Explore the calming benefits of lemon balm, an herbal remedy that soothes stress, supports sleep, and promotes overall wellness naturally.

Lemon balm or Melissa officinalis is a fragrant, lemony herb from the mint family that’s been cherished for centuries in folk and herbal medicine. While it may look delicate in the garden, its healing qualities are anything but subtle. This gentle plant holds a deep ability to calm, soothe, and restore the body and mind.

At Soulroot, we’ve recently planted lemon balm in our own garden and have been enjoying its benefits firsthand. Its presence alone feels calming, but when you begin to work with it, especially as a tea, it becomes clear just how much this plant has to offer.

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A Natural Ally for Stress, Sleep, and Mood

One of lemon balm’s most well-known qualities is its ability to calm the nervous system. It’s often used to help ease stress, anxiety, restlessness, and sleeplessness, especially when taken regularly over time.

Drinking lemon balm tea can bring a soft sense of peace without the grogginess some over-the-counter options cause. It supports the emotional body in a gentle, loving way, offering grounding when your mind feels busy or your heart feels unsettled.

Many herbalists also work with lemon balm to uplift mood, ease mild depression, and bring a sense of mental clarity. Its subtle aroma and citrusy brightness make it a beautiful plant to reach for during seasonal shifts or emotional lows.

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How We Use It

One of our favorite ways to enjoy lemon balm is as a simple garden tea. We pick a few fresh leaves, add slices of ginger, and stir in a bit of honey. Letting it steep for about five minutes draws out the medicinal properties while deepening the flavour. It’s a beautiful evening ritual or a mid-morning pause when things feel overwhelming.

This tea isn’t just calming, it’s medicinal in so many other ways, too.

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More Than a Calming Tea: Other Benefits of Lemon Balm

Lemon balm has impressive antiviral and antibacterial properties. It’s often used topically or internally to support the immune system, especially when dealing with cold sores or minor skin irritations. Infused oils or homemade salves with lemon balm can be soothing for the skin, especially when blended with other healing herbs like calendula or chamomile.

Digestively, lemon balm can help ease bloating, indigestion, and gas. It’s a wonderful after-meal tea that supports both the physical and emotional components of digestion, helping you not just process food, but feelings too.

There’s also some evidence that lemon balm may help regulate thyroid function and offer relief from menstrual discomfort, particularly when paired with other hormonal-balancing herbs.

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A Beautiful Addition to Any Herbal Home

Whether you grow it yourself or source it dried, lemon balm is a plant we recommend getting to know slowly. It’s easy to grow, smells divine, and offers so much healing in return.

If you’re just beginning your herbal journey or you’re looking for a gentle plant to fold into your rituals, lemon balm is a beautiful place to start. It reminds us that healing doesn’t always have to be loud or intense. Sometimes, it’s found in the quiet moments, like sipping warm tea from your garden in the stillness of morning.

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