Refreshing Lemon Balm Tea: Health Benefits and Recipe
Refreshing Lemon Balm Tea: Health Benefits and Recipe
Lemon balm tea is herbal tea made from the dried leaves of lemon balm plant. Lemon Balm has been used by many cultures as a medicinal herb for thousands of years. It is native to southern Europe and western Asia.
From June to October, it produces small, whitish flowers that are a good source of nectar and pollen for bees. They are also edible.
Lemon balm has slightly rough, scoop-edged, hairy leaves that are a medium green color and smell strongly of lemon when rubbed.
Health Benefits of Lemon Balm Tea
- Lemon balm tea has been used to help with indigestion, including the feeling of bloating.
- It is believed to help the memory, lift spirits, and help combat depression.
- It is also antiviral and antibacterial and contains vitamin C.
To Make Lemon Balm Tea
1) Fill the kettle with fresh water. Bring the water to a boil, then pour some into your teacup or teapot to warm it up. Discard the water.
2) Put two pinches (about five leaves) of either fresh or dried lemon balm into a tea bag or teapot. Dried lemon balm may have a stronger taste than fresh.
3) Pour the boiled water (which should be between 176 to 185°F/80 to 85°C) over the tea. Cover with a lid and allow the tea to steep for three minutes.
5) Remove the tea bag or pour the tea from the teapot using a tea strainer. The tea has a delicious lemon flavor and a relaxing effect. Enjoy.