14 Lemon Balm Benefits + Easy Tea Recipe
Lemon balm benefits the body in a spectrum of amazing ways, but it also carries risks. Discover how you can incorporate the bright flavor and support of lemon balm into your healthy living routine.
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I grow my own lemon balm here on the farm. It’s easy as pie to pull off. I use a jug sowing method in the spring to start my seeds and they come up really easily. From there, the perennial plant (which is a member of the mint family) grows and spreads on its own and will stay vigorous right up until frost.
Lemon balm is a wonderful container herb–if you don’t have space for it to spread in the ground, just put this little wonder in a pot.
But what does it actually do for you? More than you might realize!
**Of course, you should never start any herbal therapies until you talk to your doctor and get the green light. So make sure you do that first–especially if you have any health conditions or take prescription medications.**
Lemon Balm Benefits
- Lowers triglycerides–When used aromatically (that means you breathe it in) Melissa essential oil (which is lemon balm) has been shown to lower triglycerides which could impact a variety of other health conditions.
- Treats heart palpitations–Use caution if you plan to try lemon balm for any kind of heart rhythm issue, but studies have shown that lemon balm can help reduce episodes of palpitations in some people.
- Natural antibacterial–With its ability to fight a spectrum of bacteria inside the body, lemon balm has shown particular effectiveness against candida–a type of yeast that can cause brain fog, digestive issues, exhaustion and more.
- Treats diabetes–Primarily for type 2 diabetes, studies have shown that lemon balm extract or oil is beneficial in the reduction of blood sugar levels. It is not a replacement for insulin.
- Calms anxiety–Despite some studies from outside sources who conflict this statement, many people say that lemon balm benefits their battle with anxiety.
- Treats insomnia–Lemon balm is said to help calm and offers a mild sedating effect that promotes sleep.
- Improves cognitive function and focus–A study of young adults who took lemon balm internally found an improvement in mood and the ability to focus.
- Helps manage ADHD in children–Perhaps thanks to its calming effect, lemon balm reduces hyperactivity and impulsiveness and improves focus for some school children.
- Fights the herpes virus–Even though there’s no way to ever get the herpes virus out of your body, you can focus on preventing outbreaks and that means keeping the virus under control. For cold sore sufferers, lemon balm reduced outbreaks, duration and pain/itching. Plus there’s no viral resistance to the herb over time so it can be used repeatedly.
- Fights cancer–Lemon balm has been shown to cause cancer cell death in the deadly brain cancer called glioblastoma multiforme. It has also shown a positive effect on certain types of breast, liver, and some types of leukemia.
- Battles inflammation--Chronic inflammation can support a variety of diseases and trigger pain in the body. Lemon balm has shown to reduce inflammation throughout the body.
- Manages overactive thyroid–Known as Grave’s Disease, lemon balm stops certain substances that trigger the thyroid from binding to receptor cells and helps slow down an over active thyroid.
- Soothes constipation–Studies are still being done but early research shows that lemon balm, peppermint and angelica root may be helpful treatments for constipation.
- Reduces PMS symptoms–When taken in a capsule form, lemon balm reduced those pesky mood swings, weight gain and bloating in high school age women.
When to use caution with lemon balm
Just because you can grow it, certainly doesn’t mean lemon balm benefits everyone. You should avoid lemon balm if you have a hypothyroid because it can negatively effect your thyroid medications.
Some people have had allergic reactions to lemon balm ranging from anaphylactic responses and rashes. Use caution if lemon balm is new to you.
And of course, if you are nursing or pregnant ask your doctor before you start using lemon balm.
Where to buy lemon balm
This part can get so very tricky. Always make sure you are buying oils from reputable brands like DoTerra or Young Living. Remember you’re looking for Melissa. A little goes a very long way and while it is expensive, you don’t want to use a brand that may have additives or sketchy ingredients. Lemon balm benefits can only be as good as the source you get them from.
For a capsule, you may consider one like this:
If you’d like to know more about dosages, you can check this post.
How to make lemon balm tea
I love my lemon balm tea–and while my recipe isn’t very scientific, it’s delicious and I enjoy a steaming cup several times a week and it never seems to make me feel sleepy. Even my kids enjoy it!
