The health benefits of lemon balm have been documented for centuries. Known by its Latin name, Melissa officinalis, it’s a perennial herb in the mint family and has long been used as an herbal remedy to protect against stress, combat insomnia, enhance cognitive performance and alleviate digestive complaints.

But what other encompassing health benefits can we derive from this remarkable plant? You will learn all about the amazing health-promoting properties of Lemon Balm – from boosting immunity to reducing inflammation – so that you can make informed decisions about how best it could benefit you.

Lemon Balm - What is It and Where Does it Come From

Lemon balm is a perennial herb in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions. It grows to about two feet tall and has green, oval-shaped leaves with a refreshing lemon scent. Its flowers are white or pink with purple spots when they mature. Lemon balm grows wild around ditches, riverbanks, and roadsides throughout Europe, North America, and some parts of Asia.

The plant has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy to treat various ailments such as indigestion, anxiety, insomnia, colds and flu, headaches, and other digestive complaints. In recent years it has become popular amongst health professionals for its powerful antioxidant properties, which are thought to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Lemon Balm’s Health Benefits

• Boosts Immunity: Lemon balm contains compounds that can help strengthen your body’s natural defenses against infection, disease, and other illnesses.
• Reduces Inflammation: The herb possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce swelling in the body and promote healing wounds or injuries.
• Aids Digestion: Its cooling and calming nature helps to soothe the digestive tract, easing stomach cramps, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, and other digestive complaints.
• Enhances Cognitive Performance: Studies have shown that lemon balm improves mental clarity and focus while helping to reduce anxiety.
• Improves Sleep Quality: Its calming effect can help induce restful sleep, especially in those with insomnia or other sleep disturbances.
• Protects Against Stress: Lemon balm helps reduce stress's effects on the body and mind by promoting relaxation and reducing negative emotions such as worry and fear.
• Helps Treat Cold Sores: Its antiviral properties make it a great choice for treating herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) infections, commonly known as cold sores.
• May Help Reduce Blood Pressure: Studies have found that lemon balm benefits blood pressure levels when combined with other herbs such as hawthorn and yarrow.
• Offers Protection From Sunburn: Lemon balm contains compounds that can help to protect the skin from sun damage, making it an excellent natural sunscreen.

Lemon Balm is a versatile plant with powerful health-promoting properties, making it an ideal choice for those looking to improve their overall wellness and quality of life.

Whether you’re looking for relief from digestive complaints or protection from the damaging effects of the sun, lemon balm has something for everyone! With so many potential benefits, adding this herb to your daily routine is worth it.

Cooking with Lemon Balm - Recipes for Deliciously Herbal Dishes

Now that you know the amazing health benefits of lemon balm, why not try it in the kitchen? Lemon balm is an incredibly versatile herb that can be used to flavor a variety of dishes. Here are some delicious recipes to get you started:

Lemon Balm Roasted Veggies – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Toss diced carrots, potatoes, and onions with olive oil and chopped fresh lemon balm leaves. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until vegetables are tender. Sprinkle with salt and pepper before serving.

Lemon Balm Pesto – Combine ½ cup walnuts, two cloves garlic, 1 cup packed fresh lemon balm leaves, 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt in a food processor. Pulse until ingredients are combined but still chunky. Slowly drizzle in ¾ cup olive oil while the processor is running until desired consistency is reached. Serve over your favorite pasta or spread on toast for an herbal kick.

Lemon Balm Tea – Steep two teaspoons of dried lemon balm in one cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain the leaves before pouring them into a mug and sweeten them to taste with honey if desired. This fragrant tea makes an excellent digestive aid and a delicious hot beverage that can be enjoyed anytime.

Natural Beauty Products with Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is not only great for your health but also makes a wonderful addition to natural beauty products. Its uplifting scent and its nourishing properties make it an ideal ingredient in homemade skincare and haircare recipes. Here are some of our favorites:

• Lemon Balm Body Lotion – In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of coconut oil, ¼ cup beeswax pastilles, two tablespoons cocoa butter, ten drops of vitamin E oil, and six drops of lemon balm essential oil. Place the bowl over a double boiler on medium heat and stir until the ingredients are melted together. Remove from heat and let cool for 15 minutes before transferring to a glass jar or bottle with a lid. Apply as needed to moisturize and nourish the skin.
• Lemon Balm Hair Mask – Mash 2 ripe avocados in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Add one tablespoon of honey, and three drops of lemon balm essential oil and mix until all ingredients are evenly combined. Apply to damp hair from roots to ends and let sit for 20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Use once or twice per week for hair that is soft and shiny.
• Lemon Balm Facial Mist – Fill a glass spray bottle with ¼ cup witch hazel, two tablespoons aloe vera gel, ten drops of lemon balm essential oil, and ¼ cup filtered water. Shake well to combine ingredients before spritzing on the face as needed throughout the day. This refreshing mist helps to tone and hydrate skin while providing a boost of natural energy.
• Lemon balm is an incredibly versatile herb that can treat various health complaints and add flavor to your favorite recipes. It's uplifting scent and nourishing properties make it a great addition to natural beauty products. There are countless ways to use this herb in your daily skincare routine, from lotions and hair masks to facial mists.

FAQS

Is lemon balm anti-inflammatory?

Yes, lemon balm has anti-inflammatory properties thanks to its rosmarinic acid content. It can be used topically or taken internally to help reduce inflammation.

How do you store fresh lemon balm?

The best way to store fresh lemon balm is to wrap it tightly in a damp paper towel and place it in the refrigerator. This will help preserve its freshness for up to two weeks. Alternatively, you can freeze it by chopping it finely and freezing it in an airtight container.

Who Cannot take lemon balm?

People with certain medical conditions or taking certain medications should avoid lemon balm. Those with thyroid issues and those taking sedatives, anticonvulsants, and blood pressure medications should always consult a doctor before using any herbal remedies. Pregnant and nursing women should also consult their doctor before taking lemon balm.

Conclusion

Lemon balm offers many potential health benefits, from helping with sleep to aiding in digestion. While more studies need to be done on these potential benefits and risks, preliminary research suggests that lemon balm could be a helpful addition to a healthy lifestyle. As always, speaking with your doctor or qualified healthcare professional is important before adding any herbal supplement like lemon balm into your routine.