Lemon Balm Tea Benefits & Side Effects

Famously dubbed the “calming herb”, Lemon Balm Tea benefits the mind, body and soul in a multitude of ways. Drink it once, and you’ll receive sweet, citrusy, herbaceous flavours that never cease in pleasing the palate. Enjoy it on a frequent basis, and you’ll get its remarkable medicinal abilities. This is what we’ll be exploring in the following article. Please keep reading to learn more. 

After you’ve discovered its potential - from its history as the elixir of life to its scientifically proven role in alleviating anxiety - you’ll want to try it for yourself. Look no further than The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company, where, since our founding forty years ago, we’ve packed everything fresh to order. Doing so ensures not only quality but also consistency with every cuppa brewed.

Lemon Balm Tea Nutrition Facts

The story of Lemon Balm Tea benefits starts with its vitamins, minerals and other antioxidants. These constituents work on a molecular level to reduce the risk of countless ailments. Antioxidants in Tea, in particular, neutralise free radicals in the body, thereby slowing oxidative stress and lowering the chances of type-2 diabetes, heart disease and even cancer. Here are some of the compounds within the leaves: 

Lemon Balm Tea Properties

Rosmarinic Acid	Caffeic Acid	Chlorogenic Acid
Vitamin D	Manganese	Theanine
Luteolin	Apigenin	ß-caryophyllene
Citronellal	Geraniol	Citronellol
Linalool	Monoterpene	Glycosides

Lemon Balm Tea Benefits

Ancient physicians Pliny the Elder (23-79 CE) and Dioscorides (c. 40 - c. 90 CE) recorded the benefits of drinking Lemon Balm Tea millennia ago. The Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne (742-814 CE) later proclaimed that it be grown in monasteries, where it was used to treat wounds and the plague. In the 17th century, the English botanist Nicholas Culpepper (1616-1654) also recommended it. 

Times have since changed. But what remains the same is the potential for Lemon Balm Tea to improve life in small yet significant ways. Whether fighting cold and flu symptoms, aiding digestion or lowering blood pressure, we now have the scientific research to back the claims. We will be highlighting the evidence in the rest of our article, enabling you to see for yourself what it can achieve.

1. Lemon Balm Tea for Colds and the Flu

The expansive network of cells, organs, proteins and tissues that make up your immune system needs little help protecting you from pathogens. Still, there will always be occasions where the likes of viruses, parasites and harmful bacteria evade your defences, and so cause minor illnesses. It turns out that consuming Lemon Balm Tea for flu symptoms could serve you well in such moments.

According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of Virus Disease, Lemon Balm Tea inhibits flu (influenza) virus replication. Interestingly, its capacity to prevent symptoms at various phases of the infection indicates that it can stop the flu in its tracks once contracted. A second 2016 study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease likewise showed that it induced the death of viral cells.

2. Lemon Balm Tea for Upset Stomach and Nausea

Indigestion can refer to pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen (dyspepsia) or oesophagus in the form of heartburn (acid reflux). According to a 2010 study published in the Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents, Lemon Balm Tea served in a cold dessert can help. Participants ate a sorbet - both with and without the Tea - resulting in the herb-filled variety decreasing symptoms and intensity. 

Furthermore, a 2005 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy found that the Lemon Balm Tea prevented nausea. It should nevertheless be recognised that the infusion was utilised alongside other herbs in most of these studies. Perhaps the best options, then, are the renowned digestive aids such as Green, Peppermint, Fennel, Ginger, Pu erh and Rooibos Tea.

3. Lemon Balm Tea Skin Benefits

Did you know that your skin is the body’s largest organ? And like any other organ - be it your heart, liver or kidneys - it requires plenty of care and attention to ensure its health and vitality. However, countless blemishes can get in the way of your skincare goals, one of the most notorious of which is acne. This condition occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. 

Acne is easily recognisable by a breakout in whiteheads, blackheads or pimples across the face, forehead, chest, upper back or shoulders. Contrary to popular belief, it appears not only in teenagers but people of all ages. Enter Lemon Balm Tea benefits. Early evidence points to its topical use (i.e. applying it to the skin) reducing inflammation and, as a result, decreasing the intensity of acne blemishes.

