The Benefits of Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Feeling the heat? Summer is here, and while we love the long days and lush greenery, the rising temperatures can be a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry – there’s an herb for that!
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), often called the “gladdening herb,” has a long history of use in herbal medicine for its calming and soothing properties.
Calming Effects
Known for its ability to lift the spirits and ease stress, lemon balm is a wonderful herb to incorporate into your daily routine. It acts as a relaxing nervine, which can help to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm. This makes it an ideal herb for those dealing with stress, nervousness, or general emotional turmoil. Plus, lemon balm has a great affinity with children – they love the taste, and parents appreciate its gentle yet effective calming effects.
Digestive Aid
Lemon balm is also beneficial for digestion. It can help to alleviate discomfort, support gut health, and ensure your digestive system runs smoothly. Its carminative properties can help relieve bloating, gas, and indigestion, making it a great choice after meals.
Cooling Action
With its cooling properties, lemon balm is an excellent choice to help beat the heat. Its refreshing flavour is perfect for hot summer days, providing both a mental and physical cooling effect.
Hormonal Balance and PMS Relief
Lemon balm is effective in treating PMS-D, a type of premenstrual syndrome related to excess progesterone. Its calming and hormone-balancing properties make it a valuable ally for women experiencing this condition. Additionally, it can help alleviate common PMS symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, and anxiety.
Antiviral Properties
The rosmarinic acid content in lemon balm has antiviral properties that can be effective against Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). Applied topically or taken internally, it helps relieve pain and speed healing of painful genital ulcerations caused by the virus. This makes lemon balm a powerful natural remedy for managing outbreaks and promoting faster recovery.
Fresh vs. Dried Lemon Balm
While fresh lemon balm has the most potent flavour due to its essential oils, dried lemon balm also retains some of its refreshing taste. Both forms are perfect for making this iced tea. If using dried lemon balm, slightly increase the amount to achieve a similar flavour intensity.
It is important to note that lemon balm does lose potency and effectiveness fairly quickly when dried. If stored in a cool dark place it should be used within 4-6 months.
Easy to Grow
Lemon Balm is a perennial herb that is a member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family. It is very easy and rewarding to grow. Keep in mind that mint family members often spread very well, so be sure to plant it in containers if that is a concern.
Lemon Balm Iced Tea Recipe
This simple recipe will guide you through making a refreshing and calming lemon balm iced tea, perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients
2 quarts water
1 large handful of fresh lemon balm
1/3 cup raw honey
Instructions
- Boiling Water: Start by boiling 2 quarts of water in your kettle.
- Steeping: Add the fresh lemon balm to the hot water and let it steep for an hour.
Tip: For a stronger flavor, you can steep longer or use more lemon balm. - Sweetening: After steeping, mix in 1/3 cup of raw honey until fully dissolved.
Tip: Adjust the amount of honey based on your sweetness preference. - Chilling: Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.
- Serving: Serve your lemon balm iced tea chilled, with an optional lemon slice for added zest.
Tip: Add ice cubes and fresh mint for an extra refreshing twist.
Variations and Add-Ons
- Citrus Burst: Adding other citrus fruits like orange or lime.
- Herbal Blends: Mixing in other herbs such as mint, chamomile, or lavender for different flavor profiles.
- Sweetener Alternatives: Using agave syrup or stevia as alternative sweeteners for those who prefer or need them.
Embrace the Coolness
Summer can be intense, but lemon balm is here to help. This herb not only refreshes your body but also calms your mind. Add some cooled lemon balm tea to your next batch of lemonade for a super cooling and delicious summer drink.
Interested in learning more about how herbs like lemon balm can balance your energetics? Our Western Energetics Course is the perfect place to deepen your understanding.
Join us and explore the fascinating world of warming and cooling herbs, and how they can transform your health and well-being. Enroll today and start your journey towards becoming a herbalist!
