What Is Lemon Balm Tea?
Lemon balm tea is a herbal tea produced from the plant Melissa officinalis…
…which has the scientific name Melissa officinalis. The plant is also known as common balm and balm mint. Lemon balm has a lengthy culinary history that dates back to the time of the Ancient Greeks. Lemon balm is a plant native to Europe and Africa along the Mediterranean coast. It has been utilized as a natural herbal medicine in this region for generations.
Lemon balm tea is said to provide health advantages such as stress reduction, infection prevention, and increased sleep. Lemon balm tea may also help alleviate anxiety and sadness by targeting the neurological system, according to research. According to another study, drinking lemon balm tea may help lower blood pressure and protect the heart from major cardiovascular disease.
Flavor
Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, has a pleasant lemony taste with notes of mint. This tea has a citrus taste that is refreshing and tangy. The addition of fresh honey from honey bees, agave syrup, and a dash of lemon juice enhances this herbal tisane.
How to Harvest Lemon Balm Leaves For Tea
Fresh or dried leaves from lemon balm plants in your own backyard garden can be used to make homemade lemon balm tea. If you want to utilize dried leaves, first gather fresh leaves from the plant. To retain the natural flavor and avoid unwanted side effects from pesticides and fertilizers, always collect leaves from organic lemon balm plants. It’s preferable to collect the leaves right before the plant blooms. At this time of year, the plants contain the maximum concentration of beneficial antioxidants and essential oils, resulting in a more flavorful product. Harvest season is usually in late spring or early summer, however this might vary based on your location and environment.
Cut the lemon balm leaves slightly above the second row of leaves from the stalk. Pruning the plant in this manner encourages the growth of new branches, increasing the possible harvest yields. Rinse the fresh lemon balm leaves in cold water and spread them out on a baking sheet to dry. You may also bundle the leaves and hang them to dry by hanging them to a clothesline. When the dried leaves are totally dry, put them in an airtight container or a brown paper bag in a dark area. Dried lemon balm may be kept for several months and still taste delicious.
The Health Benefits of Lemon Balm
Anastasia Tretiak / Verywell Lemon balm ( Melissa officinalis ) is a mint-family plant. It is frequently used to flavor teas, marinade poultry or fish, and flavor baked goods and jams. Lemon balm is also thought to be effective in treating a variety of medical conditions involving the digestive tract, neurological system, and liver. Its use dates back to the 14th century, when Carmelite nuns used it to produce Carmelite water, an alcoholic tonic.
Lemon balm is now utilized in traditional medicine as a sleep aid as well as a digestive tonic. It can be drunk as a tea, taken as a supplement or extract, or applied to the skin in the form of balms and lotions. Lemon balm essential oil is also used in aromatherapy to reduce tension and keep you relaxed. This article will go through the advantages, disadvantages, and dose of lemon balm. It will also discuss how lemon balm is used to treat anxiety, insomnia, digestive difficulties, liver diseases, and nervous system problems.
How To Make Lemon Balm Tea
Lemon balm tea has a refreshing, tangy taste that makes it a popular herbal tea. This wonderful beverage, also known as Melissa tea, mixes nicely with a range of herbs and sweets, allowing you to explore with the flavor and discover new sensations. Here, we’ll go through the fundamentals of lemon balm tea and teach you how to make a cup using your own lemon balm. You’ll learn about the health advantages, flavor profile, and harvesting procedures so you can make the finest cup of lemon balm tea possible.
Lemon Balm Tea Recipes
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp dried lemon balm leaves (or two tablespoons fresh leaves)
- 10 oz. boiling water
- Honey, sugar, or agave
Instructions:
1. Place the fresh herbs in a standard-sized teacup using a tea strainer or tea ball.
2. Bring a temperature-controlled kettle or a big pot of water to a boil on the stove.
3. Fill the teacup halfway with boiling water and soak the lemon balm leaves for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Remove the tea strainer and, if desired, sweeten with honey, sugar, or agave.
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