Also known as Melisa or Melissa, it is a perennial herb, whose origin is from the Mediterranean and Europe. It has a characteristic lemon aroma and its leaves are similar to mint and spearmint. In this post you will learn what lemon balm tea is , flavor, uses and recipes.
This plant adapts well to warm places, but also to humid and wooded ones. Its leaves fall when winter arrives, but they grow back in spring. In addition, it enjoys medicinal properties against indigestion, anxiety, nausea and improves cognitive capacity.
If you already have this plant in your garden, there are many uses that you can give him, for example, in recipes, infusions and even beauty products.
Lemon Balm Uses
Here are some uses for lemon balm tea .
Infusion to achieve sleep
The first of its uses is an infusion that is drunk at night to relax and get to sleep. Boil a cup of water with the lemon balm for half an hour over low heat, until half the water has evaporated. Then, strain the preparation and add a little honey to sweeten it.
Improves the skin and relieves nasal discomfort
Due to its intense lemon aroma, this drink is excellent for relieving nasal congestion or sinusitis discomfort. In addition, its properties act on the skin and gives it a better appearance. To prepare it is very simple, boil a bouquet of this plant in a pot and pass the liquid to a facial spray, then place the face and absorb the steam, you will feel relief immediately.
Mosquito repellent
To scare away those annoying mosquitoes from our skin, it will suffice to scrub the lemon balm leaves on it. Its essence will effectively penetrate and repel them.
There is also another way to use it, it is by means of a tonic: in a cup with water, soak the balsam grass for 20 minutes. Strain the preparation and place it in a spray bottle. You can carry it in your bag and apply it when you need it.
herpes balm
Lemon balm tea is also a powerful antiviral that can be used on a regular basis for cold sores. It can be purchased as an essential oil or can be prepared at home.
To do this you need ¼ of shredded dry leaves of lemon balm in a jar. Add olive or sunflower oil, until filling. Then shake well and cover. Let the preparation rest in a dark place for about 6 weeks. Store it in the fridge, it will last at least a year.
Green Smoothie Flavor
Adding a few lemon balm tea leaves to green smoothies will add a refreshing, lemony flavor.
Lemon Balm Tea Benefits
The lemon balm tea plant has not only been used to improve mood and cognitive abilities, it has other benefits that are worth learning about.
- Relieve the stress. Lemon balm provides calm and relaxation. According to a 2004 study, this plant relieves the symptoms of stress and mental fatigue.
- Reduces anxiety. This herb helps to calm nervousness and exaltation. Its properties balance the functioning of the nervous system. It is also widely used in aromatherapy as an essential oil.
- Avoid insomnia. The infusion produces a state of relaxation that prevents the body from tensing and negative thoughts. Its calming properties act on the nervous system and induce sleep.
- Counteracts free radicals. These are residues left behind when oxygen is transformed into energy. Lemon balm tea components slow down oxidative stress that damages cells
- Relieves stomach problems. The consumption of lemon balm helps to relieve acidity, reflux, gastric ulcers and calms dyspepsia. In addition, by containing terpenes and flavonoids they help to eliminate pain and inflammation of the digestive system, as well as spasms and flatulence.
- Avoid the appearance of Alzheimer’s. The compounds of the lemon balm plant they prevent plaques from forming in the brain and dementia in a moderate state. In addition, these act on cell regeneration thus avoiding Alzheimer’s.
- Calm menstrual cramps. Thanks to the properties of the lemon balm infusion, menstrual cramps are relieved. These act as analgesics, suppressing the discomfort caused by the tearing of the endometrium. Also, this infusion is effective anti-inflammatory and natural diuretic.
Lemon Balm Tea Recipes
For the preparation of lemon balm tea, the fresh leaves are used, they are also used to flavor foods and in aromatherapy. Its refreshing lemon flavor makes it an ideal drink for summer.
Traditional lemon balm tea
To prepare it you must have these ingredients:
- A teaspoon of dried lemon balm tea leaves.
- A cup of water.
- honey to taste
- juice of a lemon
Method of preparation:
- Boil the water in a pot.
- Remove from the heat and add the dried leaves.
- Let infuse for 10 minutes.
- Strain the preparation.
- Sweeten with honey.
Lemon Balm Tea with Lavender and Apple
This recipe is also very simple, the following ingredients are required:
- Two teaspoons of lemon balm tea leaves.
- Two teaspoons of lavender green tea.
- Slices of a large apple.
- 6 cups of water.
- honey to taste
Method of preparation:
- Boil the water.
- Turn off and remove from heat.
- Add the lavender and balsam leaves.
- Let infuse for 5 minutes.
- Strain and mix with honey.
- Pour into a glass jug and add the apple slices.
Ready to take your lemon balm with the flavor that you most want at all times.