Lemon balm is an herb that not only is easy to grow but has incredible calming and anti-viral properties. If you’re ready to learn how to grow this medicinal verb and use it in your daily live, then read on to get 11 creative lemon balm uses you can implement today!
From fighting a cold to combatting acne and bug bites to topping your fruit salad — lemon balm has many health benefits that you don’t want to miss:
Get Rid of Blemishes
Is your skin breaking out? Do you have uneven and patchy skin that is showing blemishes from time to time? You can make a remedy for acne by mixing cosmetic clay with lemon balm tea — and dabbing it on your problem areas.
Not only does this combination reduce redness, but it takes away itchiness, which makes it a nice remedy for bug bites as well.
Get Ready for Bed
Lemon balm makes an excellent syrup for getting sleepy and preparing for bed. To make your own sleepy-time remedy at home:
- Add 3/4 cup lemon balm leaves to a pot of water, full enough of water to cover the lemon blame leaves.
- Bring to a simmer and continue heating until the water reduces by half.
- Pour the liquid and leaves into a strainer and throw away the leaves.
- Into the strained liquid, stir in a 1/4 cup of raw honey.
- Pour the mixture into a mason jar and store in your refrigerator for up to a week.
- Take a spoonful of the syrup before bed to relax and to calm yourself, but keep in mind that you should not give honey to infants under the age of one year old.
Brew a Lemon-y Tea
You can brew an easy, relaxing lemon tea with lemon balm leaves. Here’s what you need to do:
- Wash a batch of lemon balm leaves.
- Pick leaves from stem and drop into a clean Mason jar.
- Boil three cups of water and pour into the jar until it is full.
- Place the lid on the jar to allow the tea to simmer.
- Pull out the leaves after the tea has cooled, and sweeten with honey.
Related: 20 Health Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water You Probably Didn’t Know About
Make a Fresh Garden Garnish
Lemon balm leaves make a delicious and fresh garden garnish for salads. To make your own:
- Wash a bunch of lemon balm leaves and dry by patting with a dry paper towel.
- Place on a cutting board and chop finely with a sharp knife.
- Sprinkle leaves on top of fruit salads, followed by honey and plain yogurt.
Go in the Direction of Glycerite
Make a medicinal glycerite to calm you — but you’ll need be aware that you’ll have to wait a few weeks to costume it! To make this lemon balm glycerite, you’ll need to fill a clean Mason jar of lemon balm leaves with three parts vegetable glycerine and one part water.
Place the lid on the jar and put the jar in a dark place in your home for about a month. Afterward, you can store in your refrigerator for a few months. Your dose is small — a 1/2 teaspoon to one teaspoon to calm down.
Get Ready to Do Bath Time the Right Way
Are you looking for an aromatic way to relax in the bath? Do it the right way by making a natural bath infuser with lemon balm leaves. To get started, add lemon balm leaves and fresh rose petals into a bath bag.
Then, hang the bath bag from your bath tub faucet and let it steep as you run warm-to-hot water through the bag. Allow the aromas to meld and the petals and leaves to steep before slipping into your bath and breathing deeply.
Related: 25 Homemade Body Scrubs for Smooth and Healthy Skin
Make a Healthy, Lemon-Infused Batch of Muffins
Is it your turn to provide the muffins at the local book club? Need a healthy recipe for your next birthday breakfast? Why not use lemon balm leaves as your inspiration? These leaves are an easy add-on to your morning or special occasion muffins.
All you need to do is chop up one or two tablespoons of washed and finely chopped leaves as well as a pinch of lemon zest to your favorite muffin concoction.
Make a Lemon Balm Vinegar
Looking for a tangy, unique condiment for salads and other dishes? Make your own lemon balm vinegar in just minutes. To do so:
- Wash a handful of lemon balm leaves and drop them into a Mason jar — up to about 3/4s
- Pour apple cider vinegar on top of the leaves until they are covered.
- Secure lid on the jar and place in a dark place in your home for about three weeks.
- Strain the liquid into a new container and use as a salad dressing or as a flavorful condiment for other dishes. In addition, you can use this liquid to wash your hair.
Combat a Cold
Make a tincture using lemon balm leaves by filling a jar about 75 percent full with lemon balm leaves followed by your favorite 80-proof or higher alcohol, such as vodka. Place the lid on the jar and store in a dark and cool place in your home for about a month.
You’ll need to shake the jar every few days. At the end of the month, strain the liquid and mix a 1/4 teaspoon with equal parts honey to combat a cold.
Ready to Get Started with Adding Lemon Balm to Your Lifestyle?
The best part of incorporating lemon balm leaves into your daily lifestyle is that it’s so easy. Add the health benefits, and you have an easy-to-brow herb that infuses your life with a boosted immune system and a more relaxed affect.
Please remember to consult your doctor first, as pregnant women and people with thyroid issues should not use or consume lemon balm.