Lemon Balm Benefits

Sooo I discovered lemon balm last year when I was going thru a really stressful time at work. My aunt gave me this little plant – didn’t think much of it tbh. Just another herb, right? WRONG! The lemon balm benefits I’ve experienced have literally changed my daily routine and I’m kinda mad nobody told me about this stuff sooner.

If ur looking for a natural way to chill out, sleep better, or even improve ur skin… this might be ur new fave plant. I’ve become that annoying friend who won’t shut up about lemon balm benefits to anyone who’ll listen lol.

What is Lemon Balm? The Basics

Lemon balm (official fancy name: Melissa officinalis) is this super aromatic herb that’s actually related to mint. It’s got these delicate leaves that smell amazing – kinda lemony but also herby and fresh. Been around forever – like ancient Greeks and Romans were using it way before it was cool.

I started growing it in a pot on my windowsill and it’s pretty much indestructible (coming from someone who’s killed cacti before, that’s saying something). The lemon balm benefits are accessible to literally anyone who can keep a plant alive for more than a week!

Top Lemon Balm Benefits That Changed My Life

Prep Time: 5 minutes Brew Time: 8 minutes Total Time: 13 minutes Servings: Makes about 2 cups Calories: Basically none without sweetener Difficulty Level: BEGINNER (srsly, anyone can do this)

Why I’m Obsessed With This Herb

K so I never thought I’d be this person raving about plants on the internet, but here we are. The first time I tried lemon balm tea was after a particularly awful day – my computer crashed and I lost hours of work. Made some tea with leaves from my plant, and 30 mins later I wasn’t contemplating quitting my job anymore. Coincidence? I think not.

But the lemon balm benefits go way beyond just helping with stress. After a few weeks of drinking it regularly, I noticed my sleep was deeper, my skin looked better, and even my digestion seemed to improve.

My sister (who’s super skeptical about natural remedies) started using it after watching me rave about it. Now she texts me almost daily about her “lemon balm moments” – usually when her 3-year-old is having a meltdown and she needs to keep her cool!

The Real Deal: Science-Backed Lemon Balm Benefits

1. Bye Bye Anxiety & Stress

Ok so this is probably the most obvious of the lemon balm benefits but it’s legit. The plant contains these compounds that basically tell your nervous system to chill the heck out. For me, it works better than those guided meditation apps I’ve downloaded and forgotten about 5 mins later.

Last month I had to give this presentation to the whole company. Usually I’d be a nervous wreck, but I drank lemon balm tea that morning and while I wasn’t exactly Beyoncé-level confident, my hands weren’t shaking and I didn’t forget my own name. Progress!

2. Lemon Balm Benefits for Sleep That Actually Work

As someone who’s tried basically everything for my occasional insomnia (melatonin, counting sheep, boring podcasts), lemon balm has been the most consistent helper. It’s not like it knocks you out like some sleep meds, but it quiets down that mental chatter that keeps you staring at the ceiling at 2am.

My trick is to make a strong cup about an hour before bed. I add a lil bit of honey and sometimes a splash of warm milk. I’ve been sleeping so much better, and I don’t wake up feeling groggy like with other sleep aids I’ve tried.

My neighbor who works night shifts started using lemon balm too, and she says it’s helped her get better quality sleep during the day – which is super hard to do!

3. Digestion Support That’s Surprising

This was a totally unexpected lemon balm benefit for me. I have a kinda sensitive stomach (especially when stressed), and I’ve noticed way less bloating and discomfort since I started drinking lemon balm tea regularly.

Apparently it helps relax the digestive tract muscles and has anti-inflammatory properties. All I know is that my post-lunch bloat is basically gone and I’m not complaining!

4. Brain Boost & Focus

Some days my brain feels like it’s running on Windows 95 – slow and prone to crashing. On those days, lemon balm tea has become my go-to. There’s research suggesting lemon balm benefits include improved concentration and memory.

I was skeptical about this one but had this big report due last week and was struggling to focus. Made myself some lemon balm tea, and I swear I got more done in the next 2 hours than I had all day. Was it placebo effect? Maybe. Do I care? Nope!

5. Lemon Balm Benefits for Skin That Shocked Me

So this was totally accidental. Had some leftover tea and decided to put it in a spray bottle in the fridge for a refreshing face mist. After a week of using it, my skin looked clearer and less irritated.

Turns out lemon balm has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help with skin issues. My friend who struggles with mild acne started using a lemon balm face wash I made her, and she’s seen a huge difference. The lemon balm benefits for skin are probably the most underrated!

6. Does Lemon Balm Help You Lose Weight?

This is prob the question I get asked most when I talk about lemon balm benefits. Here’s my honest take: it’s not some miracle weight loss herb, but it might help indirectly.

For me, it’s reduced my stress-snacking (which was getting out of hand during deadline weeks). Also, better sleep = better metabolism, and the digestive benefits mean less bloating so you just feel better in your clothes.

If you’re specifically looking for weight management support, you might wanna check out this natural Mounjaro recipe or this lemon balm recipe for weight loss that combines it with other metabolism-supporting ingredients.

