7 benefits of Melissa tea and how to prepare the drink

Melissa or Melissa officinalis It has medicinal properties that help in the treatment of diseases, helping to alleviate the symptoms. Nutritionists Joice Oliveira (CRN 09100489) and Lígia Lima (CRN 37476/P) cited the benefits of lemon balm tea and potential contraindications. In addition, learn how to prepare tea in a practical way to enjoy at home. Check out!

What are the benefits of drinking lemon balm tea?

Teas help in the prevention and treatment of diseases, contributing to improve health and well-being. So, learn about the benefits of melissa tea and see what professionals say about it:

• Helps fight anxiety: According to nutritionists, the herb has calming properties, so it helps in the treatment of anxiety. Lígia explains that the herb “helps fight anxiety, due to the flavonoids and the polyphenol rosmarinic acid that help neurotransmitters; therefore, melissa has a great sedative effect, reducing stress and relaxing the body, being favored as a strong sedative”.
• Prevents colds and flu: Melissa tea helps in building the body’s immunity, preventing flu and colds. According to Lígia, “tea is rich in flavonoids, vitamin A, vitamin B, C and minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium”.
• Improves Gastrointestinal Problems: Nutritionists have reported that Melissa has digestive properties and therefore helps to reduce bloating, nausea, cramps and indigestion. Lígia commented that “melissa tea also helps with weight loss, as it reduces inflammation by having citral, linalool, geraniol and antispasmodic and anti-spasmodic properties”.
• Improves headaches and menstrual cramps: Ligia mentioned that melissa tea is “excellent in the treatment of headaches and menstrual cramps due to rosmarinic acid and other polyphenols that the herb has, benefiting with a great analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect” .
• It has antioxidant action: According to Lígia, the herb “has antioxidant action, so it strengthens the health of the skin and also helps in the digestive system due to the presence of vitamin A, vitamins of the B complex and polyphenols that eliminate toxins from the body”.
• Improves Sleep Quality: Melissa tea helps fight insomnia and improve sleep quality in people with sleep difficulties. For Lígia, it works “mainly in menopausal women with sleep apnea. Because melissa acts on the brain’s Gaba receptors, stimulating serotonin (happiness hormone)”.
• Helps in the treatment of viral infections: Lígia explained that “the rosmarinic acid present in the active properties has antiviral properties, helping to treat certain viral infections, such as herpes. Since tea inhibits a wide range of common viruses, including colds and rhinoviruses.”

Now that you know the main benefits of tea, how about learning how to prepare it and enjoy the properties that the herb has?

How to make Melissa tea?

Nutritionist Joice teaches a simple and practical step by step to make melissa tea and take advantage of its properties. Follow:

• Boil 250 ml of water and turn off the heat;
• Add 1 tablespoon of dehydrated lemon balm;
• Smother for about 10 minutes;
• Then strain and consume hot or cold.

To enhance the tea and give it more flavor, it is possible to combine it with other herbs such as chamomile, mint and orange blossom.

Other questions about Melissa tea answered by the nutritionist

What is the best time to have Melissa tea?

Joice Oliveira (JC): “There is no specific time, but it is interesting to consume at night, as it helps to reduce anxiety”.

What is the difference between melissa and lemon balm?

JC: “The Melissa officinalis is known as lemon balm, but this is the popular name given to three different species of plants: Lippia alba, lemongrass and melissa”.

Are there other ways to consume Melissa?

JC: “The active ingredient of Melissa can also be consumed manipulated in the form of capsules for those who cannot ingest the tea. It is also possible to associate melissa tea with tea from other plants that have calming properties, such as chamomile.”

Joice warned that the drink “has no adverse effects in adequate dosages, but consumption should be done with the guidance of a nutritionist”. Although tea is good for health, in some cases, it can be contraindicated. See below!

Melissa tea contraindications to watch out for

Nutritionists warned that pregnant and lactating women cannot ingest the drink, as “people with thyroid problems and, especially, glaucoma cannot drink the tea”. Now, “those with high blood pressure can take it, but in moderation”, mentioned Lígia.

If you love teas and like to vary your menu, also check out the benefits of pata-de-vaca tea and learn how to prepare it to make the most of its medicinal properties!

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.