Why drink lemon balm tea?
We are turning to herbs more often, rediscovering their valued properties. Lemon balm is among the best known, and its tea is available in grocery shops, herbal shops and pharmacies. Do you know why people drink it, and how to brew it to preserve its valued components?
Lemon balm and stress
During nervousness, irritability or tension, a cup of lemon balm tea is a familiar choice. The herb is traditionally valued for its calming and relaxing properties, including during prolonged fatigue and anxious feelings. Compounds in its leaf essential oil are associated with these effects on the nervous system.
It is also commonly chosen when falling asleep is difficult, and traditional uses mention migraine discomfort and low mood. Is lemon balm tea addictive? It is generally regarded as a mild, non-habit-forming herbal infusion, appreciated by people seeking a gentle evening routine without a next-day hangover.
Lemon balm and digestion
Leaf compounds are traditionally associated with gastric-juice and bile secretion and appetite. This helps explain its use after heavy meals, for bloating and gas.
After a substantial dish such as Polish hunter's stew or pea soup, a cup can be a comforting choice. Other traditional uses include colic and complaints involving the bile ducts.
Antioxidant interest
Flavonoids and phenolic acids in lemon balm have antioxidant activity. Because free-radical processes are involved in conditions such as atherosclerosis, neurological disease and diabetes, these compounds are of interest in health research.
Lemon balm, bacteria and viruses
Lemon balm, particularly its essential oil, has been studied for anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral activity. Traditional external applications include preparations for cold sores, insect-bite discomfort and shingles-related skin complaints.
The herbal infusion is also commonly chosen during low immunity or respiratory infections such as colds, flu, bronchitis and other chest complaints.
Which lemon balm tea should you choose?
It is available loose or in bags. Pharmacies and herbal shops often stock both, while grocery shops more commonly sell bags. Look for good-quality products: a pure version should say “100% lemon balm leaves”. Loose leaves offer a clearer view of what you are buying.
Ready-made blends may combine lemon balm with quince, pomelo, pomegranate, raspberry, strawberry or orange. In our online shop, Albert Tea Relax combines lemon balm with herbs and flowers including hibiscus, lavender and chamomile.
How to brew lemon balm tea
Put one teaspoon of dried leaves in a tea infuser, add boiling water and leave for around 15–20 minutes. A commonly suggested daily amount is up to three cups.
Lemon balm is valued in cooking too. Its leaves have a delicate lemon taste and fragrance, making them a lovely addition to summer drinks, teas, liqueurs and infused spirits.
They also bring flavour and visual interest to salads, desserts and smoothies. As a seasoning, lemon balm can complement meat, fish, soups and sauces, as well as cabbage and pickled cucumbers.