lemon balm, (Melissa officinalis), also called balm gentle, aromatic herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae), grown for its lemon-scented fragrant leaves. Lemon balm is native to the Mediterranean region and Central Asia and has naturalized in parts of North America and elsewhere.
What’s 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 there another name for lemon balm tea?
Lemon balm tea is frequently sold as Melissa tea. The beverage and plant leaves derive their name from the Greek word meaning ‘honey’. Lemon balm tea boasts a slightly sweet flavor with a hint of lemon.
Is lemon balm also known as Melissa?
Melissa officinalis L, also known as lemon balm, bee balm, honey balm,66 is a perennial herb. It is a member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family, and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) belongs to a genus that includes 5 species of perennial herbs native to Europe, Central Asia, and Iran.
Is lemongrass and lemon balm the same thing?
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 the herb lemon balm 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).
What do you use lemon balm herb for?
12+ Things to Do With Lemon Balm:
- Make a sleepy time herbal syrup:
- Make a lemon balm bug spray:
- Chop fresh leaves and sprinkle on salads or in baked goods:
- Make a lip balm for cold sores:
- Make a glycerite:
- Make a relaxing, tummy soothing tea:
- Make lemon balm soap:
- Make a simple remedy for bug bites & acne:
How does lemon balm affect the 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 work for anxiety?
2. It can help reduce anxiety. Lemon balm may also be used to help reduce symptoms of anxiety, such as nervousness and excitability. Research published in 2014 examined the mood and cognitive effects of foods containing lemon balm.
What are the side effects of drinking lemon balm tea?
When taken by mouth: Lemon balm is likely safe when consumed in amounts found in foods. Lemon balm supplements are possibly safe when used at a dose of up to 500 mg daily for up to 6 months. Side effects are generally mild and might include increased appetite, nausea, dizziness, and wheezing.
Is lemon balm antifungal?
Among these products, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis, Lamiaceae) is a medicinal plant and used for the treatment of headaches, gastrointestinal disorders, nervousness, and rheumatism. It is an antibacterial and antifungal agent.
Is lemon balm psychoactive?
These psychoactive properties, along with lemon balm’s safety profile over a wide dose range, may provide a unique pharmacological alternative for specific psychiatric disorders.
Does lemon balm lower blood pressure?
In this study in people with essential hypertension, supplementation with lemon balm extract led to a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This Study Summary was published on January 4, 2022.
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.
Are citronella and lemon balm the same?
Lemon Balm is a herb that is praised by many for its mosquito and other insect repelling abilities! Some refer to this plant as Citronella Balm.
Is lemon essential oil the same as lemon balm?
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.
Is lemon balm anti-inflammatory?
The use of herbs to relieve pain has a long history in the world of medicine. The fact that the essential oil of lemon balm has anti-inflammatory properties supports the traditional use of this herb in the treatment of numerous diseases associated with inflammation or pain (Bounihi et al., 2013).
Can you drink lemon balm tea everyday?
While more studies are needed to determine how lemon balm tea may help individuals, it does appear that the tea is safe for most people to consume. A person should consult their doctor if they have an underlying condition, such as a thyroid issue, before regularly consuming lemon balm tea.
Does lemon balm lower heart rate?
Results: The extract (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) significantly reduced the heart rate (264 ± 5, 259 ± 5 and 281 ± 3 versus 377 ± 13 in control group, p < 0.01).
What is the best way to use lemon balm?
How to Use Lemon Balm. As a general rule of thumb, treat lemon balm as you would any other fresh herb. It works especially well in place of mint, offering bright, fragrant notes. Add whole lemon balm leaves to green salads, or chiffonade the leaves and scatter them over a fruit salad for added zesty flavor.
Can you eat lemon balm leaves Raw?
You can certainly enjoy lemon balm fresh on salads, or in your favorite recipes, too. Be brave! Experiment with its bright flavor.