Yes, lemon balm is generally considered safe to eat raw. However, it’s important to make sure that the plants are free from contamination and have been grown in good conditions. Eating too much of it could potentially cause nausea, stomach cramps, headaches, and dizziness; however, most people can safely consume small amounts of raw lemon balm.
Some experts suggest that the herb should be consumed in moderation and not used for extended periods of time. Additionally, you should make sure to introduce it into your diet gradually, as some people may experience mild allergies.
It is also important to note that some medications may interact with lemon balm, so you should check with your healthcare provider before consuming it if you are taking any medication.
Can I eat lemon balm raw?
Yes, you can eat lemon balm raw. It has a sweet, lemony flavor that is often used as a flavoring in salads, desserts, and beverages. Many people also add lemon balm to teas and smoothies, or eat the leaves fresh out of the garden.
Lemon balm can also be dried and used in potpourris and herbal sachets. It is important to note that the plant contains terpenes which can be toxic in large doses, so it is best to start with small amounts when consuming it raw.
Additionally, lemon balm should be avoided by pregnant and nursing women and people with thyroid disease as it can interfere with their thyroid function.
How many lemon balm leaves can I eat?
How many lemon balm leaves you can eat depends on a few factors, such as your size and general health. There are no specific guidelines or recommendations on how many lemon balm leaves you can eat in one day.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) states that taking up to 2 to 4 grams of dried lemon balm leaves per day is likely safe for most people. To measure 2 to 4 grams of dried lemon balm leaves, it is roughly equivalent to 1 to 2 teaspoons of the dried leaves.
When consuming the fresh leaves, it is estimated that one should consume no more than 10 leaves per day. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid consuming lemon balm leaves due to their volatile nature.
If you have any concerns about consuming lemon balm leaves, it is important to consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first.
What is the way to ingest lemon balm?
Lemon balm is a herbal remedy that is known to have many health benefits, including stress relief and improved sleep. It can be ingested in a variety of ways, including brewing it as a tea, adding it to salads or smoothies, or making an extract or tincture.
Brewing Lemon Balm Tea
Brewing lemon balm tea is one of the most popular and easiest ways to ingest lemon balm. To make lemon balm tea, take one to two teaspoons of dried lemon balm leaves and place them in a cup. Fill the cup with boiling water and let it steep for around 10 minutes.
Once the tea has cooled, strain the leaves from the tea and drink. Herbal teas can be very calming, and the unique aroma of lemon balm tea helps to relax both body and mind.
Making a Lemon Balm Extract or Tincture
Extracts and tinctures are made by macerating herbs in either alcohol or glycerin. To make a lemon balm extract or tincture, take a handful of fresh lemon balm leaves and place them in a jar. Fill the jar with either vodka or glycerin and let it sit for 2-4 weeks.
The longer it sits, the stronger the extract or tincture will be. Once the extract or tincture is finished, strain the leaves and store the liquid in a dark-colored bottle. To ingest this remedy, take one teaspoon up to three times a day or as needed.
Adding to Salads and Smoothies
Lemon balm can also be added to salads and smoothies for a flavor boost. Use one teaspoon of fresh or dried leaves for added flavor. The unique lemony flavor will complement sweet or savory dishes. Adding fresh leaves to smoothies is also an easy way to add essential vitamins and minerals.
Lemon balm is an herbal remedy with numerous health benefits. No matter how it is ingested, the unique aroma and flavor of lemon balm can help one to relax and gain relief from stress.
Who should not drink lemon balm tea?
Anyone who is pregnant or nursing should not drink lemon balm tea, as the potential side effects in these populations are not known. Additionally, those with a known allergy to mint family herbs, such as rosemary and basil, should also avoid drinking lemon balm tea.
People who are taking medications which interact with herbs, such as anticoagulants like warfarin, or sedatives, or thyroid medications, or immunosuppressants should also avoid drinking lemon balm tea.
Lemon balm tea can interact with these medications and cause unwanted side effects. People on long-term antibiotic therapy should also avoid lemon balm tea, as the tea may interfere with the action of the antibiotics.
Finally, anyone taking herbal supplements or medications should talk to their doctor before drinking lemon balm tea to make sure there are no harmful interactions.
How long does it take to feel the effects of lemon balm?
The effects of lemon balm can vary from person to person. The amount of time it takes to feel the effects may also depend on how the supplement is used (e. g. , as a tea, tincture, extract, or oil). Generally, it is thought that lemon balm can take anywhere from 10 minutes to 2 hours to take effect.
In most cases, it is recommended to take lemon balm for at least two weeks to assess its effects. If taking lemon balm for anxiety, sleep, or stress, it helps to take it 30 minutes to one hour before bedtime.
For medicinal uses, lemon balm can be taken as an infusion (tea), in capsules, tinctures, as a topical cream, or even in a vaporizer. Taking lemon balm regularly may have more beneficial effects than using it sporadically.
What does lemon balm do to the brain?
Lemon balm has been found to have a positive effect on the brain, especially when it comes to reduced stress and anxiety. It has been researched for its anxiolytic and calming effects on the body, indicated by EEG studies that have observed increased alpha waves, known to promote relaxation and improve mood.
Lemon balm contains compounds called menthol and rosmarinic acid that can act on the GABA receptors, inducing a positive calming effect on the brain. Additionally, preliminary research has suggested that supplementation with lemon balm may boost cognitive function, with one study finding improved performance on tests of attention, speed, and accuracy in children with ADHD after taking lemon balm.
