Last fall, my editors challenged me to drink lemon water every day for a week, and to my surprise, it became part of my daily routine. Fast forward to today, and my mornings now include a cup of lemon balm tea, a beverage that’s been buzzing on social media for its calming effects.
With a background in medicine, I was curious about the benefits of this herbal tea, especially since it has been popularized for promoting relaxation and improving sleep.
Made from the leaves of the Melissa plant, lemon balm tea offers a light, lemony flavor and is caffeine-free. While it’s long been known for its calming properties, I was eager to see how it would impact my own stress levels, sleep, and overall well-being.
I decided to integrate lemon balm tea into my morning routine and later added it to my evening ritual to test its effects on my sleep. Here’s a breakdown of what I experienced during my week of drinking lemon balm tea daily:
How Lemon Balm Tea Helped Me Relax
As my fiancé and I neared our wedding date, stress levels were high, and I was juggling work and wedding plans. Drinking lemon balm tea each morning made a noticeable difference.
I felt calmer and more at ease, especially when tackling a busy inbox. This herbal tea has been shown to interact with GABA receptors in the brain, which help regulate mood and promote relaxation.
Improved Sleep with Lemon Balm Tea
Mid-week, I started drinking a cup of lemon balm tea at night, and I quickly noticed improvements in my sleep. The tea helped me wind down, and I fell asleep faster without the usual racing thoughts that often keep me up. Studies suggest lemon balm can help with mild insomnia, and it definitely worked for me.
Lemon Balm Tea’s Effect on Digestion
Although lemon balm is often recommended for digestive issues, such as bloating or upset stomachs, I didn’t experience any significant changes. While the herb has compounds that relax the muscles in the digestive tract, I found no major difference in my digestion.
Will I Keep Drinking Lemon Balm Tea?
Yes! I’ll be keeping a box of lemon balm tea in my pantry for those days when I need to unwind after a long day. However, while it helped me relax and sleep better, it’s not a miracle cure. For ongoing issues, it’s best to consult with a doctor. As part of a self-care routine, though, lemon balm tea offers a peaceful moment of respite.
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