Lemon balm tea – what it is for, benefits and how to make it!

Lemon balm tea is used by many cultures to treat and prevent many ailments in a completely natural way at home. Many ask what it is for, so we prepared this article to clarify this doubt and others such as: What are the benefits and How to do it, stay tuned until the end of the article and check it out.

Lemon balm is native to southern Europe and North Africa and has been cultivated for over 2000 years. It has a long history as a medicinal herb and was also part of a drink that ensured longevity. The Arabs introduced it as a medicinal herb, it was taken for anxiety and depression.

Lemon balm tea  is still known in France today as a remedy for fatigue and headaches. The leaves of this herb were rubbed into hives to prevent swarming and encourage bees to return to the hives. The Greek physician Dioscorides wrote about it being used for scorpion stings and insect and dog stings.

What is lemongrass?

Lemon balm is a perennial type plant that belongs to the Middle East, Asia and Europe. Scientifically categorized as Melissa officinalis, lemon balm is a member of the mint family.

The plant’s bright yellow flowers bloom in spring and summer and have a pleasant fragrance. You can find variation in lemon balm leaves, yellowish to dark green. Also, you can store fresh lemon balm leaves in the fridge. You can find lemon balm tea , essential oil and capsule in the market as well.

History of lemongrass:

For over 2000 years lemon balm has been cultivated and used for its medicinal properties and its ability to attract bees. It was used to help domesticated bees not stray from their hives.

Its leaves and flowers were used to make a tea to treat nervous disorders and other ailments. It was an essential herb for the ancient Greeks and as early as the 8th century, the French Emperor Charlemagne drank lemon balm tea  every day to prevent illness and so ordered the herb to be grown in all gardens.

Lemongrass Properties:

Lemon balm has a large number of properties that provide a wide range of benefits to our health. It is a source of essential vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (niacin), Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), Vitamin folate and Vitamin C. and minerals such as Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Manganese, Copper, Zinc and Iron, which are necessary for the proper functioning of the human body.

What is lemon balm tea for?

It has been used for decades to treat and prevent various types of diseases. In addition, primary chemical constituents include essential oil (citral, linalool, eugenol, citronellal, geraniol), tannins, bitter principle, resin, tannins, polyphenols, flavonoids, succinic acid and rosmarinic acid.

Preparation and storage:

Fresh leaves can be stored in plastic bags in the fridge for a few days or they can be frozen. Also, the dried leaves should be stored in an airtight container. To dry the leaves, avoid exposure to light or heat, spread on newspaper, or hang in bunches in a dark, airy place. The leaves lose some of their flavor when dried. Dried leaves can be used as an ingredient in medicinal teas.

Culinary uses:

Due to its delicate flavor, Erva Cidreira has a wide culinary potential. Also, from using fresh leaves as an eye-catching garnish, chopped fresh leaves can be used to add flavor to sweet or spicy dishes. Combines well with allspice, bay leaves, mint, rosemary and thyme. Fresh herbs with essential oils, however, are less potent and should be added at the end of cooking.

A wonderful addition to fruit salads, green salads, herb butters, fruit drinks, ice cream. It can also be used in egg dishes, creams, soups and stews. Works well in fillings for poultry, lamb or pork. Its subtle flavor is perfect for fish sauces and marinades. In addition, lemon balm and chervil are also a good combination.

Lemongrass tea benefits:

1. Helps treat cold sores:

Lemon balm tea is widely used to fight the herpes virus. It contains flavonoids, phenolic acids and other compounds that fight the herpes virus, explains the University of Michigan Health System. Medical research has found that it can effectively treat herpes simplex virus sores, states the Georgetown University Medical Center.

Georgetown University cites studies that have found significant improvement in wound healing in patients with herpes lesions around the mouth and genitals. The University of Michigan Health System also points to double-blind clinical research that confirms consuming it can speed up the healing of sores caused by the herpes simplex virus in the mouth. In human studies, lemon balm helped to significantly reduce redness and swelling after just two days,

2. Improves heart health:

Fifty-five volunteers participated in a 14-day treatment trial with lemon balm tea consumption . It was found to reduce the frequency of heart palpitation episodes and also lessened the anxiety felt by patients as a result of the palpitations. No serious side effects were observed.

There is also evidence to suggest the benefits include protection against arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat. Studies in rats have concluded that lemon balm tea  is also an antiarrhythmic agent.

See in the video below other benefits of lemon balm tea:

Lemongrass tea recipes:

Lemongrass Tea Recipe:

• Also, to make a nice cup of tea, you can use fresh or dried lemon balm leaves or flowers. For best results, brew your tea with fresh leaves.
• Start by filling the kettle with water and let it boil (100ºC).
• In your teapot, place 1 teaspoon of dried lemon balm per 250ml (1 cup) of water.
• Also, if you use fresh lemon balm leaves, then that’s 2 teaspoons per cup of water. When using fresh herbs, be sure to wash and chop them properly.
• Pour in the boiling water and let your tea steep for about 5 to 10 minutes. The longer you steep it, the stronger the tea.
• Also, strain and serve. You can add honey to sweeten the tea and help it treat respiratory problems faster.
• You can drink this tea 3 to 4 times a day. If you are drinking this tea for digestive healing, drink it after meals; If you are taking lemon balm to calm your nerves and improve your sleep, then drink a glass about 1 hour before going to bed.
• Also, this is a nice refreshing tea with a citrus aroma and flavor. So even if you’re just looking for an infusion of aromatic herbs to drink in the afternoon, this is the perfect choice for your skin .

Lemongrass Tea with Honey:

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon balm leaves;
• 2 cups of water;
• 1 teaspoon of honey or sugar, to taste.

PREPARATION MODE:

• Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan.
• Also, put the lemon balm leaves in a mug and pour boiling water over them.
• Let the tea steep for 5-10 minutes, depending on the strength you want.
• Also, add sugar or honey if you wish, and then enjoy!

Lemongrass Tea with Orange:

INGREDIENTS:

• In addition, 700 ml of water;
• 1 orange, peeled into pieces;
• Plus 2 chamomile sachets .

PREPARATION MODE:

• Also, boil the water, add the oranges and then the sachets. Wait until it boils for approximately 2 minutes and serve.

Side effects:

It is generally safe for most people. Also, but because it affects thyroid activity, people who take thyroid medication or who are severely underactive (hypothyroidism) should not take it.

Some patients experienced mild side effects after treatment with the extract. Also, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using it regularly.

IMPORTANT: Lemon balm tea may interact with certain medications, such as thyroid medications and HIV medications, explains the University of Maryland. Talk to your doctor before taking it to avoid drug interactions or health issues.