Lemon balm tea is one of the most popular types of tea in Germany and not only has a lot to offer in terms of taste. In fact, lemon balm tea is used as a medicinal and medicinal plant in many regions of the world. FITBOOK reveals why lemon balm tea is becoming increasingly important in modern phytotherapy, which active ingredients the tea contains and how the preparation succeeds.
Lemon balm tea is made from the widespread lemon balm. Lemon balm is the most well-known of the melissa varieties and, in addition to tea blends, is also often used as a spice, particularly in Mediterranean cuisine. In naturopathy, lemon balm tea is known and valued primarily for its effect on body and mind.
What ailments can lemon balm tea help with?
Lemon balm-based teas and extracts have been recommended for centuries in alternative medicine circles for various psychosomatic and cognitive ailments, such as ADHD and depressive moods. Various psychiatric and psychotherapeutic remedies based on naturopathic teachings contain lemon balm. Especially for anxiety and panic disorders, the consumption of lemon balm tea is often recommended as part of a naturopathic treatment. The same applies to phytotherapy, also known as herbal medicine. In addition, the tea is said to have antibacterial and antiallergic effects and be good for artery and heart health. The high concentration of essential oils also contributes to an even and healthy complexion.
What active ingredients are in lemon balm tea?
Lemon balm tea contains flavonoids which, in combination with the tannins, ensure the tea’s bitter aroma and bind excess water in the intercellular spaces, which contributes to good blood circulation. In addition, lemon balm in particular has a high proportion of citronellal and thus contributes to covering the vitamin C requirement. Due to the large number of essential oils, lemon balm tea not only has an anti-inflammatory effect, but is also becoming increasingly popular as a means for cosmetics to improve the complexion and maintain the elasticity of the skin.
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What does the study situation say about the effect of lemon balm tea?
In a small 2017 study of 28 subjects who drank either barley or lemon balm tea for six weeks, the lemon balm tea group showed improved arterial elasticity after the six weeks were up. Stiffness of the arteries is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The elasticity of the skin, which decreases with age, was also increased in the study participants who drank lemon balm tea.1
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A study with 20 participants showed that drinking lemon balm tea twice a day for a month increased the body’s antioxidant enzymes. These fend off oxidative stress and protect against DNA damage. In addition, other studies have found that lemon balm extract makes study participants more composed and improves memory.2,3,4
Are there possible risks and side effects?
Lemon balm tea is usually well tolerated by healthy, adult people who are not taking any medication. Nevertheless, excessive consumption should be avoided even in healthy people. Like other herbal teas, lemon balm tea contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (alkaloids), which in very large quantities can damage the liver and be carcinogenic. Children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people suffering from thyroid disorders or people taking certain medications should speak to their doctor before drinking or only consume one to a maximum of two cups of thin lemon balm tea.
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Where do you get the tea from and how is it prepared?
Lemon balm tea is available as a dried tea blend or as fresh leaves in most supermarkets. Alternatively, many online shops now offer the tea. If you want to prepare lemon balm tea yourself and benefit from its health-promoting effects, you have to wash the collected or purchased leaves, pour hot water over them, let them steep for almost 15 minutes and finally strain them. The tea tastes good served hot and cold.
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How does melissa tea taste?
Lemon balm tea has a rather bitter basic taste. Since most types of tea are made from the widespread lemon balm, the sour aftertaste is primarily associated with lemon balm tea. Lemon balm provides a characteristic note and is also a popular ingredient in many room fragrances and perfumes.
Sources
- 1. Yui, S., Fujiwara S., Harada K. et al. (2017). Beneficial Effects of Lemon Balm Leaf Extract on In Vitro Glycation of Proteins, Arterial Stiffness, and Skin Elasticity in Healthy Adults. Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology.
- 2. Zeraatpishe A, Oryan S, Bagheri MH et al. (2011). Effects of Melissa officinalis L. on oxidative status and DNA damage in subjects exposed to long-term low-dose ionizing radiation. Toxicology and Industrial Health.
- 3. Kennedy, DO, Scholey AB, Tildesley NTJ et al. (2002). Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm). Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior.
- 4. Kennedy DO, Wake G, Savelev S et al. (2003). Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of single doses of Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm) with human CNS nicotinic and muscarinic receptor-binding properties. Neuropsychopharmacology.