The melissa tea is a rich natural drink in benefits . But, is this true? With this answer in mind, we produced an article with the main benefits and medicinal properties of this tea. All proven by medical and pharmaceutical science. Check it out and be amazed by this healing drink!

Melissa ( Melissa officinalis ), popularly known as lemon balm , is a herb related to mint, mint and boldo. It is native to Europe, but is heavily cultivated in Brazil, being common in almost all regions of the country.

Its flavor and aroma are very characteristic, although slightly reminiscent of lemon characteristics, due to the terpenes present in the essential oil of the leaves.

Since Antiquity, European peoples have used melissa in natural medicine, almost always to obtain its tranquilizing/relaxing effects . Here you will see that this plant serves much more than just that!

A good tea can prevent and even cure illnesses. Many people set aside a little time each day to consume them. Some have become more popular than others, either for their pleasant taste or for their beneficial properties. Among the most popular – mainly in Brazil – is the melissa/lemon balm tea.

Benefits of Melissa Tea

For centuries, teas have been consumed not only for the flavor of the plants, but also to cure various ailments , even dispensing with the use of medication in some cases.

Melissa, of course, makes the big list of herbs used in the production of teas. See the benefits of melissa tea:

  • Causes relaxation and improves sleep
  • reduces anxiety
  • Aid in digestion
  • It’s antioxidant
  • Fighting herpes
  • Relieves menstrual cramps
  • Eliminates fungi and bacteria

It is noteworthy that all these benefits listed above are proven by medical and pharmaceutical science. Below, you’ll see a little more about each of them and you’ll be able to find the scientific sources that show them to be true.

See also:  Melissa tea for gases

What is this tea for?

Here you will see a little more about each of the benefits listed above. This is also where you will confirm that all of these health benefits and advantages are true. The information is based on renowned scientific sources and research. Check out our scientific references at the end of the article!

Causes relaxation and improves sleep

First, it is important to talk about the main benefit of melissa tea: relaxation and sleep improvement (1). Studies prove that melissa’s sedative action is true, therefore, it helps to alleviate restlessness and sleep disturbances.

A study carried out in humans also proved that tea produced with melissa and valerian even reduced the symptoms of common sleep disorders by up to 80%, which confirms the potential of the two plants.

This benefit even serves to help in the natural treatment of restlessness and dyssomnia (interrupted sleep) in children. Elderly people and people with neurological disabilities can also have improved sleep through the use of melissa tea.

So if your problem is sleeping poorly, the key to solving this problem may be this natural tea. Use it daily before bed to avoid waking up during the night and having a more restful sleep . See the topic “How to take it correctly”.

reduces anxiety

Science has also realized the true benefit of melissa in reducing anxiety and alleviating anxiety crisis episodes (2). The anxiety is a serious mental illness that must be treated by a medical specialist. However, melissa tea can be a great ally in this type of treatment.

Aid in digestion

Science also proves that melissa has properties and substances that facilitate digestion (2). According to pharmaceutical researches, melissa has a carminative effect and a high content of stomachic substances.

It is certain that melissa is able to help alleviate symptoms of poor digestion . The study carried out in humans has proven this effectiveness. The patients suffer from functional dyspepsia (stomach pain), and were subjected to regular consumption of this drink.

Half of the patients consumed a dessert made with melissa, and the other half did not. Both reports and exams in patients who consumed melissa showed that they had their pain alleviated (3).

Thus, melissa tea, when consumed after meals, helps the body to digest food more easily. In addition, consumption of this tea can help fight ailments such as heartburn and flatulence.

It’s antioxidant

Scientific sources also point out that melissa is a plant that has antioxidant substances in its composition (2). That is, healing properties that inhibit the action of free radicals , protecting cells and preventing serious diseases such as cancer.

Free radicals are substances present in the human body. They are the result of our diet, so they can be many and potent (bad eating) or few and weak (healthy eating). They will always be present in the body.

Foods and beverages with antioxidant action are important to fight free radicals, which cause cell oxidation. With this, the cells are protected and functioning well, which prevents various diseases.

