Lemon Balm Tea Benefits

What if a simple garden herb could naturally ease stress, support digestion, and soothe the skin? Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), cherished since ancient times, continues to be a cornerstone of holistic wellness.

Named after the Greek word for "honey bee," lemon balm has been celebrated for its calming, mood-enhancing, and healing properties. In medieval gardens, it was a trusted remedy for wounds, fevers, and emotional balance, earning its reputation as a “heart’s delight.”

Today, lemon balm remains a versatile and beloved herb, known for its gentle yet effective support for the body and mind. From promoting restful sleep to enhancing digestion and even nourishing the skin, it’s a natural ally for your daily wellness routine.

One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to experience its benefits is through tea. Whether steeped on its own or blended with complementary herbs, lemon balm tea transforms ancient wisdom into a soothing modern ritual.

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Benefits of Lemon Balm Tea

Digestive System

Lemon balm tea is often used as a digestive aid. Drinking lemon balm tea can help ease bloating, indigestion, and nausea. The essential oils in the tea relax the muscles of the digestive tract, helping to alleviate cramps and discomfort.

Lemon balm tea’s antispasmodic properties can also ease spasms in the digestive muscles, providing relief from conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or general digestive discomfort(1)(2).

 

Nervous System

Drinking lemon balm tea serves as a natural way to calm the nervous system. As a nervine relaxant, lemon balm tea effectively reduces stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation and alleviating mental tension. This calming influence can enhance sleep quality, making it easier to unwind after a busy day and transition smoothly into rest.

By relaxing the mind, lemon balm tea facilitates better sleep while also improving mood and cognitive function. Regular consumption can contribute to long-term mental health benefits, helping to build resilience against stress.

Lemon balm tea's mood-enhancing and cognitive benefits arise from several key mechanisms:

• Increases Neurotransmitter Activity: The compounds in lemon balm tea positively affect neurotransmitter levels, especially gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that influences mood and anxiety regulation. By boosting GABA activity, lemon balm tea promotes relaxation, lowers anxiety, and indirectly improves mood.

• Antioxidant Properties: Rich in antioxidants, lemon balm tea protects brain cells from oxidative stress, which safeguards cognitive functions like memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.

• Anti-inflammatory Effects: Lemon balm tea’s anti-inflammatory properties address chronic inflammation, a factor linked to mood disorders and cognitive decline. This support for brain health underpins improved cognitive function and mood.

• Interacts with Acetylcholine: By inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter critical for memory and learning, lemon balm tea ensures higher levels of acetylcholine. This leads to improved memory retention and learning capabilities.

Through these actions, lemon balm tea supports a more balanced mood and sharper cognitive function. Its benefits extend across mental health and cognitive performance, making it a valuable ally in promoting mental well-being(2)(3).

Skin Health

Lemon balm tea’s soothing effects are not only felt internally but can also support skin health by balancing inflammation. The anti-inflammatory compounds in lemon balm tea help relieve skin irritation and redness, which is particularly beneficial for those dealing with conditions like eczema or sunburn.

Regular consumption can also help reduce oxidative stress, a major contributor to premature aging. By protecting skin from environmental damage, lemon balm tea promotes a more youthful complexion.(2).

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects

The essential oils and natural compounds in lemon balm, such as rosmarinic acid and flavonoids, are powerful antioxidants. These help combat free radicals, which can damage skin cells and accelerate aging.

Lemon balm tea also has significant anti-inflammatory effects, which soothe redness and irritation, making it beneficial for managing conditions like acne, sunburn, or other inflammatory skin concerns(7)(1).

Cardiovascular System

Lemon balm tea supports heart function as a cardiac nervine. It positively affects cardiovascular health by managing blood pressure and heart rate. This is due to its relaxing diaphoretic properties. This means that lemon balm can induce sweating to release excess heat from the body. It can lessen the workload of the heart, especially in stress or heat(3)(4).

