Meet Melissa
Melissa
Melissa Officinalis(Also known as Lemon Balm)
This lemon-scented herb belonging to the mint family is native to Europe, North Africa, and West Asia.
Lemon balm has traditionally been used to improve mood and cognitive function, but the potential benefits don’t stop there.
Tea made from Lemon balm is a popular natural remedy in Europe and other nations across the globe. This tea boasts a mild, smooth flavor with hints of lemon and mint. The delicious flavor is complemented by extensive health benefits that make this tea a go-to for many ailments. Lemon balm tea is easy to brew using freshly harvested leaves.
Lemon balm tea has been used to treat digestive disorders as well as to alleviate pain, including menstrual cramps and headaches. Lemon balm tea offers a mild calming effect, making it a great choice for people who suffer from sleep disorders or are looking for a bedtime tea.
*Avoid Lemon Balm if you have hyperthyroidism.
*If you are nursing or pregnant ask your doctor before you start using lemon balm.
FLAVOR PROFILE
Lemon balm tea is frequently under its official name, Melissa. The plant name comes from the Greek word meaning 'honey'. Lemon balm tea boasts a slightly sweet flavor with a hint of lemon. The tartness of lemon and sweetness of honey delivers a wonderful flavor while an herbal aroma rounds out finishing notes. Sweeten with a teaspoon of honey and a twist of lemon.
Infusions | Many tea recipes use dried herbs and hot water. This is because dried herbs are easier to extract than fresh herbs and hot water is generally a stronger extractor than cold water. Since we are using fresh herbs the rules change a bit.
Fresh Lemon Balm Tea | Cold Infusion Recipe
The cool water pulls out the beautiful fresh aromatics of the lemon balm herb, resulting in a very different taste than a hot infusion. This tea is cooling and delicious and perfect for a hot summer’s day. Delicious and soothing.
• 1 quart jar
• 2 stems of fresh cut lemon balm, muddled to release the oils.
• 1 quart of water
• 1 teaspoon raw honey (optional)
• Place stems of lemon balm in your quart jar and muddle to release their oils. Set aside.
• Fill jar with water, place lid on jar and put into the refrigerator overnight.
Dried Lemon Balm Tea | Hot Brew Recipe
• Heat 1 cup of water in the microwave or on the stove until boiling.
• Add the dried, chopped lemon balm leaves and water in a mug and allow to steep for 10 minutes.
• Stir in honey and strain. Drink hot or add ice.
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For Lemon Balm and Mint Digestif - add a sprig of mint to the hot infusion.
OTHER USES
You can certainly enjoy lemon balm fresh on salads, or in your favorite recipes, too.
Infuse sugar to add a bit of flavor to tea or coffee.
How we use lemon balm in our products:
At the farm we grow lemon balm for skincare. We distill it into pure hydrosol and package it in a spray bottle. It is wonderful for impure skins due to its antibacterial value.
We also make an herbal extract for use in our skin lightening products.
We distill Melissa for its exquisite essential oil.
Lemon balm (Melissa) essential oil is one of the most expensive essential oils. The essential oil is steam distilled from the flowering tops of the plant as well as the leaves and stems, although the upper parts of the plant yield the most oil. The primary reason for the high cost is due to the fact that the production costs are high and the yields are low – around 0.5ml of essential oil per kilo of lemon balm distilled.
A short list of the benefits of lemon balm essential oil, extracts and infusions (tea) are found here:
1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
The calming effect of lemon balm tea can help lower stress levels after even the toughest days.
2. It can help ease insomnia and other sleep disorders
Combining lemon balm with valerian may aid in relieving restlessness and sleep disorders such as insomnia.
3. It may help relieve indigestion | If you experience frequent abdominal pain and discomfort, lemon balm may have a positive effect on your digestion.
4. It can help treat nausea | Given its potential impact on your digestive system, lemon balm may also help relieve feelings of nausea.
5. It may help minimize menstrual cramps | There’s also research to suggest that lemon balm can be used to relieve menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
6. It may help ease headache pain | Lemon balm may also be useful in treating headaches, especially if they’re happening as a result of stress. Its relaxing properties can help you to unwind, release tension, and relax your muscles. It’s also though that ingesting the herb can help to open up and relax tight blood vessels, which can contribute to headaches.
7. Protects against heart and liver problems | Studies suggest that lemon balm essential oil has the ability to protect the heart and liver, in part by lowering high triglyceride and improving cholesterol synthesis in the liver.
