Lemon Balm leaves (Melissa officinalis) are a fragrant member of the mint family that provides relief from tension in the nervous and digestive systems. It works well for children.
It has a lemony aroma and tastes citrusy with a strong aromatic lemony flavour combined with subtle hints of mint.
It is believed to affect really quickly and is a gentle, soothing, and uplifting remedy that is acceptable to everyone from the youngest of age and also safe to use in pregnancy and lactation.
It consists of –
- Caffeic and Chlorogenic acids
- Volatile oil – Monoterpenes, citral, geraniol and neral, b-caryophyllene, linalool, geraniol, nerol, citronellal
- Tannins
- Flavonoids like luteolin derivatives and apigenin
- Triterpenes like ursolic and oleanolic acid
- Caffeic acid
- Bitters
Health Benefts of Lemon Balm Tea:
Digestive System – Carminative and antispasmodic properties that helps with Flatulence, dyspepsia, spasms, and generalised indigestion which is aggravated by anxiety and stress. Helpful for heartburn and indigestion assisting in digestion and absorption of nutrients mainly fatty foods (as in mint herbs family).
Cardiovascular System – It helps with dilating peripheral blood vessels, lowers high blood pressure and relieves stress-related symptoms like palpitations angina.
Nervous System – It particularly helps with the Sympathetic Nervous System(SNS) that is associated with “Stress hormones” like adrenaline and cortisol.
It also controls blood pressure,pulse rate,gut mobility and almost all internal organs, where “Action and Alertness” comes into play.
Respiratory System – Helps with a relaxant remedy for asthma and spasmodic coughs. It can also be used during viral respiratory infections to manage fever symptoms.
Immune System – Its effective for herpes simplex virus (cold sores); its essential oil(diluted) or cream of lemon balm can be applied to the affected area. Taking it in a tea form can keep viruses away systematically although for tropical treatment for cold sores, an essential oil-based preparation must be used.
Metabolism – It has a favorable long term complement to dietary control of the metabolic syndrome that often combines into late-onset diabetes.
Traditionally, it was used as a remedy for fever and can also be used in depressive emotional states, uplifting states of gloom and despair.
