L Theanine and Lemon Balm… Do They Actually Work?
The good news is yes! They may help with weight loss!
The bad news is… it might not be what you think.
Like many health-related questions, it really depends. What works for one person might not give the same results for another. On the flip side, this little plant has some unique properties that could give you a helpful boost in feeling relaxed and focused, which can make sticking to your weight loss goals a little easier!
Best part? We’ll be sharing some unique tea recipes you might not have seen before. You’ll learn 5 quick ways to customize your lemon balm recipe for weight loss, which might make sticking to your diet much easier.
The Melissa Lemon Balm Plant
Bees love it.
In fact, Melissa officinalis means “honeybee” in Greek, and bees are naturally attracted to the plant’s citrusy fragrance. But other than insects, humans have also cherished lemon balm plants for over 2,000 years, with Greeks & Romans using it in everything from treating wounds, to making tinctures… and even perfume!
Lemon balm essential oil is also a thing – it carries all the calming and soothing properties of the plant. And it can be used in aromatherapy or added to skincare products for a nice refreshing boost, especially when mixed with cold-pressed oils.
As you can tell, the whole plant has a ton of different uses… except for lemon balm seeds, eating those on their own feels kinda bland since they don’t have a great texture! So we recommend sticking to tea & infusions.
Which leads us to the next point…
How to Make Lemon Balm Tea
If you’re wondering how to make tea from lemon balm, there are actually a few different ways to do it depending on how you like your tea.
Simple Lemon Balm Tea Recipe
These are the essentials you’ll need:
What you’ll need:
• We recommend going for two to three teaspoons of dried lemon balm leaf.
Tip: if you prefer fresh ones instead, you can use a single tablespoon instead.
• One cup of boiling water – around 240 ml or 8 ounces.
• If you want, you can add honey or lemon. We’ll be sharing other ways to give it unique aftertastes below.
How to do it:
1. Heat the water until it reaches a boil, then remove it from the heat. Boiling water for too long can affect the flavor.
2. If you’re using dried leaves, put them in a teapot or heat proof container. If you’re using fresh leaves, tear them a little bit to release the aroma.
3. Gently pour the water over the leaves and let them steep for about 5 to 10 minutes.
Tip: you can leave it longer if you want. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor. Also, if you used dried leaves, remember to strain the tea to remove any particles.
4. The last and most important step: enjoy!
You now know how to make a rather basic tea with lemon balm.
But why stop there?
You have a lot of options to customize the taste to your liking. We’ll now share with you some fancier UK recipes you can follow to make your lemon balm drink a little more creative.
Make it Sweet With…
A spoonful of honey or stevia powder.
They’ll add a nice sweetness that goes perfectly with the lemon balm plant tea. The good thing about stevia is that it’s calorie-free, so you get all the sweetness without any sugar crash.
Make it Spicy With…
A couple slices of cinnamon or ginger.
Fun fact: cinnamon has been used for over 5,000 years! In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it’s believed to be a “warming herb” that helps improve circulation (it’s also super low cal!)
Make it Earthy With…
Earthy tastes are more grounded & rustic.
When you add hemp seeds to the mix, you’ll give it a deeper aftertaste. As a plus, hemp seeds may help suppress hunger thanks to their high fiber content.
Make it Zesty With…
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
If you want that extra zest, add some shavings of lemon or orange. This gives it a nice tangy flavor that helps wake you up and gives you an energy boost before a jog.
Make it Herbal With…
Another great lemon balm tea recipe involves adding a bit of chamomile or lavender.
Both plants can give you a calming & soothing vibe that pairs perfectly with the Melissa herb. Most importantly: they help manage stress which makes it easier to stick to a healthy diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does lemon balm really help with weight loss?
Yes, but indirectly.
It can help manage stress and improve digestion, which can indirectly support your weight loss journey.
What happens if you eat lemon balm leaves without boiling?
Nothing.
Except you might not get all the benefits since boiling helps release the good stuff inside. We recommend preparing it properly.
Is it safe to drink lemon balm tea everyday?
Yes.
Drinking lemon balm tea every day is fine for most people if you prepare it the right way. In fact, since it contains a rich flavonoid content, it may improve sleep, and even boost your mood naturally.
Note: if you love your tea and you’re in the UK, we recommend keeping a couple extra packets as backup due to recent tea shortages.
Who should avoid lemon balm?
Melissa is safe for everyone.
That being said, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid it since there isn’t enough research to confirm it’s completely safe for them.
Why does lemon balm tincture make me sleepy?
Because of the natural compounds that interact with your central nervous system.
The sleepy feeling comes from Melissa’s ability to calm your nervous system and help you unwind. This means you can enjoy a nice lemon balm drink for weight loss while also calming your mind & boosting your metabolism.
What are the spiritual properties of lemon balm?
Historically, it was associated with healing and love.
Many believe it has the power to attract positive energy and it’s used to promote a sense of peace & clarity. Some UK Wiccan groups believe it can be used to enhance meditation and bring calm during stressful times.
What does lemon balm do to your kidneys?
It may help support them.
Lemon balm can act as a natural diuretic, which means it might help your body get rid of extra fluids.
Can I rub the leaves on my skin or face?
Yes, but do a patch test first to be safe.
Just like body scrubs, the Melissa plant can have a soothing effect on your skin, but make sure you’re not allergic or sensitive to it before using it too much.
