Herbs for Health: Lemon Balm – Melissa Officinalis

Herbs for Health: Lemon Balm – Melissa Officinalis

Herbs for Health · Reading Time : 3 mins ·
The Whole Health Practice

Lemon balm, a delightful herb with a fresh lemony aroma and flavour, is renowned for its culinary versatility and numerous health benefits. This herb, also known as Melissa Officinalis, has been treasured since ancient times for its soothing, anti-anxiety properties and its culinary appeal.

Lemon Balm herb health Melissa Officinalis

  • Lemon balm adds a burst of citrusy goodness to a variety of dishes and beverages. It complements salads, fish, poultry, and vegetable dishes, and is often used to infuse herbal teas and lemonades, creating refreshing and uplifting beverages.

lemon balm salad citrus herb health
    "Citrusy lemon balm adds a zing to salads and grilled dishes. Be sure to taste it first to gauge its strength."

    • Beyond its culinary charm, lemon balm is rich in beneficial polyphenols that contribute to its potential health-enhancing properties. One of the key polyphenols found in Lemon Balm is rosmarinic acid, which is also present in other herbs like rosemary and oregano. Rosmarinic acid is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, aiding in neutralising free radicals and potentially reducing inflammation in the body.

    • Lemon balm also contains flavonoids, including quercetin, apigenin, and luteolin, which contribute to its antioxidant properties. These flavonoids play a role in protecting cells from oxidative stress and supporting overall cellular health.

    • Lemon balm contains essential oils such as citral and citronellal, responsible for its refreshing lemon scent. These oils possess antimicrobial properties and may help in alleviating stress and promoting relaxation.

    herb lemon balm health

    "Outside of its culinary uses, lemon balm can be used rubbed on the skin to keep mosquitos away."

    As part of a nutritionally rich, whole health lifestyle, at The Whole Health Practice we advocate enjoying herbs (and spices) as a regular part of one’s diet. While some herbs have shown positive results for specific health outcomes, nutrition science and the interaction of polyphenols from different plant sources is incredibly complex. Enjoy a healthy eating pattern with a variety of herbs, spices and whole foods that work in synergy to promote maximum health. Think fruits, berries, beans, vegetables, and whole grains; add colour to your dishes wherever possible.

    Incorporating lemon balm into your culinary creations not only adds a delightful flavour but also provides a dose of health-boosting polyphenols. Not always easy to find, use this herb in your cooking and enjoy the delightful flavours and potential well-being benefits it brings to your dishes and health.

     

    Stay Healthy,

    Alastair

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Bonus Read:

    More than just taste, herbs can bring health and joy to our lives. Stay tuned for our complete collection of articles, recipes and more...

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This content is brought to you by The Whole Health Practice. Alastair Hunt (NBC-HWC) is the Founder and Chief Wellbeing Officer at The Whole Health Practice. Based in Singapore, The Whole Health Practice supports individuals and teams around the world to improve their health, performance and vitality. Want to learn more about healthy living or sign-up for regular health content? Visit www.thewholehealthpractice.com


    To get more content like this direct to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter today!

    Back to Aerospring