Lemon balm tea is made from the leaves of the lemon balm plant, also known as Melissa officinalis. This plant belongs to the mint family and is often called balm mint or simply balm. It originally comes from southern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and Asia, but now it’s popular in gardens across North and South America.
The leaves of the lemon balm plant are frequently used in herbal remedies. Traditionally, the tea has been used to help with digestive problems and to relieve pain, such as headaches and menstrual cramps. It also has a calming effect, making it a good choice for people with sleep issues or those looking for a relaxing drink.
Often sold as Melissa tea, the plant and the drink get their name from the Greek word for ‘honey.’ The tea has a mild sweetness with a hint of lemon, creating a unique tart and sweet flavor. Its herbal aroma enhances the taste, and the gentle lemony mint flavor pairs well with honey and lemon slices.
Lemon balm tea can help reduce stress after a tough day. The leaves are used in anti-anxiety medications like Cyracos, available from Naturex. A study in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology found that lemon balm extract effectively reduces stress. Researchers tested different amounts on male and female rats for ten days and found it was more effective for males, though both genders showed reduced anxiety.
Another study in Nutrients found that lemon balm drinks, like tea, can improve mood and cognitive performance. This placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover study showed that people who drank lemon balm tea had significantly lower anxiety levels one to three hours after consumption.
Lemon balm tea may also help with insomnia and other sleep disorders due to its soothing aroma. The University of Michigan highlights two studies supporting lemon balm’s effectiveness for sleep health. One clinical trial showed that lemon balm improved sleep quality by altering nervous system chemicals. Another study found that a combination of valerian root and lemon balm was as effective as the sleep drug Halcion, without the hangover effects.
Drinking lemon balm tea can enhance mental function and may help with symptoms of serious neurological disorders. While it doesn’t cure Alzheimer’s, it can make the condition more manageable. Always consult your doctor before using lemon balm tea as a neurological aid.
Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences indicates that lemon balm has cholinergic properties, meaning it acts as a neurotransmitter. Alzheimer’s patients often have damaged cholinergic neurons.
Traditionally, lemon balm was used to treat infant colic. Today, several herbal remedies combine lemon balm with German chamomile and fennel to ease colic discomfort in infants, reducing crying and potentially eliminating colic with regular use.
Lemon balm tea can help with common digestive issues like cramps, stomach upset, and gastric ulcers. It can also speed up the healing process and reduce symptoms of the herpes simplex virus. Lemon balm can be applied topically for skin conditions or used as an essential oil to relieve burning and itching. The polyphenols and tannins in lemon balm are particularly effective against cold sores.
A study in Phytotherapy Research showed that Melissa extracts and rosmarinic acid could slow new herpesvirus outbreaks, even those resistant to standard treatments.
Lemon balm tea may support heart health. A study in the Journal of Nutrition found that it could lower triglycerides and improve cholesterol synthesis. Regular consumption might help reduce bad LDL cholesterol and lower blood pressure.
When taken orally, lemon balm is generally safe in food amounts. Supplements up to 500 mg/day for six months are likely safe, though minor side effects like increased appetite, nausea, dizziness, and wheezing may occur. There’s insufficient evidence to confirm safety for longer use.
When applied to the skin, lemon balm is likely safe for adults but may cause irritation. There’s not enough information to determine its safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it’s best to avoid it.
For children, lemon balm is possibly safe for up to one month. However, it may cause excessive drowsiness when combined with medications used before and after surgery, so it’s advised to stop using it at least two weeks before surgery.
Lemon balm might affect thyroid function, lowering thyroid hormone levels and interfering with hormone replacement therapy. Avoid it if you have thyroid issues.
