, the tea’s immune-boosting properties can also aid in the treatment of this STD.

Heart Health

This herbal tea’s calming properties also lower blood pressure, making it a perfect soothing beverage for those with hypertension. Before including lemon balm tea into your diet, make sure to consult your doctor if you are currently taking blood pressure medication because there may be adverse interactions.

Risk Factors and Side Effects

This herbal tea has relatively few side effects, and there hasn’t been much research done on how this herb works over long periods of time. First and foremost, using lemon balm would not be a good idea if you have a strong allergic reaction to other plants in the Lamiaceae family, which includes mints.

According to research, when someone stopped drinking lemon balm tea, they experienced withdrawal symptoms. But according to another, when lemon balm was applied topically or taken orally for 30 days in otherwise healthy adults, and when it was consumed in food proportions, people reported no negative effects. Keep in mind that the consumption of lemon balm tea had nothing to do with this assertion.

Uncomfortable Stomach

One of the most frequent adverse effects of consuming lemon balm tea is upset stomach, nausea, and possibly vomiting, albeit this is uncommon. People who overindulge frequently experience this; the strong active ingredients are highly advantageous, but only when used sparingly.

Lightheadedness

When drinking extremely strong lemon balm tea, some people have complained of feeling lightheaded or overly sleepy. If you encounter any of these negative effects, stop using the tea right away.

Surgery

Lemon balm tea has a sedative effect, so it should not be consumed prior to surgery since it may interfere with the anesthetic.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women are not advised to consume this tea because there is insufficient evidence to support its use during pregnancy or lactation.

Children

Lemon balm tea has been certified for use in children in modest quantities and for a short period of time, despite the fact that the majority of herbal teas are only advised for adults.

How to Harvest Lemon Balm Leaves for Tea?

You can use dried or fresh leaves from lemon balm plants in your backyard garden to make your own homemade lemon balm tea. If you decide to utilize dried leaves, first gather fresh leaves from the plant. To maintain the natural flavor and prevent adverse effects from pesticides and fertilizers, only gather the leaves from organic lemon balm plants.

It is better to collect the leaves right before the plant blooms. At this time, the plants contain the most nutritious antioxidants and vital oils, resulting in a more flavorful product. Although it can vary according to your location and environment, harvest season usually takes place in late spring or early summer.

Just above the second row of leaves, trim the lemon balm leaves at the stem. By pruning the plant in this manner, you can promote the growth of new shoots and raise the possibility of harvest yields. Use cold water to rinse the fresh lemon balm leaves, then spread them out on a baking sheet to dry. Another option is to collect the leaves in bundles and tie them to a clothesline to hang dry. After the leaves are totally dry, keep them in a dark location and store them in an airtight container or brown paper bag. The flavor of dried lemon balm remains excellent even after being preserved for several months.

How to Make Lemon Balm Tea?

You can prepare lemon balm tea at home using this simple recipe, which requires fresh or dried lemon balm, water, and honey or sugar to sweeten. If you grow lemon balm at home and want to dry a bigger quantity for later use, simply remove the stems off the plant and gather them in bunches.

Ingredients:

  • Two tablespoons of fresh leaves or one tablespoon of dried lemon balm leaves
  • Boiling water (10 ounces)
  • Honey, sugar, and agave are optional.

Instructions:

1. Fill a standard-sized teacup with the fresh herbs from a tea strainer or tea ball.

2. Use a large saucepan on the stove or a temperature-controlled kettle to bring water to a boil.

3. For five to ten minutes, soak the lemon balm leaves in a teacup filled with hot water.

4. Take out the tea strainer and, if you’d like, sweeten with sugar, honey, or agave.

How to Make Lemon Balm Sun Tea?

Ingredients:

  • Big glass jar
  • Four tablespoons of dried leaves of lemon balm
  • 40 ounces of cooled water
  • Sunlight

Instructions:

  • Add the lemon balm leaves to a glass jar filled with cool water.
  • Set the container outside where it will receive direct sunshine. Let the tea steep for three to four hours.
  • For a delicious iced tea, pour straight into teacups and serve with ice cubes.

Apple, Lemon Balm, and Cayenne Tea

This recipe, which includes a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to liven things up, will add a little heat to your tea-drinking experience.

Ingredients:

  • One teaspoon of dried leaves of lemon balm
  • 1 teaspoon Cup & Leaf Apple Spice Tea.
  • One-fourth teaspoon of cayenne
  • 1/4 cup of freshly mixed apple juice

Instructions:

  •  In a tea kettle or a big saucepan on the stove, bring water to a boil.
  • After adding the tea leaves and cayenne pepper, let it steep for five to ten minutes.
  • Pour the tea mixture over the muddled apple in a teacup.
  • Stir thoroughly and savor the lemon flavor enhanced by the subtle apple flavor and heightened by the cayenne’s peppery character.

Lemon Balm Tea Caffeine Content

Organic lemon balm is a great option for people who want to cut back on caffeine or who want a relaxing beverage without the stimulant effects of caffeine because it is naturally caffeine-free. Lemon balm, which is made from the leaves of the Melissa officinalis plant, has this property that makes it a calming choice that is ideal for people who are sensitive to caffeine or for use in the evening. 

One of the reasons it’s frequently suggested in herbal mixes meant to encourage relaxation and better sleep is because it doesn’t contain caffeine. Organic lemon balm is a caffeine-free substitute that may be taken any time of the day without worrying about interfering with sleep cycles or producing the jitters that are occasionally linked to caffeinated beverages. In the field of natural wellness, this quality increases lemon balm’s allure as a calming and nutritious herbal medicine.

What Does Lemon Balm Tea Taste Like?

Known for its mildly sweet and deliciously refreshing flavor profile, organic lemon balm tea has a mildly lemony fragrance that is both calming and energizing. Because lemon balm is a member of the mint family, the infusion has a moderate, herbaceous flavor with a faint trace of mint. It is a delightful and easy-to-drink beverage that tastes smooth and light, whether it is served hot or cold. Lemon balm is a good option for people watching their sugar intake because of its inherent sweetness, which allows it to be savored without the addition of sugar or honey. It is a beverage for the palate as well as a feast for the senses because of its fragrant, lemony undertones, which offer a soothing sensory experience.

Final Words

Lemon balm tea is a fantastic herbal beverage that will help you unwind, reduce tension, and sleep better overall. It is a bright, citrusy-smelling (and tasting) herb that is often used in meals with strong, thick flavors, such as game, sheep, and occasionally even beef, when it is fresh and raw. The dried leaves of the lemon balm plant, which are readily available in many stores, are necessary for making tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does lemon balm raise blood pressure?

No, lemon balm does not raise blood pressure. In fact, it is often used to promote relaxation and may help reduce stress, which can indirectly lower blood pressure. However, its effects on blood pressure are generally mild and not a substitute for medical treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns about blood pressure management.

What is the magical use of lemon balm?

Lemon balm is often associated with calming and protective properties in magical practices. It is believed to promote healing, attract love, enhance mental clarity, and bring peace to the home. It’s also used in rituals for emotional balance, boosting confidence, and easing anxiety.

Does lemon balm help you lose weight?

Lemon balm may indirectly help with weight management by reducing stress and promoting better sleep, both of which can influence weight. However, it doesn’t have direct fat-burning or weight-loss properties. Drinking lemon balm tea can be part of a healthy lifestyle but should be combined with proper diet and exercise for noticeable results.

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