Lemon Balm Tea
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon balm leaves chopped
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon raw honey optional
Instructions
- Chop the lemon balm leaves to release their oils. Set aside.
- Heat the water in a cup in the microwave or on the stove until boiling.
- Mix the leaves and water in a mug and allow to stand 10 minutes to steep.
- Stir in honey and strain if desired. Drink warm.
Nutrition
You can certainly enjoy lemon balm fresh on salads, or in your favorite recipes, too. Be brave! Experiment with its bright flavor.
Hey Rachel,
New here. found your site looking for info on how to make lemon balm tea. I dried some from summer not really knowing what I was doing. Have had a cold and been using it that way. Still tastes good. Not sure about nutrition or eo power?? Doing what I can.
It has already frozen here and mine looks healthy and happy as can be. So there is no time of year that is the best to harvest or use? Only use fresh?
Also maybe do some research into what constitutes a reputable essential oil company. Dr Robert Pappas leading eo researcher/chemist says do your homework. IF the company has their oils 3rd party tested for purity, makes those reports available for each bottle stamped clearly etc… then they are reputable eo sellers. Two that are not mlm companies that do great work with their harvesters and their communities also with the aforementioned proof of quality are Edens Garden and Plant Therapy. There are a couple of others that I know of that are excellent companies and their oils are exquisite!! Some of the reports are higher in key compounds than doterra. If You are too poor to purchase eo’s from mlm companies, check them out. Makes oils almost ‘affordable’ for the truly poor.
Blessings upon You to keep up the great work at helping your family and others healthy and productive!! Becky
Yes I’ve used Plant Therapy myself as well as the MLM companies. I like them all, honestly. And in regards to when to harvest, I don’t personally know of any rules about harvesting after frost. I’d use it as long as it’s alive and thriving! I dry mine and make teas, I chew on it fresh…all the things! Blessings to you as well Becky. 😉 –Rachel
Lemon balm in a lemon jelly can be a nice finish to a childrens birthday party worked wonders for my kids when they were young I still have a nightly cup of lemon balm with chamomile tea with raw honey its so yummy and calming. Even just bruising a bunch of leaves a sniffing the scent can help with insomnia. It’s also a great bug repellent just rub leaves on exposed areas of you’re body and you will also smell great! I love this herb!!!
It’s helping my insomnia. Fresh leaves steeped just before bedtime.
It’s lovely to just walk by the plant, rub a leaf between your thumb and finger and then enjoy the great smell!
Yes Carol. I do that too!
Same! I have a pot of lavender, lemon balm, sage, rosemary… When I sit on my deck I just run my fingers around in the plants, the fragrance in the air and on my hands is sooo soothing!
I too have grown lemon balm this year… So easy and pretty I’m going to try your tea recipe today! Thank you
I planted my first plant this summer and it’s growing great! Very low maintenance and it spreads very fast
I suffer with several ailments, am on Propanolol, morphine patches, omeprazole for my stomach – is drinking lemon balm tea suitable for me? Would it cause any reactions at all??? Any help would be appreciated!!!
Thanks – Steph x
Hey Steph, I wish I could tell you but I’m not authorized to give you any medical advice. :/ Talk to your doctor about it and you could ask at your local health food store and see what they say. Sorry I can’t help you further, just have to stick to the legalities. –Rachel
I never used or even knew about lemon balm until I was buying summer flowers for my terrace and saw this. So aromatic that I picked it up and repotted it. This morning I made a tea with some peppermint leaves. The taste is refreshing and calming. Wonderful!
I agree Gail! I love it as well. –Rachel
How long can I leave brewed lemon balm tea out on counter for?
You know Melissa I’m not totally sure. I usually drink mine right after it’s been brewed so it doesn’t linger. I’d think that drinking it promptly would give you the most benefit from the plant, but don’t quote me on that. –Rachel
Delicious
Where can I get a lemon balm plant or to seeds?
Hey Angela, I get mine from Baker Creek Heirloom online but they can be purchased from Amazon and lots of local retailers should have them like Walmart or even your local hardware store. This is the time to get them started too! –Rachel