Lemon Balm Recipes: food, drinks, remedies, + more! (2024)

FAQs

What remedies does lemon balm have? ›

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a member of the mint family, is considered a calming herb. It was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and ease pain and discomfort from indigestion (including gas and bloating, as well as colic).

Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with LEMON BALM. Lemon balm might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking lemon balm with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.

You may be able to minimize side effects, such as stomach upset, by ingesting lemon balm alongside food. You can also reduce your risk for side effects by consuming fewer than 2 grams of lemon balm per day. Lemon balm should only be used for a short period of time.

Yes, lemon balm is still used in cooking. Lemon balm is a fragrant herb with a lemon flavor that is commonly used to add flavor to various dishes such as soups, stews, salads, teas, and baked goods. Some people also use lemon balm in marinades, sauces, and dressings.

As a general rule of thumb, treat lemon balm as you would any other fresh herb. It works especially well in place of mint, offering bright, fragrant notes. Add whole lemon balm leaves to green salads, or chiffonade the leaves and scatter them over a fruit salad for added zesty flavor.

While more studies are needed to determine how lemon balm tea may help individuals, it does appear that the tea is safe for most people to consume. A person should consult their doctor if they have an underlying condition, such as a thyroid issue, before regularly consuming lemon balm tea.

It has been proved that high concentrations of flavonoides increase production of reactive oxygen species by autooxidation (28). These cases show that consumption of high doses of lemon balm hydroalcohoic extract in the short period causes toxicity effects on liver cells.

For most people occasional use of lemon balm tea may reduce stress and possibly induce drowsiness, and there are no reported interactions between lemon balm and caffeine.

To make a lemon balm tea, brew 1.5 to 4.5 grams of leaves in 150 milliliters of hot water. This can be taken several times a day. The leaves can also be eaten, up to 10 grams a day. Check supplement formulations with your doctor to make sure the dosages are suitable for you.

Can you drink too much lemon balm tea? ›

Lemon balm may also interact with certain medications and have mild effects on thyroid function. Additionally, consuming too much lemon balm can cause gastrointestinal issues. However, when used in moderation, lemon balm is generally considered safe.

The tea has historically been used to treat digestive disorders and to alleviate pain including menstrual cramps and headaches. Lemon balm tea also offers a mild calming effect, making this beverage a good choice for people who suffer from sleep disorders or are looking for a bedtime tea.

Spiritual Cleansing: In some spiritual practices, lemon balm is used for its cleansing properties. It is believed to have the ability to cleanse negative energy and promote positivity. It can be burned as incense or used in smudging ceremonies to purify a space and promote positivity.

Storage Tips: Fresh Lemon Balm leaves should be washed and dried, then stored in a clear plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Lemon Balm can also be stored in an infused oil. To prepare, wash and thoroughly dry the leaves then place them in a clean, sterilized glass jar.

A popular herb of the mint family, lemon balm is a staple of traditional European medicine. It is known to be an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory with antibacterial qualities. These properties, combined with its pleasant, lemony scent, make it a staple of herbal skincare.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is an herb in the mint family. It can be made into tea, taken as a supplement or extract, or rubbed on the skin in balms and lotions.

The extracts and Essential Oil (EO) of the lemon balm plant have some pharmacological effects, including antimicrobial, anticancer, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and antiviral properties.

Lemon balm has an incredible potential to protect the liver from damage caused by the accumulation of fats, which is the leading cause of the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It can help improve cholesterol synthesis and fatty acid metabolism in the liver.