Lemon Balm Tea health benefits
Lemon balm or ‘Nimbu Baam’ as it is called in India, is also referred to as Melissa officinalis, common balm, bee balm, sweet balm and balm mint.
Traditionally used to help improve mood and cognitive function, it is also believed to be of great use in several medical conditions.
Apart from the use of this herb for its supposed health benefits, lemon balm is a must have kitchen aid.
Dried lemon balm herb, besides being a herbal tea, is used to help blend and flavour wines, vinegars, breads, sauces and other foods.
Lemon Balm Nutritional Value
Lemon balm contains Vitamin B & C. 100ml of lemon balm contains approximately 254mg of vitamin C and 76.4 mcg of vitamin B.
Lemon balm is a rich source of flavonoids, phenolic acids, rosmarinic acid, terpenes, caffeic acids, eugenol acetate and tannins.
Possible health benefits of lemon balm tea…
1/5. Reduces anxiety and depression
1. Rosmarinic acid, one of the active compound of lemon balm, is an enzyme which boosts GABA (gamma amino-butyric acid) in the brain. Increased stimulation of GABA receptors produces a calming and sedative effect thus, reducing anxiety.
2. The calming properties of lemon balm on the nervous system helps decrease anxiety and depression.
3. This herb is beneficial in calming the nervousness and excitability that is present along with anxiety.
4. The volatile oils in this herb calms the nervous system.
2/5. Helps in digestive disorders
1. The antispasmodic and calming effects of lemon balm prove to be beneficial in treating indigestion and stomach upset.
2. Lemon Balm contains volatile oils that relax the muscles and alleviate symptoms of excessive gas.
3. The choloretics and colagogues components of lemon balm are beneficial in tackling gall bladder and liver disorders.
4. Contents of lemon balm such as eugenol, caffeic acid, P-coumaric acid, and chlorogenic acid boostthe content of digestive juices thereby enhancing digestion.
5. It ameliorates abdominal cramping, and promote digestion.
3/5. Regulates overactive thyroid
1. Components of lemon balm such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and other compounds are responsible for the thyroid-regulating property.
2. Lemon Balm stops the components that over-activate the thyroid from binding to the thyroid receptors, particularly in Grave’s disease (hyperthyroidism). The brain’s signal to the thyroid is also blocked from further stimulating the excessively active thyroid gland.
4/5. Relieves headache
1. The relaxing properties of lemon balm help relax muscles and release tension. It relaxes the tight blood vessels thus, relieving headaches.
2. The pain-relieving properties of this herb too helps in reducing headaches.
5/5. Other possible health benefits…
Other then the above-mentioned health benefits of Lemon balm tea, it also is helps treat nausea, colds, sore throats, sleep disorders. It further relieves stress, improves cognitive functions, reduces premenstrual syndrome symptoms, and decreases blood sugar levels.
Known as the “bringer of goodness”, it has traditionally been used for the mood uplifting properties.
How to make Lemon Balm tea?
Take 1 tablespoon dry lemon balm leaves or two tablespoons Boil the 1 cup water on the stove.
Pour the hot water into the cup and leave the lemon balm leaves into it for 5 to 10 minutes, according to your taste.
Strain the tea and if desired, sweeten it with honey or sugar.