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

FAQs

What remedies does lemon balm have? ›

Compounds in lemon balm may relieve gastrointestinal problems, such as bloating and indigestion. Lemon balm ointments have been found to help heal cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The compound rosmarinic acid in lemon balm may help minimize the severity of menstrual symptoms like cramps and fatigue.

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).

As its name suggests, this leafy, green herb has a lemony flavour and fragrance. It works well with fish, poultry and vegetables as well as in salads, stuffings and drinks. It's a member of the mint family and makes a very refreshing infusion or tea.

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.

Thyroid disease: Lemon balm may change thyroid function, reduce thyroid hormone levels, and interfere with thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Avoid lemon balm if you have thyroid disease.

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.

🌌 Healing and Magical Properties

Lemon Balm's reputation for healing is not just folklore. Ancient herbalists like Ibn Sina recognized its power to uplift the spirit. It was also thought to ward off evil and promote clairvoyance, a testament to its deep-rooted place in cultural rituals.

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.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial herb that's grown all over the world. People have used this plant for centuries as an herbal treatment and natural medicine to treat various ailments. Scientific research has shown it can be effective in protecting the heart and liver from common diseases.

In addition to the fresh herb, you can also consume lemon balm in the form of an oil or supplement. Lemon balm oils may be cut with water and vegetable glycerin, which just makes it safe to consume orally or used directly on your skin.

What part of lemon balm is edible? ›

The whole plant is edible, though its the tender leaves you are after. Lemon balm has a long history of a wide array herbal medicine uses, in particular for soothing, calming and raising the spirit – just one smell of the crushed leaves does all of these for me.

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.

You can add lemon balm as a fresh herb to salads, stir into risotto, use the dried herb to make herbal tea or take as an extract in supplement form; best taken about an hour before bed to harness it's sleep-supportive effects.

Lemon balm's active constituents are very volatile, and if the plant is not handled well, the fresh leaves bruise easily and turn brown. You can use lemon balm fresh and dried - however, traditionally, the preference for tinctures and teas was the fresh plant.

Lemon balm has numerous effects in the gastrointestinal area: On the one hand, balm leaves relax and soothe spasms thanks to its anti-spasmodic and soothing ingredients. Furthermore, lemon balm is gastro-protective and its active ingredients contribute to its anti-inflammatory effect.

Lemon balm is also a popular natural treatment for several common skin conditions. As an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, it helps to reduce the swelling and reddening of the skin that is common in conditions including acne, shingles, chicken pox, eczema and psoriasis.

Lemon Balm Tea. Lemon balm is a relaxing herb that helps regulate menstrual periods and relieve PMS symptoms like cramping, water retention, insomnia, anxiety and irritability. Lemon balm may also improve low sex drive, desire, arousal and sexual satisfaction.

Research has found there's a close link between lemon balm and the liver. It has a significant protective effect on the liver by inhibiting free radicals and reducing fat accumulation. These effects can hugely help in the prevention and management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).