Lemon Balm is a perennial herbaceous plant. It grows to a maximum height of 2-4 ft. The leaves have a mild lemon scent similar to mint. Wrinkled, ovate, medium green leaves (to 3” long) appear in pairs on square stems rising to 2′ tall. Tiny, two-lipped, white flowers appear in the leaf axils throughout summer.
Is lemon balm found in India?
belongs to the mint family and it is indigenous of Southern Europe, Mediterranean region, Western Asia, and North Africa. Lemon balm is now cultivated worldwide. Currently in India lemon balm is cultivated in Kashmir, Uttrakhand and some part of South India.
What is another name for lemon balm?
Lemon balm is available under the following different brand and other names: balm, bee balm, cure-all, dropsy plant, honey plant, Melissa, Melissa folium, Melissa officinalis, sweet balm, and sweet Mary.
Is Pudina and lemon balm same?
Lemon balm is a bushy perennial with oval leaves that have a strong central spine and veins coming outwards, mint is similar in appearance and it too is a perennial. Lemon balm can grow to anything up to 24 inches in height, some varieties of mint can grow to be 8 feet in height.
What is lemon balm commonly used for?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a member of the mint family, is considered a calming herb. It was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and ease pain and discomfort from indigestion (including gas and bloating, as well as colic).
Can you eat lemon balm?
In addition to the fresh herb, you can also consume lemon balm in the form of an oil or supplement. Lemon balm oils may be cut with water and vegetable glycerin, which just makes it safe to consume orally or used directly on your skin.
Is lemon balm the same as lemongrass?
Lemon balm has a lighter flavor than lemon grass, but it gives off a very zesty scent that makes it perfect for aromatic teas. It won’t alter the flavor of your tea as much, but it will add just the slightest lemony tang that gives you the hint of acid you want.
Can I drink lemon balm tea everyday?
Lemon balm tea is generally safe for consumption when consumed in small to moderate quantities. As with many teas and herbal remedies, lemon balm tea may cause adverse reactions in certain individuals.
Where is lemon balm found?
The International Herb Association has designated lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) Herb of the Year 2007. This perennial in the mint family is native to mountainous areas of southern Europe and northern Africa but has naturalized in almost in every warm or temperate area around the globe.
What does lemon balm look like?
Like other mint family members, lemon balm has scalloped, oval- to heart-shaped leaves that grow opposite one another on square (four-sided) stems. Its leaves are bright green on top and whitish below.
What does lemon balm taste like?
What Does Lemon Balm Taste Like? This aromatic member of the mint family has a bright, citrusy taste that brings together the acidity of lemon with subtle hints of mint. Both the stems and fresh leaves of lemon balm have a subtly sweet flavor and can be used in food preparation and medicine.
Is lemon balm citrus?
Lemon balm is a citrus-scented, aromatic herb. It is a perennial member of the Lamiaceae (formerly Labiatae), or mint, family and has proven benefit to the nervous system.
Is lemon balm a type of mint?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is an herb from the mint family. The leaves, which have a mild lemon aroma, are used to make medicine and flavor foods.
Is lemon balm addictive?
Although Melissa officinalis is preferred by many people as an alternative to pharmaceutical drugs, it should be noted and explained to patients that the herb may have a dependency risk and can lead to withdrawal symptoms when consumption is abruptly discontinued.
What are the side effects of drinking lemon balm tea?
Lemon balm has the potential to cause the following side effects:
- headache.
- painful urination.
- increased body temperature.
- nausea.
- vomiting.
- stomach pain.
- dizziness.
- wheezing.
Does lemon balm help you lose weight?
Lemon Balm Tea for Weight Loss
With that unfortunate truth out of the way, we can discuss what Lemon Balm Tea benefits can achieve. One animal-based study found that an extract of the plant can suppress fat tissue growth in mice and kill fat cells.
Does lemon balm tea make you sleepy?
It is not recommended to drink alcohol and use lemon balm as they are both sedatives (substances that cause sleepiness). 1 Please talk with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
Where can I buy wild lemon balm?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial herbaceous plant in the mint family and native to south-central Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, Iran, and Central Asia, but now naturalised elsewhere.
Lemon balm | |
---|---|
Genus: | Melissa |
Species: | M. officinalis |
Binomial name | |
Melissa officinalis L. |
Does lemon balm tea help you sleep?
Historically, lemon balm has been used as an antiviral and antibacterial medicine to treat infections and viruses. It also shows potential in helping restless sleepers16 at night. Drinking a cup of lemon balm tea at night may reduce symptoms associated with insomnia17.
What does lemon balm smell like?
The green leaves of lemon balm have the scent of lemon with a hint of mint, with leaves that look like oversized mint — no surprise, since lemon balm is part of the mint family.
Is lemon tea same as lemon balm?
Lemon balm tea is an herbal tea made from the plant known by the botanical name Melissa officinalis. The plant is also frequently called common balm and balm mint. Lemon balm has a long history of culinary use dating back to the times of the Ancient Greeks.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.