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Tea made from lemon balm has been around for a very long time. Some people even call it the “elixir of life.”

The leaves used to make it contain vitamin C, beta carotene, and copper, which give it some medicinal qualities.

Lemon balm—cultivation

Lemon balm, or lemon balm (Latin Melissa officinalis), is an herbaceous plant with an upright stem, serrated egg-shaped leaves, and small pink flowers.

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It is widespread in Europe and Western Asia and often grows wild.

 The scent of lemon balm is intoxicating and somewhat reminiscent of the scent of lemon, and its medicinal properties provide many health benefits.

Lemon balm tea is made from the leaves, which are harvested before flowering and can also be used in salads, soups, etc.

Lemon balm essential oil can be obtained by distilling the leaves, but it is costly because it is not present in a large percentage of the leaves.

Mint and lemon balm—the difference

The difference between mint and lemon balm is primarily in the size of the leaves of the plants themselves. Lemon balm is generally larger than mint, and its leaves are wider and slightly heart-shaped.

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Mint or peppermint usually has smaller leaves. Also, the color of lemon balm leaves appears slightly faded, while mint is always bright green.

Rub the leaves of these plants between your thumb and forefinger. The scent of mint is unmistakably peppermint, while the scent of lemon balm is somewhat heavier, and you can feel a hint of lemon scent. This is why the plant itself got its English name, “lemon balm”.

Lemon balm tea – medicinal properties

Lemon balm tea, with its calming properties, is best for treating stress-related disorders. The antioxidant compounds that lemon balm leaves contain, which could have medicinal effects, are:

• vitamin C,
• beta carotene,
• nerol,
• isopulegol,
• citral,
• citronellal,
• caryophyllene.

Boiling water breaks down some of these compounds when making lemon balm tea. But a few substances will stay in the body and provide certain health benefits, especially if you drink lemon balm tea for a long time.

Its calming qualities also help with symptoms, including digestive difficulties and bloating.

Lemon balm tea has a positive effect on immunity, and lemon balm extract can be applied topically to treat cold sores.

Its exceptional medicinal properties provide many other health benefits, such as:

• treating headaches,
• reducing high body temperature,
• alleviating nausea,
• increasing concentration.

Published in 2003 in the scientific publication of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatric, a study by Iranian experts validates the benefits of lemon balm extract on Alzheimer’s disease sufferers as well as the decrease in times of mental diseases and excitation.

Furthermore, a study published in 2013 in the journal Advances in Pharmacological Science proves the anti-inflammatory effect of lemon balm oil on edema, or swelling caused by the accumulation of fluid in injured areas.

The findings and similar studies indicate the health value of lemon balm and its preparations in the treatment of various diseases and conditions.

However, keep in mind that while these herbal preparations can help alleviate symptoms, they are not medicines for underlying diseases.

Lemon Balm tea – Preparation

Making lemon balm tea is very simple, which is why it should definitely be in your kitchen. Lemon balm tea rarely causes side effects, which is why it is especially beneficial for children.

Simply pour one tablespoon of dried lemon balm leaves with two deciliters of boiling water, let it sit for a few minutes, and then enjoy its intoxicating aroma and taste.

Carmelite Water—Recipe

Carmelite water has been a product of Parisian nuns from the Carmelite order since the 17th century. For almost 200 years, the recipe was a complete secret until it came into the hands of the Boyer family, who still prepare it in the same way today.

The Boyers use 14 medicinal herbs and 9 spices in the recipe. Lemon balm serves as the recipe’s main ingredient, while the following herbs are also available:

• angelica,
• marjoram,
• primrose,
• rosemary,
• sage,
• lavender,
• wormwood,
• sea buckthorn,
• chamomile,
• lemon peel,
• passionflower,
• lily of the valley,
• thyme,
• coriander,
• cinnamon bark,
• nutmeg,
• cloves,
• anise,
• fennel,
• sandalwood,
• heartwood.

Carmelite water was mainly used as a cure-all. Although today we know that there is no individual cure for all diseases, most of the plants found in this water have certain medicinal properties.

The ingredients needed for preparation are:

• 1 liter of 30% alcohol,

• 165 grams of dried flowering tops of lemon balm,

• 40 grams of unsprayed lemon peel,

• 5 grams of angelica root.

Soak the following ingredients in alcohol for two weeks before adding them:

• 65 grams of coriander,

• 12.5 grams of nutmeg,

• 12.5 grams of cinnamon,

• 1.5 grams of cloves.

All ingredients should be soaked for at least another week and then strained or distilled.

Lemon Balm Tincture—Recipe

Lemon balm tincture is very easy to prepare:

Prepare a slightly wider jar for the harvested lemon balm. Fill the jar two-thirds full with lemon balm.

Pour 50% brandy over the lemon balm in the jar and leave it in a dark place for at least three weeks. You can shake the jar occasionally.

After three weeks, strain the mixture and pour it into dark bottles. The lemon balm tincture is ready to use.

You can drink lemon balm tincture, use it as a tea, and add it to lotions, gels, creams, and balms. Although lemon balm tincture is harmless, you should not overdo it because in large quantities it lowers the heart rate, stuns, and lowers blood pressure.

Lemon Balm—Side Effects

Experts from the health portal Medicine Net list possible side effects of excessive use of lemon balm. These include:

• hypersensitivity,
• sedative effect,
• skin irritation.

We do not recommend long-term use of lemon balm preparations because they can slow down the function and reduce the synthesis of thyroid hormones.

Lemon balm preparations should not be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women, and chronically ill patients should consult a doctor before use.

If you use cosmetic preparations with lemon balm, test a small amount on the inside of your wrist before applying to check for allergies.