4. Lemon Balm Tea for Shingles

Shingles is a condition caused by the chickenpox virus. After you’ve had chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in your system and may eventually reactivate as shingles. The primary symptoms associated with it are painful and blotchy rashes on the skin and around the eyes. Doctors and medical professionals can prescribe medicine to counter its effects. Another option is the health benefits of Lemon Balm Tea.

Topical application seems to serve a purpose because of the Tea’s potent anti-inflammatory properties. Preliminary research (emphasis on “preliminary”), complemented by anecdotal reports, has supported its use. Nevertheless, despite these potentially promising findings, The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company does not yet endorse Lemon Balm Tea for shingles until more evidence surfaces.

5. Does Lemon Balm Tea Help Cold Sores?

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). They’re contagious while present on the skin and can be irritating or even painful until they heal. The most widespread treatments are over-the-counter and prescription antiviral creams and patches. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to venture down the herbal remedy route, there is the choice of Lemon Balm Tea for cold sores.

An admittedly outdated scientific study dating from 1994 demonstrated that the Herbal Tea assists in protecting against herpes. The same research established that it treats cold sores in their early stages, as well as reduces the healing time and symptoms for those fully developed. Volunteers in a 1999 study experienced a similar reduction in cold sores after topical application four times daily for five days.

6. Does Lemon Balm Tea Help Anxiety?

Finally, we arrive at the most famous health benefit of them all: Is Lemon Balm Tea good for anxiety? The answers come from a 2014 study published in the Journal of Nutrients. Eighteen healthy participants received two separate single doses of Tea extract (300-mg; 600-mg) and a placebo on different days. This was followed by a 7-day washout period to examine laboratory-induced psychological stress. 

The results showed that the 600-mg dose improved adverse mood effects of stress. Researchers also observed a significant increase in the speed of mathematical processing, with no reduction in accuracy, with the 300-mg dose. Another study measuring the anti-stress effects of Lemon Balm-containing foods had similar findings. People don’t call it the “calming herb” for nothing.

7. Does Lemon Balm Tea Help You Sleep?

About a third of Britain’s population has experienced insomnia, a common disorder best characterised as a chronic inability to sleep. Even those who do manage to drift off typically struggle to stay asleep for long or wake up too early. Despite the prevalence of over-the-counter medication, numerous types of Herbal Tea have become an increasingly popular method of alleviating insomnia. 

According to a 2006 study involving 918 children volunteers, a blend of Lemon Balm and Valerian Tea could reduce sleeping problems by 80% and restlessness by 70%. The reason appears to be the chemical compounds found in the blend, which could naturally increase gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) and dopamine in the body. Whether the same rules apply to adults hasn’t been verified, but it seems likely.

8. Lemon Balm Tea for Brain Function

Throughout history, experts in their field have heralded Lemon Balm Tea benefits for enhancing cognitive function. In 1696, the London Dispensary published a piece explaining that “an essence of Balm, given in Canary wine, every morning will renew youth, strengthen the brain, relieve languishing nature and prevent baldness”. That’s quite a tall order. But is there any concrete proof?

Research from Northumbria University found that participants given Lemon Balm capsules were significantly better at standardised computer memory tests than those who received a placebo. Another study established that volunteers taking the Tea experienced an increase in their speed of mathematical processing. Some even believe it could play a part in treating Alzheimer’s disease.

9. Lemon Balm Tea for Weight Loss

There is no fix-all solution to losing weight, no simple shortcut to fitting into your favourite pair of trousers again. Despite online media outlets touting Herbal Tea for dropping pounds - which, in many cases, it can - it isn’t going to do all of the work for you. You’ll need to eat well and frequently exercise to see dramatic changes, so don’t give up those morning jogs or evening salads just yet. 

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. Anecdotal evidence goes further still to suggest that it boosts the metabolism of fat cells, enabling the body to burn fat quicker and more efficiently. A better choice is probably Green Tea.

