Sipping Your Way to Relaxation with Lemon Balm

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Earlier this year, I began to implement a series of lifestyle changes to combat the stress and gut issues that had worsened my acne, knocked my adrenals out of balance, and pushed me into a state of general imbalance. On the lookout for natural ways to unwind my nerves and manage my stress, I began to research the healing properties of whole foods and herbal remedies. I’d already discovered that adaptogens such as reishi, maca and ashwaganda help a tremendous amount to balance my mood and keep me feeling calm - they had all become staples in my diet and supplementation. However, a magical plant I’d heard of, but not realized was quite so potent as a healing tool, is lemon balm.

I came across an informative article about the benefits of the herb (linked above), which I’ve seen grow in my aunt’s garden by the boatload for years, and even used in tea, but only sporadically. I learned that not only does lemon balm contain organic compounds, called terpenes, which help to naturally relieve stress and anxiety - the herb is also a powerful antioxidant and anti-bacterial plant, incredibly beneficial for relieving gastro-intestinal issues. To me, incorporating lemon balm into my daily routine while I healed was a no-brainier.

I’m often able to harvest and dry the plant from my aunt’s garden locally. When I can’t, I love the lemon balm grown and dried by Mountain Rose Herbs, an excellent source for organic, fair trade bulk products recommended to me by my health-conscious cousin. I noticed after a few days of incorporating a lemon balm tea into my morning routine (after my celery juice, and before breakfast) that I felt noticeably calmer. After a couple weeks, I couldn’t question that the lemon balm had helped my stress and gut issues overall, to a significant degree.

Whenever I need an extra boost of pre-work calm, whether it’s before a day of stressful meetings or projects, or I just happen to feel a riding sense of anxiety, I make a lemon balm tea and mix in about half a teaspoon of reishi, an adaptogenic mushroom. I really like this reshi powder, because it’s fairly odorless, and mixes into a hot beverage or smoothie easily. It gives an extra boost of calm (among other health benefits) because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

If you try lemon balm and enjoy it, I’d recommend trying to grow it at home. I currently have a transplanted bush from my aunt’s garden that I’m trying to nurture on my back deck (results of the transplant TBD!). While it’s inexpensive to purchase, there’s nothing better than the feeling of saving money while improving your health and clarity of mind.

Let me know in the comments below if you’ve tried lemon balm, or if you have other tried and true ways to wind down and destress naturally. Happy sipping!

Harvesting lemon balm with my cousin, Ananda