Lemon Balm: Effects, Application, and Tea Recipes

The lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a versatile herb celebrated for its healing properties and pleasant citrus-like aroma with subtle minty and honey notes. It can be a flavorful addition to the diet and a beneficial aid for health.

What Does “Lemon Balm” Mean?

Lemon balm is also known as “citron balm” or “bee herb.” Its name “citron balm” comes from its distinct lemon-like scent when its leaves are crushed. The name “bee herb” reflects its tendency to attract bees during its flowering season. The botanical name, “Melissa,” originates from Greek, meaning “bee,” while “Meli” translates to “honey.” Beekeepers sometimes rub the interior of beehives with fragrant lemon balm leaves to make them more welcoming to bees. It is also used to attract new bee swarms.

Lemon Balm Ingredients

Lemon balm possesses calming, antispasmodic, hemostatic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Its rich composition benefits the entire body. Key components include micronutrients like zinc, carotene, selenium, iron, magnesium, manganese, and Vitamin B. It also contains tannins, essential oils, polyphenols, resins, enzymes, and various acids, including coffee acid, rosemary acid, and succinic acid.

Health Benefits of Lemon Balm

Due to its rich ingredient profile, lemon balm offers several health advantages:

• Nervous System Support: It has a calming effect, reduces nervous tension, alleviates anxiety, enhances mental concentration, and promotes restful sleep.
• Pain Relief: It helps alleviate headaches and acts as a mild analgesic.
• Cardiovascular Health: It can help lower blood pressure and prevent the formation of cholesterol plaques.
• Digestive Health: It acts as a mild laxative and helps normalize bowel function.
• Respiratory Health: It is beneficial for upper respiratory tract conditions.
• Fluid Balance: It can help reduce swelling and remove excess fluid from the body.
• Skin Health: It promotes the healing of minor skin injuries like wounds, scratches, and abrasions. Gargling with lemon balm can reduce gum inflammation and alleviate symptoms of itching, rashes, and dermatitis.

A Key Herb for Women’s Health

Lemon balm is particularly beneficial for women’s health:

• Reproductive Health: It aids in treating inflammatory conditions of the pelvic and urogenital systems and helps normalize hormonal balance.
• Pregnancy and Lactation: It can alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy (toxemia) and stimulate milk production during lactation.
• Hormonal Balance: It helps manage irritability during premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and eases menopausal symptoms.
• Metabolism: It may support weight loss efforts.
• Menstrual Comfort: It helps alleviate menstrual pain.

The plant’s bio-active compounds contribute to these benefits. Lemon balm is also utilized in cosmetics for its ability to improve hair health by preventing hair loss and strengthening hair follicles, as well as normalizing sebaceous glands. Cosmetic products containing lemon balm can smooth the skin and combat skin rashes. Its safety profile makes it suitable for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Lemon Balm Tea Recipes

Lemon Balm Tea with Mint

This tea is an excellent antidepressant, promoting relaxation and tranquility. The added spices can also help alleviate cold symptoms, making it ideal for autumn and spring consumption.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon dried lemon balm
• 1 teaspoon frozen mint
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 allspice berries
• 4 cardamom pods
• 0.5 teaspoon dried orange peel
• Honey (optional, to taste)

Preparation:

1. Combine dried orange peel and lemon balm in a bowl. Add cinnamon, cardamom, and allspice berries. Pour boiling water over the ingredients and let steep, covered, for 5 minutes.
2. Add the frozen mint and cover again for 3 minutes until the mint has infused.

The tea can be enjoyed hot or cold and can be consumed up to three times a day. Honey can be added for enhanced flavor.

Green Vitamin Tea with Lemon Balm

This vitamin-rich tea combines lemon balm with chamomile, cranberries, and honey, offering numerous health benefits. It can invigorate the body, soothe gastrointestinal issues, quench thirst, reduce swelling, and support heart health, low blood pressure, and insomnia. The blend is also beneficial for chronic fatigue, anemia, and strengthening blood vessel walls. The combination provides a delicate aroma, excellent taste, and replenishes the body with vitamins and energy.

Ingredients:

• Dried lemon balm, chamomile, and cranberry leaves (equal parts)
• 1 liter boiling water
• Honey (optional, to taste)

Preparation:

1. Place the dried leaves in a container.
2. Pour 1 liter of boiling water over the leaves and let steep, covered.
3. Add honey to taste.

This recipe yields 4-5 servings, suitable for drinking hot or cold.

A Moment for Yourself: Granola with Chocolate and Lemon Balm

This breakfast recipe provides essential nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to start the day.

Ingredients:

• 250 g rolled oats
• 2 tbsp chopped pistachios
• 2 tbsp ground almonds
• 60 g Brazil nuts
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp sea salt
• 3 tbsp cocoa powder
• 50 g hazelnuts
• 2 tbsp sultanas
• 1 bunch fresh lemon balm leaves
• 5 tbsp honey
• 1.5 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp boiling water
• 3 tbsp chocolate chips

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 120°C (250°F).
2. Combine nuts, oats, sultanas, sea salt, and cocoa powder.
3. Mix honey with boiling water, then incorporate the olive oil until smooth.
4. Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
5. Once cooled, stir in the lemon balm leaves and chocolate chips. Store in clean, dry jars.