Fight herpes

Herpes is a contagious disease caused by the HSV virus. It’s on the list of sexually transmitted diseases (STD), but you don’t have to have sex to be infected. Herpes can be contracted through kissing, touching, or any exchange of bodily fluids.

A study proved that melissa (as well as natural products made with it) has antiviral action against the HSV virus (2). Thus, the treatment of this disease can be easier and recovery much faster.

See also:  Thyme tea, indicated for the treatment of herpes and candida

Relieves menstrual cramps

A recent study conducted with teenagers found that melissa is a great ally of women’s health as it relieves the known pain of menstrual cramps (4).

This Iranian research used 100 high school youths, testing between 2013 and 2014. Half of the girls took 1,200 mg of melissa essence daily on the first or last day of the menstrual cycle. The rest of the girls took a placebo (fake drug).

At the end of the study, reports and tests showed a decrease in cramps and other menstrual symptoms in the group that consumed melissa during the cycle.

Eliminates fungi and bacteria

Another great benefit of melissa tea is its antifungal and antibacterial action (5). The science in 2008 that melissa is a plant with antimicrobial agents, which help in the elimination of fungi, bacteria and other micro-organisms that harm health.

Fight the Influenza Virus

Last but not least, scientific tests have shown melissa as a powerful natural ingredient against Influenza-type viruses (6). Viruses of this classification are responsible for illnesses such as flu, which cause fever, pain, cough and nasal congestion as symptoms.

Flus caused by the action of the influenza virus can be fatal, especially in risk groups, such as young children and the elderly.

Does melissa tea make you slim?

Melissa tea can be used as a great slimming ally . First of all, it’s a very low calorie drink . Furthermore, this tea is able to help improve metabolism through quality sleep.

For those who don’t know, sleeping well is essential for anyone who wants to lose weight or gain lean mass in a healthy way.

How to prepare tea?

The recipe for this infusion is very simple. Follow the steps below to make the best and healthiest melissa tea.

  1. Heat a kettle with 1 cup of water and bring to a boil.
  2. Turn off the heat and add about 8 dried melissa leaves.
  3. Cover for 10 or 15 minutes.
  4. Then strain and drink without sweetening.

Melissa tea has more benefits and effects when consumed natural, without sweetening . Sugar can inhibit some of the benefits and take away the relaxing effect, for example. If you prefer sweetened tea, opt for 1 tablespoon of honey. Honey is a natural option and does not take away the benefits of the drink.

Lemon drops also go very well in melissa tea. But don’t use too much, as the flavor can get too strong. In addition, lemon is a fruit with digestive properties that can increase appetite, which can cause hunger and interrupt sleep, for example.

How to take

Consume it, preferably, before bed . It is not recommended to take it many times a day, as it promotes relaxation and you may lose some of the energy you need to carry out your activities.

If you want to drink melissa tea more than once, there are no contraindications, but choose to do it about 4 hours before your bedtime. This will promote a peaceful night and you will wake up properly refreshed.

See also :  How old can babies have tea? And what herbs?

Care and contraindications

Melissa tea is a natural drink that has no contraindications. However, it is important to take some precautions with its use. Melissa properties, when used incorrectly, can end up disrupting life or harming health.

First of all, it is very important not to consume melissa tea before surgery . Due to the plant’s sedative substances, surgical anesthesia may be affected. This interaction, in most cases, is negative. So avoid!

Although there is no scientific research that has proven a negative effect on pregnant women, it is recommended that pregnant women be careful with melissa tea. You can consume it, but without exaggeration, as it can affect the female metabolism during this period.

This drink should not, in some cases, be consumed by those who are allergic to the plant of the mint family (mint, mint, melissa and others).

In case of patients with HIV or patients taking thyroid medication, it is necessary to consult with a doctor before consuming this tea. Medical reports indicate that drinking can affect the effectiveness of these medications.

Generally speaking, the use of melissa tea is safe and should be encouraged as a natural healing alternative, provided it is used wisely. Now that you know all the information, I hope this tea is the key to your health and well-being!