This collection of more than 20 lemon balm recipes uses fresh leaves, from lemon balm tea, salad vinaigrette, lemonade or syrup to lip balm for cold sores.
Learn different ways to use lemon balm in your kitchen or pharmacy, with fresh or dried leaves. This relaxing and calming herb that smells like lemon has calming properties and can be used in cooking, baking and herbal remedies.
What is lemon balm?
Every time I’m in the backyard, it excites my senses with its lemon flavor and scent, which attract honeybees. The Latin name, Melissa, means ‘honey bee’ and was planted around beehives in ancient times to encourage bees to be happy and stay together.
Known as Melissa officinalisthe lEmon balsam is an easy to grow perennial herb. with many medicinal benefits.
Paracelsus called the lemon balm plant the ‘elixir of life’. It has been used for thousands of years to improve mood and relieve anxiety and insomnia.
But the medicinal benefits don’t stop there. This member of the mint family can relieve pain and discomfort from indigestion or help with menstrual cramps.
Like mint, lemon balm comes from the same Lamiacea family, and they are both similar but different herbs.
Health benefits of lemon balm
Lemon balm is valued for its calming properties and ability to do just that promote better sleep And reduce stress and anxiety.
In addition, this lemon-scented herb facilitates digestion and bloating, relieves pain and also helps with menstrual cramps.
Moreover, some studies have shown that lemon balm can increase feelings of well-being, happiness and alertness.
You can even apply lemon balm topically at the first sign of diabetes cold sore.
Recipes for lemon balm
If you’ve ever planted lemon balm, you know how quickly a small plant can spread throughout your garden!
Fortunately, lemon balm is very useful, and today I’m sharing more than twenty ways to use this plant.
Note: If you are pregnant, nursing, or have health problems, consult a healthcare provider before using lemon balm as a medication. I am not a licensed physician and this post is not intended to diagnose or treat but is for informational purposes only.
1. Lemon balm tea
The easiest way to enjoy the calming properties of lemon balm is to make lemon balm tea. You can make this caffeine-free tea from fresh or dried herbs, which will help reduce anxiety and improve sleep. Pour the tea into the pot with the teaspoon of honey and add lemon juice or ginger for extra flavor.
2. Lemon balm pesto
Pesto is a fresh and aromatic spread that is easy to make. Mix lemon balm leaves with olive oil, garlic, nuts and cheese for a flavorful pesto that boosts your immune system and adds a citrus flavor to pasta, pizza or toast.
3. Smoothie with lemon balm
Mix a Lemon Balm Smoothie for a refreshing and healthy start to your day. It eases digestion and improves your mood.
4. Lemon Balm Simple Syrup
To make Simple syrup is an easy way to add a touch of sweetness and a calming effect to your drinks. Simmer the lemon balm leaves with sugar and water. Bring to a boil until the sugar has dissolved to create a versatile lemon balm syrup to sweeten your cocktails, teas and desserts. I use it the same way I use infused honey to sweeten my tea.
5. Lemon balm, ginger and cold syrup
This syrup is made by combining the lemon balm simple syrup above with ginger for additional antiviral properties.
6. Lemonade
Lemon balm also makes delicious lemonades or iced tea. This summer’s favorite Sweet and refreshing lemonade The recipe is delicious and makes excellent use of a few lemons and lemon balm.
7. Lemon Balm Iced Tea
Lemon balm is tasty Icetea.
While lemon balm adds a citrusy flavor, you can also try mint, basil or lavender for a twist.
8. Raspberry-lemon balm bush
This refreshing drink is perfect for summer and helps with digestion. Combine raspberries, lemon balm, vinegar and sugar make a bush which aids digestion and adds a wonderful sourness to drinks.
9. Lemon Balm Salsa Verde
this is a great way to enrich grilled meat or fish. Mix lemon balm leaves with garlic, olive oil and herbs for a vibrant sauce that supports digestion and adds a fresh, zesty flavor.
10. Vinaigrette
You can whip in the same way lemon balm vinaigrette, which adds a citrusy flavor to any summer salad. I like to use it in cucumber salads or use it with fish dishes with freshly ground pepper. You can also use other herbs, such as rosemary or thyme.
11. Lemon Balm Pasta with Shrimp
To combine pesto with pasta and shrimps for a delicious and quick meal that combines protein with the digestive benefits of lemon balm.
Lemon balm is a versatile herb that adds a unique twist to sweets.
12. Lemon Balm Cookies
This cookies with poppy seeds are a tasty treat with calming and stress-relieving properties.
13. Lemon Balm Bundle Cake
You can whip in the same way Lemon Balm Bundt Cake for a delicious snack that also has a soothing effect.
14. Blueberry and lemon balm ice cream
There are no limits to the imagination, so why not add lemon balm to ice cream to cool down on a hot day? Add the lemon balm flavor homemade blueberry ice cream gives your treat a fresh, unique taste.
Ways to use lemon balm in remedies
15. Lemon Balm Oil
Soothing lemon balm oil and balm hydrate and promote skin healing. Due to their antiviral properties, lemon balm can help with cold sores.
16. Lemon balm lip balm
Once you have the lemon balm oil, you can easily mix it with beeswax and other nourishing oils such as coconut or almond oil. Then pour the mixture into lip balm containers and let it cool and solidify. This homemade lip balm not only keeps your lips moisturized, but also works wonders for cold sores, thanks to the antiviral properties of lemon balm.
17. Lemon balm ointment
This ointment Made from lemon balm leaves, beeswax and carrier oils, it’s ideal for summer walks, when you encounter a nasty scratch. It soothes skin irritations, insect bites and minor cuts and scrapes.
18. Lemon balm soap
To make Lemon balm soapUse the lemon balm oil extracted from the leaves of lemon balm. This herbal soap is cleansing and also offers skin-softening benefits.
19. Lemon balm tincture
This lemon balm tincture is an easy way to harness the calming properties of this herb. Soak lemon balm leaves in alcohol to create a concentrated liquid that helps reduce stress and promote emotional balance. You can use either dried or fresh lemon balm leaves for the tincture, which you strain through a sieve after two weeks of maceration.
20. Lemon Balm Hair Rinse
Take a jug or pot and fill it with water for a while Lemon balm hair rinse. Add freshly picked lemon balm leaves to the container and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Then strain the mixture and use the infused water as a final rinse after washing your hair. It makes your hair smell fresh and look shiny.
21. Mosquito repellent
This lemon balm mosquito repellent is a homemade herbal formula that naturally keeps bugs, insects and mosquitoes away. While people love the lemony taste and aroma and often use fresh herbs in perfumes, mosquitoes hate it, making lemon balm a perfect addition to our daily mosquito repellent.
22. Relaxing bath
Create a relaxing bath by filling a bath bag with lemon balm leaves and rose petals to soothe your skin and calm your mind.
You can also hang the bath bag on the tap and let the water run while the bath fills, for a fragrant and relaxing bathing experience.
For even more relaxation, you can also throw a cup of Epsom salt in the bath to relieve muscle tension.