Lemon Balm It is a mint family herb, but as the name suggests, it has a lemony scent instead of mint. Lemon balm has many healthy benefits, such as helping with digestion, but it is not necessarily a weight loss aid. However, adding lemon balm tea to your diet is a great way to manage your overall well-being and maintain a healthy weight.
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What is Lemon Balm?
As the name suggests, the lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) It has lemon-scented leaves, but is a member of the Mint family. It contains several essential oils and compounds, such as geranial and nerral, which are precursors of the industrial production of vitamins A, vitamin E and vitamin K.
Lemon balm is native to southern Europe and Central Asia, but is now commonly found all over the world. Lemon balm leaves and essential oils are widely used in medicines, foods, perfumes and supplements. Young lemon balm leaves can even be eaten raw.
Common uses of lemon balm
Lemon balm has many uses, but here are some of the most common ways to use plants and their extracts.
- Herbal tea – Fresh lemon balm leaves are used to make soothing lemon herbal tea.
- Cooking use – Fresh leaves are added for flavors to salads, marinades, sauces and desserts.
- Aromatherapy – Lemon Balm essential oils are often used in aromatherapy for their calming aroma.
- Sleep assistance – Lemon balm tea or tincture promotes relaxation and better sleep.
- Stress relief – Lemon balm can be consumed as a tea or supplement that helps reduce anxiety and stress.
- Insect repellent – You can rub the crushed lemon balm leaves against the skin to repel mosquitoes.
- Digestive device – One of the most advertised uses of lemon balm is as a digestive device. It can relieve indigestion, bloating, and gas.
- skin care – Lemon balm can be added to your homemade balm, lotion, or bath due to its soothing properties.
- Drink flavorings – Lemon balm leaves are infused with plenty of water, lemonade, cocktails or other drinks.
- Honey injection – Lemon balm produces honey injections for cooking or medicinal use while still soaking in honey.
- Herb pillows and bags – Dried lemon balm leaves can be used in bags or pillows for a calming fragrance.
- Herbal therapy – Lemon balm is often used in traditional medicines to relieve mild pain and boost mood.
How Lemon Balm Tea Helps You Lose Weight
There are many claims that lemon balm tea is an effective weight loss aid, but there is no strong research to support such claims. However, lemon balm tea has many health benefits that can lead to a healthy weight and an overall healthy lifestyle. Some of the health benefits of lemon balm tea are:
Supports digestion
Lemon balm tea is a great way to naturally calm your bloating. Herbs help relieve gastrointestinal pain and provide relief. When making tea to aid digestion issues, it is best to combine lemon balm with ginger or mint.
Keep your gut healthy
One way to maintain a healthy weight is to ensure that your gut microbiota is healthy. Lemon balm contains useful compounds such as tannins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, which help to reduce intestinal inflammation. Additionally, lemon balm tea has prebiotic properties, which help to strengthen good gut bacteria.
Relieves stress and improves sleep
Many people enjoy lemon balm tea before bed because of its stress-relieving benefits. Lemon balm tea has a calming effect and lowers cortisol levels. Low levels of cortisol not only improve sleep quality, but also create healthier weight. One study suggests that drinking lemon balm tea helps people feel depressed and anxious than those who took a placebo. Lemon balm tea should not be an anti-anxiety or antidepressant alternative, but adding it to your overall health routine is not harmful.
Blood glucose and lipid control
Lemon Balm compounds may help regulate blood glucose levels and improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Lemon balm contains a compound called triterpenes. Maintaining balanced blood sugar can lead to weight loss.
Lemon balm tea can also help lower bad cholesterol (low density lipoprotein (LDL). Having healthier cholesterol levels is another way to indirectly lose weight.
As you can see, lemon balm tea is not a miraculous weight loss aid, but it has many health benefits that can lead to healthy weight as part of a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Easy Lemon Balm Tea Recipe
material:
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1-2 tablespoons (or 1 teaspoon of dried lemon balm leaves)
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1 cup (8 oz) of hot water
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Optional: Honey, lemon, or mint for flavor
Manual:
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Rinse the leaves
If you are using fresh lemon balm, gently rinse the leaves under cold water to remove any dirt. -
Prepare the leaves
It chopped or tear the fresh leaves slightly to release more natural oils. If you use dried lemon balm, you’re ready! -
Sudden
Place the leaves in a tea infurnisher, teapot, or mug. Pour water over the leaves (but not boiling). -
Cover, steep for 5-10 minutes
Cover the cup or teapot while soaking to prevent the essential oil from escaping. The longer you soak, the stronger the flavor. -
I’m nervous and serve
Remove the leaves or make the tea tense. Add honey, lemon slices or fresh mint if necessary. -
Enjoy warm or ice cream
Shit warmly for a relaxing moment and chill for a refreshing herbal iced tea.
Potential Side Effects and Prevention
Lemon balm tea is generally safe for most people, but there are some side effects you should know.
1. Drowsiness and fatigue
Lemon balm has calming properties, which can cause drowsiness, especially when consumed in large quantities or along with other sedatives. If you don’t know how it will affect you, it’s best to avoid drinking before you drive or do tasks that need to be focused on.
2. Digestive upset
Lemon balm is often used to relieve digestion, but some people may experience mild symptoms, such as:
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nausea
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Static convulsions
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Bloody
These are rare and are usually linked to overuse or individual susceptibility.
3. Allergic reactions
Although rare, it can lead to an allergic reaction. Be aware of the following signs:
Be careful if you have an allergic reaction to other plants in the Mint family (such as peppermint or basil).
4. Interactions with drugs
Lemon Balmmay Conversing with specific drugsinclude:
Always check with your healthcare provider if you are taking medication, especially if you plan to take lemon balm tea regularly.
5. Low awakening
Lemon balm has a calming effect on the nervous system, and can slightly reduce the awakening or reaction time for some people.
6. Hormonal effects (rare but possible)
Several early studies suggest that lemon balm can have a mild effect on thyroid function. If you have thyroid disorders (particularly hypothyroidism), consult your doctor before consistently using lemon balm.
Final Thoughts
Lemon balm tea is probably not the magical weight loss aid you’ve been looking for, but many of its health benefits can indirectly lead to a healthy weight. Lemon balm tea is a great way to naturally relieve stress, improve sleep and help indigestion. Adding lemon balm tea to a balanced diet and regular exercise can help improve your overall health.
