Lemon balm tea Nutrition facts
Lemon balm tea is a natural herbal tranquilizer to soothe troubling nevous system! The infusion is prepared by using fresh or dried leaves and shoots of the lemon balm plant.
Balm is an aromatic plant closely related to mint in the Mentheae tribe; the largest tribe of plants in the Lamiaceae family which also includes herbs such as sage, spearmint and thyme. The herb is called lemon balm because of the characteristic lemony smell emitted by its leaves when bruised.
The herb is thought to have originated in Southern Europe, around the Mediterranean. It grows in the wild in different temperate regions around the world. It is also called balm mint, sweet balm or just balm.
Scientific name: Melissa officinalis.
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| Lemon balm tea. Photo courtesy: Andrea_44 |
The plant is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial with creeping roots and erect square branching stems that grow 30 to 50 cm tall. Its heart-shaped, lemon fragrant leaves feature crinkled, serrated leaf surface and deep venation. Their upper surface of the leaves is covered by tiny hairs. White, yellowish, pale pink flowers in spikes emerge in between the leaf axils during late summer. The blooms develop into fruit-pods bearing long oval seeds.
The herb grows best in rich moist soil in full sun or light shade. To grow, sow seeds in spring. Trim the plant in spring before flowering to encourage foliage.
10 Amazing Health Benefits of Lemon Balm tea
Lemon balm is a zero calorie herb. Its shoots and stems carry several health benefiting essential oils and other anti-oxidant phyto-chemical compounds.
Balm leaves contains many essential oils terpenes like citral (lemonol), citronellol, caryophyllene, linalool, citronellal, and polyphenols like eugenol and geranial, and tannins. These compounds together give anti-viral, nerve-soothing effect and special lemon-like aroma to the herb.
These essential oils possess carminative, tonic, anthelmintic, antispasmodic and digestive properties.
Research studies suggest that the chemical compounds in the balm herb infusion possess calming and relaxing effects on the nervous system. It helps relieve fatigue, headaches, nervousness and giddiness.
Its infusion advocated as "memory booster" in traditional medicines to alleviate nervousness, insomnia, and cognitive problems. Its cognitive function strengthening can be a boon in people with Alzheimer disease.
Certain compounds in the balm are also known to have carminative and anti-spasmodic actions. Thus, fresh balm infusion can improve appetite, and when taken after meals may help reduce gastric ailments, flatulence and colicky pains.
Medicinally, balm infusion helps lower blood pressure, improve heart function and circulation.
Research studies suggest that compounds in lemon balm extraction suppress the production of a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). It thus, makes it useful in treating certain hyperthyroid disorders like Grave's disease.
Pharmaceutically, sweet balm essential oil and liquid extracts have been shown to possess strong antibacterial and antiviral qualities, particularly against cold sores infection caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV).(Medical disclaimer).
Further, lemon balm tea is a caffeine-free drink. Its regular consumption could alleviates morning sickness, nausea and heartburn.
| Principle | Nutrient Value | Percent of RDA |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 1 Kcal | 0% |
| Carbohydrates | 0.20 g | <1% |
| Protein | 0 g | 0% |
| Total Fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 1 µg | 0.25% |
| Niacin | 0 mg | 0% |
| Pyridoxine | 0 mg | 0% |
| Riboflavin | 0.004 mg | <1% |
| Thiamin | 0.010 mg | <1% |
| Vitamin A | 0 IU | 0% |
| Vitamin-C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 1 mg | <1% |
| Potassium | 9 mg | <1% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 2 mg | 0.2% |
| Iron | 0.08 mg | 1% |
| Magnesium | 1 mg | <1% |
| Zinc | 0.04 mg | 1<1% | Phyto-nutrients |
| Caffeine | 0 mg | -- |
Selection and storage
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| Lemon balm-Melissa officinalis. Photo courtesy: Forest and Kim Starr |
Fresh lemon herb leaves can be available all-round the year. The herb can be grown in much similar like other Mentheae tribe herbs like peppermint, savory, oregano, etc. It can be grown in pots, as a garden herb or cultivated on a larger scale as a field crop for the purpose of extraction of essential oils.
In the herbal stores, sweet balm leaves; fresh or dried can be readily available. Choose fresh balm firm stems and leaves without any dark spots.
Store fresh leaves for short term use in a plastic bag inside the home refrigerator, and dried leaves in an air-seal containers.
Once at home, wash the leaves in clean running water, pat dry using an absorbent towel.
Preparation of lemon balm tea
To make an infusion, loosely fill the cup with a handful of roughly chopped fresh leaves of balm mint. Add (150 ml) of hot water, steep for 10-12 minutes. You can also put a teaspoonful of dried leaves instead. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Lemon balm is often combined with other soothing herbs, such as verbena, chamomile, and hibiscus, to relieve depression and calm mood.
In addition to popular tisane, lemon balm can also be much sought after in cooking as a potherb, garnish, and flavoring drinks.
It is added in small amounts, chopped or ground (paste) to recipes at the last moments of cooking to retain its flavor and to prevent evaporation of essential oils.Here are some serving tips:
Its fresh leaves used to impart a refreshing lemony flavor to drinks, teas and fruit juices.
Lemon balm is used fresh or dried. It is a good accompaniment to pungent, bitter foods.
The herb is highly sought after by chefs to flavor curries, soups, and sauces.
Frsh leaves employed in vegetable and fruit salads, stuffing, bean dishes, and marinades for meat, poultry and seafood.
The herb also employed in many Northern European countries to flavor and marinate seafood, eel and herring.
Safety profile
Consumption of lemon balm tea is considered safe in children and pregnant women in moderate quantities. It may alter the dosage of medications inpatient on anti-thyroid and sedative drugs. People on these medications should consult a physician before taking lemon balm. (Medical disclaimer).
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≻≻-Read Health benefits of Rooibos tea.
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Further Resources:
USDA National Nutrient Database. (opens in new window).
Stanford School of Medicine Cancer information Page-Nutrition to Reduce Cancer Risk (Link opens in new window).
University of Maryland Medical center-Lemon balm (Link opens in new window).