Thyroid Regulation

Lemon balm tea may play a role in supporting thyroid health, particularly for those with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Several key compounds found in lemon balm contribute to its ability to help regulate thyroid function:

Rosmarinic Acid: This is one of the most significant compounds in lemon balm. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The rosmarinic acid in lemon balm blocks the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from functioning at the thyroid gland receptor sites. This helps to prevent TSH from stimulating the thyroid gland.

This acid also inhibits the activity of TSH at the thyroid gland receptor sites. This action helps to regulate thyroid function by preventing TSH from activating the thyroid gland.

Flavonoids: Lemon balm contains various flavonoids, known for their antioxidant properties. Some of these flavonoids have been suggested to interact with the thyroid gland, helping to modulate its activity and potentially reduce the excessive production of thyroid hormones.

Phenolic Acids: Lemon balm has other phenolic acids, in addition to rosmarinic acid, that could affect the thyroid gland. These compounds could contribute to the overall regulatory effect on thyroid activity.

Triterpenes: Triterpenes are a group of chemical compounds naturally found in many plants, including lemon balm. These compounds are celebrated for their broad spectrum of therapeutic effects. Triterpenes are known to possess anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, and antitumoral properties, making them powerful agents in the treatment and management of various conditions.

Combining these compounds in lemon balm can contribute to its reported effectiveness in managing hyperthyroidism symptoms. They help normalize thyroid activity by potentially inhibiting the release of TSH and blocking thyroid hormone receptors. Thus reducing the thyroid gland's activity. However, people with thyroid conditions should consult healthcare professionals before using lemon balm as a treatment(1)(2).

Practical Applications of Lemon Balm Tea

Lemon balm tea is a versatile remedy with natural cooling and calming properties that can be utilized in various practical ways. Whether enjoyed as a beverage or used in other applications, its diaphoretic and soothing effects make it an excellent addition to your wellness routine:

• Cooling and Hydration: Drinking lemon balm tea provides internal cooling and hydration, making it a perfect remedy for hot weather or fevers. Its diaphoretic properties promote gentle sweating, which helps the body release excess heat and regulate temperature.

• Cooled Tea Compresses: A cooled infusion of lemon balm tea can be applied as a soothing compress to the forehead or other parts of the body. This helps alleviate discomfort from heat or fever and provides localized cooling relief.

• Bath Additive: Add a strong infusion of lemon balm tea to your bath for an all-over soothing and cooling effect. This practice is particularly helpful for relaxation and relieving tension caused by heat or stress.

These practical applications highlight the versatility of lemon balm tea in promoting comfort, cooling the body, and easing tension. By integrating these simple methods into your daily routine, you can experience its full range of benefits for both body and mind.

Mildly Drying and Relaxing Tension

Lemon balm tea provides a mildly drying effect, thanks to its rosmarinic acid content. This makes it particularly beneficial for managing conditions involving excess moisture, such as heavy sweating, while helping the body maintain its natural balance.

Drinking lemon balm tea also helps relax both physical and mental tension, promoting a sense of well-being and calm. Its gentle, soothing properties make it an excellent choice for relieving stress and supporting overall relaxation(4).

By incorporating lemon balm tea into your daily routine, you can experience these diverse benefits while enjoying a comforting and restorative beverage.

  

Safety and Considerations

Lemon balm tea is generally safe for most people, but certain precautions should be noted:

• Medication Interactions: Lemon balm has sedative properties, so combining it with sedative medications or treatments for anxiety and insomnia may enhance drowsiness. If you’re taking medications for these conditions, consult your healthcare provider before adding lemon balm to your routine.

• Thyroid Conditions: Lemon balm may influence thyroid activity and is best approached with caution for those with thyroid disorders or taking thyroid medications.

• Pregnant or Breastfeeding Individuals: While lemon balm is commonly considered safe in foods, its medicinal use during pregnancy or breastfeeding lacks sufficient research. Consult a healthcare professional before use(5).

By keeping these considerations in mind, most individuals can enjoy lemon balm tea as a safe and beneficial addition to their wellness routine.

Conclusion

Lemon balm is a versatile herb renowned for its calming effects on the nervous system and benefits for sleep, digestion, and overall wellness. In tea form, it’s a simple yet powerful addition to any daily routine, supporting natural health with ease.