10. Lemon Balm Tea for Blood Pressure

A quick recap of Lemon Balm Tea benefits and side effects so far: Our article has showcased evidence for it boosting immunity, aiding digestion and improving skin health. There have likewise been documented cases of it preventing cold sores, shingles, anxiety attacks, insomnia, cognitive decline and weight gain. We next move on to the frequent consumption of Lemon Balm Tea for blood pressure (hypertension). 

High blood pressure affects more than 25% of adults in the UK. When left unchecked, it can increase the risk of heart disease and strokes, among other life-threatening conditions. Meanwhile, since Lemon Balm Tea has calmative properties capable of reducing anxiety, it lowers blood pressure as well. Its antioxidants, too, play a role - as does its reported ability to improve blood circulation in general.

Is Lemon Balm Tea a Diuretic?

A diuretic is something that promotes urine formation. Unpleasant though it might sound on the surface, enabling certain individuals to excrete excess water has its value. It can, for example, help someone lower blood pressure. What’s more, people suffering from heart failure, swollen tissues or kidney disease are often prescribed diuretics (also called water pills) to treat these conditions. 

Is Lemon Balm Tea a diuretic? It’s debatable. Some online outlets have alluded to it being the case - without providing evidence. No known studies have examined the notion, nor have health professionals ever recommended it for its diuretic activity. Consider infusions like Dandelion Leaf Tea and Milk Thistle Tea instead. Other possibilities include Black, Peppermint, Nettle Leaf Tea, Ginger or Rooibos.

Is Lemon Balm Tea Acidic?

A common misconception is that acid-forming products and products with acidic pH are the same things. The former is an item that promotes acidity in the body. The latter is what we’ll be focusing on here. Acidic pH refers to a measure of acidity; the higher the value, the less acid in the food or drink. Take dairy milk, which has a pH level between 6.5 and 6.7, making it alkaline. 

Lemon juice, in contrast, has a pH value of about two and, therefore, is acidic in nature. Surely, then, Lemon Balm Tea should be equally acidic? This is another common misconception, as the Herbal Tea you’ve chosen is not, in fact, related to the citrus fruit of the same name. Indeed, based on reports, it has a pH level of about 8.0 once digested, and so, similar to dairy milk, it is alkaline.

Lemon Balm Tea Side Effects

That’s everything good about your cuppa covered - and, may we add, there’s plenty to be pleased about. Sady, however, we must likewise address a question we’ve been asked by many people before: Does Lemon Balm Tea have side effects? Unfortunately, yes. Potential issues include headaches, painful urination, increased body temperature, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness and wheezing. 

Additionally, there is a chance that it might lower blood sugar levels in those living with diabetes, as well as cause drowsiness when combined with medications. Perhaps most essential to recognise is that there have been concerns that it might reduce thyroid hormone levels and interfere with thyroid hormone-replacement therapy. But is Lemon Balm Tea safe during pregnancy?

Lemon Balm Tea and Pregnancy?

Can you drink Lemon Balm Tea while pregnant? It could depend on your perspective. There is a risk, of course, with any Herbal Tea. This is especially the case with Vervain, Thyme, Sage and Liquorice Root Tea, all of which have been associated with complications in expecting mothers. Even Raspberry Leaf Tea, an infusion known for its pregnancy benefits, should only be consumed in the third trimester. 

The reality is that there is little in the way of evidence either for or against Lemon Balm Tea benefits when you’re pregnant. The American Pregnancy Association lists it as “likely safe” when drunk in moderation, although it is sometimes worth erring on the side of caution. The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company would urge you to consult a doctor or midwife for expert advice.

Summary

A delight to the taste buds and health, Lemon Balm Tea benefits are far-reaching. Be sure to put on the kettle and brew for minor illnesses, indigestion, acne, shingles, cold sores, anxiety, sleep, cognitive function, weight loss, blood pressure and more.

Be aware, too, that it could come with side effects. But the positives almost certainly outweigh the negatives. Why not buy it from our vast range today?

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