How to Use Lemon Balm (3 Recipes!)
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a versatile herb known for its pleasant lemony scent and various health benefits. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its calming effects and ability to promote relaxation, aid digestion, and support overall well-being. Here are three delightful recipes to help you incorporate lemon balm into your daily routine.
1. Lemon Balm Tea
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of fresh lemon balm leaves (or 2 tablespoons of dried leaves)
- 2 cups of boiling water
- Honey or lemon (optional, for taste)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Lemon Balm: If using fresh lemon balm, rinse the leaves thoroughly and pat them dry. Tear or chop the leaves to release their essential oils.
- Steep the Leaves: Place the fresh or dried lemon balm leaves in a teapot or a heatproof container. Pour the boiling water over the leaves.
- Cover and Steep: Cover the teapot or container and let the leaves steep for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the tea to remove the leaves. Add honey or lemon if desired. Enjoy your soothing lemon balm tea hot or cold.
2. Lemon Balm Infused Honey
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of fresh lemon balm leaves
- 1 cup of raw honey
- A clean, dry jar with a tight-fitting lid
Instructions:
- Prepare the Lemon Balm: Rinse the fresh lemon balm leaves and let them dry completely. Chop the leaves slightly to release their essential oils.
- Combine with Honey: Place the chopped lemon balm leaves in the jar. Pour the raw honey over the leaves, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Infuse the Honey: Seal the jar tightly and place it in a warm spot, such as a sunny windowsill. Let it infuse for 1-2 weeks, shaking the jar gently every few days.
- Strain and Store: After the infusion period, strain the honey to remove the leaves. Store the lemon balm-infused honey in a clean jar. Use it to sweeten tea, spread on toast, or drizzle over yogurt.
3. Lemon Balm and Strawberry Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1/2 cup of fresh lemon balm leaves
- 1 banana
- 1 cup of almond milk (or your preferred milk)
- 1 tablespoon of honey (optional)
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse the fresh strawberries and lemon balm leaves. Hull the strawberries and roughly chop the lemon balm leaves.
- Blend the Ingredients: In a blender, combine the strawberries, lemon balm leaves, banana, and almond milk. Add honey for extra sweetness if desired.
- Add Ice: If you prefer a colder, thicker smoothie, add a few ice cubes to the blender.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary.
- Serve Immediately: Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy it immediately for a refreshing and nutritious treat.
Conclusion
Lemon balm is a delightful and beneficial herb that can easily be incorporated into your diet through various recipes. Whether you enjoy it as a calming tea, a sweet-infused honey, or a refreshing smoothie, lemon balm offers a range of health benefits and a pleasant lemony flavor. Experiment with these recipes to discover your favorite way to use this versatile herb. As always, consult with a healthcare professional before adding new herbs to your routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.