Lemon Balm Tea

Disclaimer: This is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.

A perennial herb in the mint family Lamiaceae, the leaves of lemon balm have a gentle lemon scent (and hence the name). It has other common names such as Melissa, Bee Balm, Sweet Balm, Honey Plant, English Balm, and so on.

In ancient era, the bee keepers used to crush the leaves, and rub on the beehives to encourage the domesticated bees to come back to the hives. Also, it would attract other bees to come with them as they returned. For about 2,000 years, the Greeks have used the leaves for its medicinal benefits.

Health Benefits

• As it contains sedative properties, it calms your senses and promotes sleep while reducing stress.
• Regular consumption of the tea can relieve nerve pain.
• The tea aids in relieving digestive system disorders and gastrointestinal problems, as it helps in soothing the liver and the gallbladder.

• Although people with thyroid-related issues are asked to drink the tea, a doctor's consultation is required for those who are under any thyroid hormone treatments.
• The tea works in enhancing and improving overall mood; makes you feel calm and relaxed.

• The tea can soothe the senses if you have a common cold, flu, influenza, fever, bronchitis, cough, migraine, issues like vertigo, and have a buzzing sensation in ears.
• Patients suffering from depression or anxiety are advised to drink the tea, as it contains mild antidepressant properties.

• It also helps lower blood pressure because of its tonic effect on the heart and the circulatory system.
• With regular consumption, women can find relief from depression which tends to occur during PMS, postnatal, and menopause.

You can choose to make the tea with either dried or fresh leaves that can be found in herb gardens, or any of the local natural food stores.

Ingredients

• Lemon balm, bunch, 1
• Hot water
• Lemon or honey, for taste

Directions

In a pot, boil water, and add the leaves in. Let it steep for at least 10 minutes. Strain the tea in a clean mug, and pour honey and lemon juice. You can either drink the tea hot, or keep it in the refrigerator to chill.

Ingredients

• Basil, dried, ½ cup
• Lemon balm, dried, ½ cup
• Honey, for taste
• Hot water
• Whiskey or brandy, optional

Directions

In a bowl, mix the dried basil leaves with the dried tea leaves. Take a tea ball and place the mixed leaves inside it. Boil a cup of hot water and place the tea ball in. Let the leaves steep for about 5 to 7 minutes. If you have a head cold, you can choose to add a shot of whiskey or brandy in the tea.

However, if you have been prescribed or are taking over-the-counter cold medicine, then don't add whiskey or brandy to your tea. Add honey to the hot tea instead, and drink it immediately.

Ingredients

• Orange peel, grated, 4 tablespoons
• Lemon balm leaves, 1 cup
• Spearmint leaves, 1 cup
• Cloves, ½ tablespoon
• Hot water

Directions

In a bowl, mix all the herbs together. In a pot, boil 1½ cups of water till it starts to bubble. To make a cup of tea, steep 1 tablespoon of the mixed herbal tea with 1 cup of water. Let it steep for about 5 to 7 minutes, and strain the tea into a clean mug. Drink the hot tea immediately.

Ingredients

• Lemon balm leaves, 2 cups
• Rosebuds, 1 cup
• Orange blossoms, 1 cup
• Hot water

Directions

In a stone grinder, crush the rosebuds, orange blossoms, and lemon balm leaves properly. To make a cup of tea, steep 2 tablespoons of the mixture in hot water. You can sweeten the tea with 1 tablespoon of honey. Strain the tea, and drink it immediately.