What is an Herbal Tea That Will Tantalize Your Senses and Reduce Your Stress? Lemon Balm Tea

A cup of lemon balm tea has a fresh citrusy scent, a fruity fresh taste and the ability to calm your nerves and decrease your anxiety.  Long before the Middle Ages, lemon balm was known as one of the popular herbal tea remedies to ensure a healthy long life. It was promoted as an elixir to maintain longevity through the 18th century.  

Today drinking lemon balm tea is used to overcome insomnia, anxiety, depression, indigestion and gas. The oils of this wonderful smelling plant contain citral, linalool, eugenol, citronellal, geraniol, tannins, polyphenols and flavanoids. These components of the oils have been found to have a mild sedative effect on the nervous system and digestive tract.

A German research study found that the oils act upon the brains autonomic nervous system and protects the cerebrum from the external stimuli from the outside world. The aromatherapy effect of the tea, along with the benefits of the oil, lifts the spirits and helps one to relax.

A research study showed positive calming results with agitated dementia patients. It is believed that the scent and oils of this herbal tea had a calming effect on these patients. It is also found to have a calming effect in those individuals that suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. 

Some studies have explored that other benefits of lemon balm tea may include improved memory and increase the attention span. This may be of benefit to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. It is suspected that the strong antioxidants may decrease the body’s cells from oxidation, thus protecting the cells of the brain and stop the harmful chemical process that occurs in individuals with Alzheimer’s.

The sedative effect of the oils also causes your peripheral blood vessels to relax and can lower your blood pressure. Although this is a great benefit, there are other herbal tea remedies that are much more effective for treating high blood pressure.   

The rosmarinic acid and polyphenolics components give this tea its antibiotic and anti viral components. However, at the present time, there are no published human studies done that support the belief that it is effective against fighting bacteria or fungal infections. It is important to note that there are laboratory studies that do prove that lemon balm has been effective against both.

This herb is also used to treat hyperthyroidism. Researchers have found that drinking lemon balm tea can actually inhibit the absorption of thyroid medications. Do not consume lemon balm tea if you have a thyroid condition.   

The side effects or toxic response to this herb are rare. However, it is recommended that this herb not be consumed by pregnant or breastfeeding women.          

You can  make lemon balm tea fresh from your garden (that’s another story) or use dried leaves. Pour a cup of hot water over crushed lemon balm leaves. Allow to steep for five to ten minutes, and strain. Drinking this in tea several times a day will help you relax and produce a good night’s sleep.        

Have lemon balm tea to tantalize your senses, reduce the effects of stress and lift your spirits. Insure a good night’s sleep and have a cup before bedtime. Relax and enjoy.  

You will also find ways to use lemon balm in cooking. I use it to delicately flavor fish when baking Sea Bass. It can be added to a tea party menu both as a tea drink and as an ingredient in tea cakes.   

Jacqueline M. Faulkner

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