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FAQ:

How does lemon balm benefit skin health?

Lemon balm, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, can be beneficial for skin health. These properties help soothe the skin, reduce redness, and promote the healing of wounds or irritations.

The antioxidants in lemon balm also protect the skin from free radical damage. Potentially slowing the aging process and improving skin vitality. Additionally, its antimicrobial action can assist in managing acne-causing bacteria.

Does lemon balm repel mosquitoes?

Yes, lemon balm repels mosquitoes effectively. It contains high levels of citronellal, a compound also present in citronella. Citronella is a well-known mosquito repellent. The strong lemon scent of lemon balm deters mosquitoes.

This makes it a natural and eco-friendly choice for pest control. You can crush lemon balm leaves to extract their essential oils. Then, rub the oils on your skin as a topical repellent.

Can you eat lemon balm?

Lemon balm is edible and often used in culinary applications for its mild lemon flavor. It commonly enhances salads, soups, teas, and desserts with a refreshing citrus note. Lemon balm is not only tasty but also offers health benefits, including aiding digestion and relieving stress.

Is lemon balm safe for dogs?

Lemon balm is generally safe for dogs in moderation. It offers calming effects similar to those it provides humans. This can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation in dogs. Introduce lemon balm to your dog's diet gradually and in small amounts.

This approach allows you to monitor for any adverse reactions. Always consult with a veterinarian before adding lemon balm or any new supplement to your dog's regimen. This ensures it is suitable for your pet's health condition.

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Sources:

1. Petrisor G, Motelica L, Craciun LN, Oprea OC, Ficai D, Ficai A. Melissa officinalis: Composition, Pharmacological Effects and Derived Release Systems-A Review. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Mar 25;23(7):3591. doi: 10.3390/ijms23073591. PMID: 35408950; PMCID: PMC8998931.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35408950/

2. Shakeri A, Sahebkar A, Javadi B. Melissa officinalis L. - A review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology. J Ethnopharmacol. 2016 Jul 21;188:204-28. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.05.010. Epub 2016 May 7. PMID: 27167460.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27167460/

3. Miraj S, Rafieian-Kopaei, Kiani S. Melissa officinalis L: A Review Study With an Antioxidant Prospective. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017 Jul;22(3):385-394. doi: 10.1177/2156587216663433. Epub 2016 Sep 11. PMID: 27620926; PMCID: PMC5871149.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27620926/

4. Draginic N, Jakovljevic V, Andjic M, Jeremic J, Srejovic I, Rankovic M, Tomovic M, Nikolic Turnic T, Svistunov A, Bolevich S, Milosavljevic I. Melissa officinalis L. as a Nutritional Strategy for Cardioprotection. Front Physiol. 2021 Apr 22;12:661778. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2021.661778. PMID: 33967832; PMCID: PMC8100328.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33967832/

5. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2006–. Lemon Balm. 2021 Apr 19. PMID: 30000901.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30000901/

6. Cho IJ, Kim SE, Choi BR, Park HR, Park JE, Hong SH, Kwon YS, Oh WS, Ku SK. Lemon Balm and Corn Silk Extracts Mitigate High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Mice. Antioxidants (Basel). 2021 Dec 19;10(12):2015. doi: 10.3390/antiox10122015. PMID: 34943118; PMCID: PMC8698494.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34943118/

7. Hoffmann J, Gendrisch F, Schempp CM, Wölfle U. New Herbal Biomedicines for the Topical Treatment of Dermatological Disorders. Biomedicines. 2020 Feb 8;8(2):27. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines8020027. PMID: 32046246; PMCID: PMC7168306.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32046246/

 

 Kalah Garcia is dedicated to fostering whole-body wellness, actively working to enrich the lives of those she encounters. Her approach involves passionately writing articles on health and wellness, aiming to equip others with the knowledge and tools for improved well-being. Kalah's commitment is reflected in her eagerness to share insights and that make a meaningful difference in people's lives.

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