Lemon balm: what is it for and what are its benefits to the body

Easily found, whether in health food stores, supermarkets, street markets, compounding pharmacies, or even grown at home, lemon balm is widely used in the treatment of digestive problems, but its advantages do not stop there.

For you to know everything about lemon balm, we talked to Rodrigo Silveira, director and creator of Ervanarium – an online school of herbal medicine and natural health care.

types of lemon balm

There may be some confusion surrounding the naming of this plant, as there are many herbs that are called “lemon balm” but are not Melissa Officinalis, the herb we cover here.

Rodrigo Silveira also explains that Melissa Officinalis is related to mint: these two herbs are part of the same plant family, Lamiaceae.

With this information, don’t forget: the lemon balm, so popular in our country, is Melissa Officianalis. To avoid any confusion, you can simply call her “melissa”.

benefits of lemon balm

• Cardiac system: good for the heart, activating blood circulation;
• Gastrointestinal system: favors digestion, protecting the stomach and liver;
• Respiratory system: combats cough and is also an ally in the treatment of diseases such as asthma and bronchitis;
• Reproductive system: contributes to the female reproductive system, helping, for example, with menstrual pain;
• Nervous system: it can help in the treatment of anxiety, nervous crises and depression. It is also able to calm the symptoms of epilepsy.

Lemon balm can be indicated for different situations and its benefits are really many. Despite this, always remember to consult a doctor. Only a specialist can indicate the ideal treatment for your body.

lemon balm tea

According to Rodrigo Silveira, lemon balm tea needs to be made with young leaves, harvested less than a year ago. After this time, the leaves significantly lose their medicinal properties.

The amount of tea recommended for daily consumption varies from person to person, according to each organism. The specialist, however, explains that a measure that may be suitable for most is to take a cup, three times a day, preferably on an empty stomach.

However, don’t forget: everything in excess is bad. So, in your routine, take the opportunity to consume other drinks, such as different types of teas and, of course, always drink water. Next, Rodrigo Silveira teaches a recipe:

How to make lemon balm tea

To guide the correct amount of lemon balm to be used in the drink, the director of the Ervanarium suggests dividing the palm of the hand into four parts. Understanding this, let’s go to the recipe for a cup of tea.

Ingredients

• 1 quadrant of dry herb hand or 2 quadrants of fresh herb;
• Water

Preparation mode

1. Heat the water to 80ºC. To know when the water reaches this temperature, it happens as soon as the first steam appears in the kettle.
2. Place selected amount of herb in a cup and add hot water.
3. Steep for five minutes, strain and it’s ready to be consumed.
4. For best results, drink within 15 minutes. If it’s too hot, add an ice cube.

Some people wonder if the tea needs to be sweetened. Well, if the drink has a medicinal purpose, it is preferable to avoid sweeteners of any kind. Rodrigo Silveira also reminds us that lemon balm tea is very tasty and doesn’t need supplements to be appreciated.

Questions about lemon balm

Do you still have some questions about lemon balm? Alright, you’re in the right place! Here, we are going to present more information about this herb for you to enjoy all its advantages.

Are there benefits wrongly attributed to lemon balm? According to the director of the Ervanarium, the biggest confusion is related to its name. In fact, there are many herbs also called “lemon balm” that are not Melissa Officinalis. Rodrigo Silveira also mentions the lemongrass, which, in fact, is a completely different plant, with different properties, however, with the similarity in the nomenclature, it ends up causing doubt in some people.

Are there any contraindications for lemon balm? Lemon balm is a very safe herb, but, like almost all medicinal herbs, it has some contraindications. According to Rodrigo, it should be avoided in cases of low blood pressure or in people with hypothyroidism. Its consumption during pregnancy is not recommended, as some pregnant women may be sensitive to some of the components of the herb. People with glaucoma should also avoid it, as it can interfere with the pressure inside the eye.

What is the best way of consumption to make the most of its benefits? Each case requires a different type of consumption. The herb can be consumed in capsules, tincture or tea. Tea is the most affordable and relatively safe form (if, of course, you have the right plant on hand). But if you want to have a faster result, the best form of administration is in capsules. In the case of problems with the energy of the spleen, difficulty in reasoning or memory impairment, consumption in the form of a tincture is recommended.

Is it true that lemon balm can help with weight loss? In a way, yes. As lemon balm is an efficient anxiolytic and digestive stimulant, it can promote weight loss, as it is capable of relieving the anxiety that often leads to overeating (and repeatedly). Another point is that, as this herb is able to improve digestion, it helps to process food better. However, it is not a specific herb for weight loss. It should be seen as a complement.

With all these guidelines, it is now easier for you to know when lemon balm can be an ally of your health.

More information about lemon balm

After checking out a lot of information about the herb, how about watching two very interesting videos?

Lemon balm for menstrual period and menopause

Among the various benefits mentioned in the video, nutritionist Patricia Leite highlights the advantage of consuming lemon balm tea during menstruation. Another point is that it can favor women who are going through menopause, especially in emotional matters, as this herb soothes. The professional also talks about the importance of asking a doctor if the tea is allowed for consumption.

How to plant and grow lemon balm

This is a video for you who are thinking about having lemon balm at home. In this complete step-by-step guide on planting weed, you will discover many tips and learn, for example, that lemon balm should be grown in a space with good light, but not in direct sunlight.

So, after knowing all about lemon balm, did you feel like consuming its tea? With melissa, it is possible to prepare an aromatic, tasty drink with several health benefits.

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.