Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a lemon-scented herb that comes from the same family as mint. The herb is native to Europe, North Africa, and West Asia, but it’s grown around the world.
What is the difference between lemon balm and lemon verbena?
Lemon verbena produces a more intense lemon flavor and scent, but lemon balm emits a burst of zesty lemon scent with the slightest touch. Both can be used in sachets or herbal bouquets to freshen the air and lift the spirits.
What is another name for lemon balm?
Lemon balm is available under the following different brand and other names: balm, bee balm, cure-all, dropsy plant, honey plant, Melissa, Melissa folium, Melissa officinalis, sweet balm, and sweet Mary.
Is lemon balm the same as?
It is not to be confused with bee balm (genus Monarda), although the white flowers attract bees, hence the genus Melissa (Greek for “honey bee”). The leaves are used as an herb, in teas and also as a flavouring.
| Lemon balm | |
|---|---|
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Melissa |
What is the difference between lemon grass and lemon balm?
Lemon balm has a lighter flavor than lemon grass, but it gives off a very zesty scent that makes it perfect for aromatic teas. It won’t alter the flavor of your tea as much, but it will add just the slightest lemony tang that gives you the hint of acid you want.
What is lemon balm tea good for?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a member of the mint family, is considered a calming herb. It was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and ease pain and discomfort from indigestion (including gas and bloating, as well as colic).
How do I use lemon balm?
It is also a common ingredient in herbal teas. A handful of fresh lemon balm and mint makes an excellent hot or iced tea, especially with honey. You can also use the herb to bake a batch of lemon balm cookies or lemon balm bread, whisk up a quick lemon balm vinaigrette, or top your pasta with lemon balm pesto.
Is lemon balm a drug?
[3,4] Lemon balm is “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) as a food flavoring by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. As a drug, it is generally well tolerated in adults with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, and wheezing reported occasionally.
Is lemon balm considered citrus?
Description. Lemon balm is a citrus-scented, aromatic herb. It is a perennial member of the Lamiaceae (formerly Labiatae), or mint, family and has proven benefit to the nervous system.
How does lemon balm affect thyroid?
Test tube studies have found that lemon balm blocks attachment of antibodies to the thyroid cells that cause Grave’s disease (hyperthyroidism). The brain’s signal to the thyroid (thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH) is also blocked from further stimulating the excessively active thyroid gland in this disease.
Does lemon balm taste like lemon?
What Does Lemon Balm Taste Like? This aromatic member of the mint family has a bright, citrusy taste that brings together the acidity of lemon with subtle hints of mint. Both the stems and fresh leaves of lemon balm have a subtly sweet flavor and can be used in food preparation and medicine.
Does lemon balm come from lemons?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is an herb from the mint family. The leaves, which have a mild lemon aroma, are used to make medicine and flavor foods.
What’s the difference between lemon balm and lemon mint?
The main difference between lemon balm vs. mint is all in the taste. While mint has a sharp, cooling flavor, lemon balm’s taste is more subtle. It has hints of mint along with brighter, citrusy notes.
Is lemon balm and lemon essential oil the same?
It is a very popular medicinal preparation and a useful addition to any herbal cabinet. Lemon balm oil is often confused with lemon balm essential oil, but they are definitely not the same.
Can I use lemongrass instead of lemon balm?
It will help preserve as much of their subtle lemongrass-like flavor as possible. You can easily find lemon balm in the herb sections of grocery stores. It’s also well-known for its health benefits, making it a top-tier substitute for the original ingredient. 1 lemongrass stalk = 4 lemon balm leaves.
Can you use lemon balm in place of lemon grass?
Lemon balm is another great substitute for lemongrass. For one stalk of lemongrass, take four lemon balm leaves to get a subtle citrus flavor. Chop and only add them towards the end of the cooking process. This will allow it to retain its delicate flavor.
Can I smoke lemon balm?
If you were just looking to know if lemon balm is smokable, the simple answer is yes, but if you were looking at a therapeutic herb then you should know by now that no study suggests that lemon balm can provide any benefit to your body or mind when smoked.
Are lemon balm leaves safe to eat?
The whole plant is edible, though its the tender leaves you are after. Lemon balm has a long history of a wide array herbal medicine uses, in particular for soothing, calming and raising the spirit – just one smell of the crushed leaves does all of these for me.
When should I drink lemon balm tea?
The tea has historically been used to treat digestive disorders and to alleviate pain including menstrual cramps and headaches. Lemon balm tea also offers a mild calming effect, making this beverage a good choice for people who suffer from sleep disorders or are looking for a bedtime tea.
Is lemon balm effective for anxiety?
As an herb that has an affinity for the nervous system, lemon balm is a go-to herb for anxiety and depression. Not only does it bring your stress response back into balance in the moment, it is known for its ability to support a healthy fight-or-flight response long-term.
How much lemon balm tea can you drink?
To make a lemon balm tea, brew 1.5 to 4.5 grams of leaves in 150 milliliters of hot water. This can be taken several times a day. The leaves can also be eaten, up to 10 grams a day. Check supplement formulations with your doctor to make sure the dosages are suitable for you.