How I Use Lemon Balm Daily (Super Easy Ways)

My Go-To Lemon Balm Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

• Handful fresh lemon balm leaves (like 10-15) or 1 tbsp dried – I grow mine but also bought some at farmers market before
• 8 oz water (hot but not boiling – learned that the hard way)
• Honey or agave if u want it sweet
• Slice of lemon (optional but yummy)

Steps:

1. Pick or measure ur lemon balm. If using fresh from garden, give it a quick rinse. I once skipped this step and found a tiny caterpillar swimming in my cup. Extra protein I guess?
2. Heat water until it’s steamy but not boiling. Boiling water makes the tea bitter and kills some of those awesome lemon balm benefits we’re after.
3. Put leaves in cup or teapot. I usually crush them a bit in my hand first – releases more of the oils and the smell is AMAZING.
4. Pour water over leaves and cover it with a plate or lid. This traps all the good stuff that would otherwise evaporate.
5. Let it sit for like 5-10 mins. Longer if you really want those lemon balm benefits to be strong. I’m impatient so I usually do 5 lol.
6. Strain if you want (I’m lazy and just leave the leaves in tbh) and add honey if using.
7. Drink it slowly! I used to gulp it down but realized taking my time actually makes the calming effect stronger somehow.

Other Random Ways I Use Lemon Balm

• Chop it up in fruit salads (weird but delicious with strawberries)
• Add to smoothies (hides the taste of spinach!)
• Make lemon balm ice cubes for summer drinks
• Infuse in apple cider vinegar for a killer salad dressing
• Mix into plain yogurt with a little honey
• Freeze with coconut water in popsicle molds for fancy treats

Some of my friends are now obsessed with this lemon balm tea recipe I shared, and others love adding it to detox green juice for an extra boost.

My Failed Experiments & Storage Tips

So not everything I’ve tried with lemon balm has been a success lol. Tried to make lemon balm cookies once and they tasted like I was eating perfume. Also attempted lemon balm lemonade but used waaaay too much and it was basically like drinking herbal soap.

For storing fresh leaves, DON’T just throw them in the fridge unwrapped (sad wilted mess the next day). I put stems in a glass of water like flowers, or wrap leaves in slightly damp paper towel in an open baggie. For dried lemon balm, keep in a dark jar with a tight lid – mine stayed good for almost a year!

If you’re into preservation, try making lemon balm-infused apple cider vinegar. It captures all those lemon balm benefits in a shelf-stable form, and tastes amazing in this apple cider vinegar and cranberry juice recipe I’m obsessed with lately.

My Personal Take on Lemon Balm Benefits

So look, I’m not saying lemon balm is gonna change your entire life or solve all your problems. But for me, it’s been this simple, affordable addition that’s genuinely improved my day-to-day wellbeing.

In a world where we’re always looking for the next fancy supplement or wellness trend, there’s something refreshing about using a plant that’s been helping people chill out since ancient times.

Last week I went to dinner at my friend’s place and brought a little pot of lemon balm instead of the usual wine. At first they were like “um… thanks for the plant?” But after I made everyone tea and explained all the lemon balm benefits, they were totally into it. Got texts from two of them the next day asking where to buy seeds!

Have you tried lemon balm? Got questions about growing it or using it? Drop a comment below – I love hearing how other people are experiencing the lemon balm benefits journey!

Answering Your Burning Lemon Balm Questions

Is It OK to Take Lemon Balm Everyday?

Well, I’ve been using it pretty much daily for about 10 months with no issues. But I’m not a doctor! Most herbalists say it’s safe for regular use, but like anything, moderation is probably smart.

I do take breaks sometimes – like when I travel or just forget for a few days. And if you have any medical conditions or take meds, def check with your doc before going all-in on the lemon balm benefits train.

Who Should Not Use Lemon Balm?

So, pregnant or breastfeeding women are usually told to be careful with herbs in general. Also, ppl with thyroid issues might wanna talk to their doc first since some sources say lemon balm might interact with thyroid function.

My cousin who takes thyroid meds checked with her doctor, and they told her it was fine as long as she didn’t take it at the same time as her medication. Better safe than sorry!

Oh, and if you’re on sedatives or anti-anxiety meds, def mention lemon balm to your doctor since it has mild sedative properties.

What Is the Magical Use of Lemon Balm?

Ok this is kinda fun – in traditional folklore, lemon balm was considered magical! It was used in spells for success, healing, love, and friendship. Some old texts call it the “elixir of life” (bit dramatic but I get it).

It was also called “heart’s delight” and used to attract bees to gardens (hence the nickname “bee balm”). I’m not super into the woo-woo stuff myself, but there’s something cool about using a plant that people have valued for literally thousands of years.

Does Lemon Balm Help Weight Loss?

Again, not directly a weight loss miracle, but it helps with things that can lead to weight gain:

• Less stress = less stress eating (my personal experience)
• Better sleep = better metabolism
• Improved digestion = less bloating and more regular… bathroom visits (keeping it classy here)

I’ve found having lemon balm tea after dinner helps me avoid mindless snacking while watching Netflix. That alone has probably saved me thousands of calories!

What Is the Strongest Herb for Weight Loss?

Honestly? None of them are magic bullets. Anyone promising miracle herb weight loss is probably trying to sell you something expensive lol.

But if you’re looking for herbs that might support healthy metabolism, green tea has actual research behind it. Ginger, dandelion, and cinnamon might help too.

The real key is finding sustainable healthy habits. I combine my lemon balm tea with regular walks and trying to cook at home more (with mixed success – still order way too much takeout).

For a more comprehensive approach, check out this natural Mounjaro recipe or try iced matcha lattes which combine green tea benefits with other supportive ingredients.

Disclaimer:

This article contains personal experiences and general information about lemon balm. It’s not meant to replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new health regimen, especially if you have existing medical conditions or take medications. The benefits described may vary from person to person.

Stay chill, The Kitchen Team