Lemon balm is thought to act as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from the damage of oxidation and offering additional benefits of better sleep and improved mood.
How much lemon balm is too much?
As with most supplements, it is important to follow the guidelines and directions on the product’s packaging. Generally, it is recommended to limit dosages of lemon balm to 1-2 grams of dried herb or 300-600mg of lemon balm extract per day divided into multiple doses.
Taking too much or exceeding the maximum recommended dosage could lead to negative side effects, such as headaches, nausea, digestive distress, dizziness and confusion. It is important to note that these doses are for adults and that children should use much lower dosages.
It is highly recommended to seek advice from a medical professional or qualified herbal practitioner before taking lemon balm in any form or dosage.
How much lemon balm should I take for anxiety?
The recommended dose for anxiety relief depends on the individual and the severity of their anxiety symptoms; however, most studies of lemon balm for anxiety relief have used doses of 300 to 900 mg daily, either as an extract or infused tea.
It is always best to start with a lower dose, such as 300 mg, and increase as needed. Additionally, it can be taken either continuously or as needed for an acute episode of anxiety. If taking it as a tea, you can use 0.
5-1. 5 teaspoons of dried lemon balm leaves per 1 cup of boiling water and steep for 10 minutes before straining. When taking lemon balm as a supplement, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider beforehand, as it may interact with certain medications.
What parts of lemon balm is edible?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is an edible herb that has a tart citrus flavor. It is a member of the mint family and is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. The entire plant is edible, including the leaves, stems, flowers and oil.
The leaves, which are the most commonly used part of the herb, can be eaten fresh or dried, and can also be used to make teas, soups and other dishes. The leaves range in flavor from slightly lemony to strongly lemony, depending on their age and how they are prepared.
The leaves can also be chopped and added to salads, soups and other dishes, or used as a garnish. The stems may also be used in soups and other dishes, although they are generally not eaten fresh. The flowers may be used for garnishes and for making syrups or as a flavoring for beverages.
The essential oil can be used as a flavoring in certain dishes, although it is very strong and should be used sparingly.
Can lemon balm cause hypothyroidism?
No, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that consuming lemon balm could cause hypothyroidism. Lemon balm is a herb that has traditionally been used to reduce anxiety, boost cognitive function, improve sleep quality, and reduce inflammation.
Although it is believed that lemon balm could support thyroid health due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, more scientific research is needed to confirm these findings. While it has not been found to cause hypothyroidism, excessive consumption of lemon balm could lead to negative interactions with medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor before adding it to your diet.
What can I do with dried lemon balm?
Dried lemon balm is a versatile herb with a myriad of uses in the kitchen. It has a mild lemon flavor that lends itself well to both sweet and savory recipes. It can be used in teas, salads, soups, stews, baked goods, marinades, and more.
It is especially popular in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking.
In tea, dried lemon balm can help ease tension and lift spirits. Simply add two tablespoons of dried lemon balm into a tea infuser and steep in hot water for 5-10 minutes. To jazz up the flavor, consider adding a few slices of fresh ginger, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a squeeze of honey.
In savory dishes, lemon balm can be used to give an added layer of flavor to a dish. Add 2-3 teaspoons of dried lemon balm to a soup or stew base for a nice complexity without overwhelming the dish. Consider also adding a few sprigs of lemon balm to a marinade for grilled vegetables or tossing a handful of lemon balm into salads for a refreshing flavor.
In baked goods, dried lemon balm adds a nice zesty flavor and delicate aroma. Try adding 1 teaspoon of dried lemon balm to muffin, scone, or cookie recipes for a light, citrusy zing. It can also be used to make a flavorful syrup that can be poured over pancakes, waffles, and French toast.
No matter how it’s used, dried lemon balm is sure to add a distinct flavor to your favorite recipes!
Should you pinch lemon balm?
No, you should not pinch lemon balm. The plant should be cut instead. If the plant grows too large and gets unruly, pruning is likely the best option. If the lemon balm is in a container and is growing too large, it can be cut back.
To prune the plant properly, use sharp snips and cut back the stems to the desired height. The lemon balm should be pruned only when the plant is actively growing, typically in the spring and summer months.
Pinching the plant can result in damage to the stems and reduce the potential for new growth.
Will lemon balm grow back after cutting?
Yes, lemon balm is a perennial herb and will usually come back season after season, even after cutting. With proper care, the lemon balm plants will regenerate and grow back in the same place from which it was cut.
However, it is important to note that lemon balm prefers soil that is moist, rich in organic matter, and well-drained. Therefore, if you are cutting lemon balm, make sure that you choose a spot in the garden where they will get plenty of sunlight, and water regularly.
Additionally, if the lemon balm is cut back too severely, it may take a few seasons before the lemon balm starts to regrow, so it is important to make sure that you do not cut off too much of the foliage and leave enough of the stem for regrowth.
Is eating lemon balm good for you?
Yes, eating lemon balm is good for you. Lemon balm is an herb that comes from the mint family, and it has a variety of benefits for your body and overall health. One benefit is that it has calming properties, which can be very helpful for relieving stress and anxiety.
Additionally, lemon balm contains high amounts of antioxidants, which help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals and other environmental factors. Studies have also shown that consuming lemon balm can help promote healthy digestion and reduce symptoms of nausea.
Additionally, research indicates that adding lemon balm to your diet can help improve your immune system, possibly even helping to prevent certain infections and illnesses. All in all, overall eating lemon balm can be very good for your health.
