Uses for Lemon Balm and How to Cook with it

First, what is Lemon Balm? Lemon balm is a popular and common garden herb with a pleasant lemon scent, light green leaves, and a bright, citrusy taste.

Second, what are its benefits? Lemon balm leaves are antiviral and rich in antioxidants, which is why they are used in several natural health medications and even in beauty products. Lemon balm is safe to consume in regular culinary amounts or small medicinal doses.

The Uses for Lemon Balm are Quite Extensive!

Curious about the uses for lemon balm? Here they are:

Lemon balm can help relieve stress

According to Healthline, lemon balm is said to soothe symptoms of stress, help you relax, and boost your mood.

A 2004 study found that taking lemon balm eased the negative mood effects of laboratory-induced psychological stress. Participants who took lemon balm self-reported an increased sense of calmness and reduced feelings of alertness.

Alleviating anxiety with Lemon Balm

Lemon balm can also help relieve symptoms of anxiety, such as nervousness and excitability. Some studies have shown positive effects on various aspects of mood, including alleviated levels of anxiety.

Help boost cognitive function

Studies show that participants who ingested lemon balm performed better on tasks requiring mathematics, memory, and concentration than those who did not. According to Marion Gluck Clinic, lemon balm significantly reduces excitatory transmission in the brain by inhibiting an enzyme called GABA-T that breaks down GABA, thereby increasing the amount of GABA available in the brain.

Improving sleep and easing insomnia

Lemon balm can also help improve sleep disorders such as insomnia by alleviating anxiety. Its rosmarinic acid content is believed to promote better sleep.

Relieving indigestion

Lemon balm, which can be ingested as a tea or supplement, or used as a topical treatment, can help relieve indigestion. Lemon balm contains citral, citronellal, linalool, geraniol, and beta-caryophyllene, which may aid in relieving indigestion and other digestive issues such as IBS or dyspepsia.

These are just a few of the most common benefits and uses of lemon balm, but it is also widely used in cooking and several recipes. Some examples include:

1. Desserts
2. Tea
3. Salads
4. Vinaigrettes
5. Seafood
6. Sauces and soups

Need recipe ideas for your Lemon Balm leaves? Try Roasted Lemon Balm Chicken

Here’s one recipe for lemon balm for you, in case you would like to try its culinary use:

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredient Checklist

¼ cup lemon balm leaves, divided

¼ cup fresh sage leaves, divided

¼ cup softened butter

Salt and pepper to taste

1 (3 1/2) pound whole chicken

1 teaspoon garlic powder

2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions for Lemon Balm Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Set aside 1/3 of the whole lemon balm leaves and 1/3 of the whole sage leaves. Chop the remaining lemon balm and sage. Place the chopped herbs into a mixing bowl with the butter. Season to taste with salt and pepper and stir until evenly mixed.
3. Loosen the skin of the chicken and rub the butter mixture underneath the skin, over the breast and legs. Rub the skin of the chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place the reserved herbs into the cavity of the chicken, and place breast-side-down onto a roasting pan.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, then turn the chicken breast-side-up, and continue baking until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 20 minutes more. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone, should read 180°F (82°C).
5. Remove the chicken from the oven, cover with a doubled sheet of aluminum foil, and allow to rest in a warm area for 10 minutes before slicing.
6. Serve and enjoy! 😊

We hope this article helps you learn more about lemon balm, its uses, benefits, and recipes. Check out our Bottle Garden Kit so you can start growing your own herb plants at home.