Health Benefits of:

Introduction

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is part of the mint family. With its lemony flavor and a hint of mint, it can lift one’s mood and calm the nerves. It is native to the Mediterranean and has been dated back 2,000 years to its medicinal and culinary use. Lemon Balm is to be thought to treat medical disorders that affect one liver, digestive tract, and nervous system. It goes back to the 14th century when the Carmelite nuns used it to make Carmelite water which is an alcoholic tonic. Even though people have used it in traditional medicine there is evidence lacking in these claims. This tea has been known for its longevity. Lemon Balm leaves and essential oils are antiviral and rich in antioxidants which is why it is used in beauty products and medicine. Lemon Balm is good for anxiety, stress, insomnia, indigestion (dyspepsia), dementia, and Alzheimer It is also used for treating colds, and flu, and to lower blood pressure.

Health Benefits

1). Supports Mental Health

Lemon balm tea has been shown to improve mental cognition and may relieve some symptoms of serious neurological diseases. If this tea is taken daily it could help improve symptoms related to the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease even though it can’t cure this disease it could make it more doable.

A study published in Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences found that lemon balm displays cholinergic properties — meaning it acts as a neurotransmitter. Alzheimer’s disease patients often have damaged cholinergic neurons, which cause symptoms of forgetfulness and lead to the onset of dementia. Researchers found that regular consumption of lemon balm increased memory recall and offered therapeutic value to Alzheimer’s patients (1)

2). Prevents Heart Disease

Did you know that by drinking this tea you could be protecting the health of your heart? By drinking this tea, you could lower your blood pressure as well as lowering your bad LDL cholesterol. It has also been known to improve the synthesis of cholesterol and reduce triglycerides.

Lemon Balm Tea has anti-inflammatory and calming properties that can subdue arrhythmias which is when the heart beats at irregular intervals.

3). Alleviates Digestive Health

In the past infants have been treated with a Lemon balm to get rid of colic. But in our day, infants with colic are treated with lemon balm, German chamomile, and fennel to reduce their discomfort. By using these herbs regularly the infant might not cry as much and it may get rid of the colic altogether.

4) Reduces Anxiety and Stress

There is an anti-anxiety medication called Cyracos that is made of lemon balm leaves. By using these leaves as tea, it can lower one’s stress after a hard day.

There has been a study that used female and male rats to see the benefit of lemon balm. The study showed that both female and male rats had lower levels of stress but the lemon balm leaves were more effective in the females than the males.

Source:

1). https://senchateabar.com/blogs/blog/lemon-balm-tea

How to Brew a cup of Tea

Ingredients:

1 cup of water

1 tablespoon of dried lemon balm

honey optional

Instructions:

Pour the hot water over your dried lemon balm. Cover and steep for about 20 minutes. Strain and add honey if you like.

You want to cover your cup while it is steeping so you don’t lose any nutrients. You should store your dried leaves in an airtight container.

Side Effects

Should not be used by children, pregnant women, or nursing mothers because of the lack of research. It can slow blood clotting so stop drinking this tea 2 weeks before surgery to stop excessive bleeding. May interact with these types of medications thyroid, blood thinners, glaucoma, and chemotherapy medications. For the most part, it should be safe in small medicinal doses. Lemon Balm is considered to be safe for a short period. Side effects tend to increase with the size of the dose. Side effects may include headache, nausea, bloating, gas, vomiting, indigestion, dizziness, stomach pain, painful urination, anxiety, and agitation Should be taken no more than 4 to 6 weeks.

Disclaimer

I am not a doctor so check with your doctor before drinking this tea if you are pregnant, nursing, or on certain medicines. Do not give to children.