Melissa Tea — Nutrients, Health Benefits, And Shopping Tips
Written by Listonic Team
Last update on September 4, 2024
Nutrition facts
Nutrition facts
Amount per 100 g
Calories
🔥 1 kcal
| Nutrition per: 100 g | Value | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Carbs | 0 g | - |
| Fiber | 0 g | - |
| Sugars | 0 g | - |
| Glycemic Index | 0 | - |
| Protein | 0 g | - |
| Sodium | 1 mg | 0.04% |
| Total Fat | 0 g | - |
*The % of Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
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🍏 Low-Calorie Foods
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Health benefits
- Contains antioxidants such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which help protect the body from free radicals and reduce inflammation.
- Promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety due to its mild sedative properties, which can improve sleep quality and reduce stress.
- Supports digestive health by reducing symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and cramps.
- May improve cognitive function by enhancing mood, memory, and concentration.
- Antiviral and antimicrobial properties can help fight off infections and improve overall health.
Health risks
- Potential for allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those allergic to plants in the Lamiaceae family, causing symptoms like itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
- Risk of interactions with medications particularly sedatives, thyroid medications, or those affecting blood clotting, as melissa tea can enhance or interfere with their effects.
- Potential for digestive discomfort such as stomach upset or nausea when consumed in large quantities, especially in sensitive individuals.
- Possible drowsiness due to its mild sedative effects, which may impair activities requiring alertness, such as driving.
How to choose melissa tea
Melissa tea, made from lemon balm leaves, should have a light green color and a fine, fluffy texture. The aroma should be fresh and lemony, inviting a soothing experience when brewed.
Do not select Melissa tea that looks overly dry or has lost its scent, as these characteristics suggest it is old and will not provide the desired calming effects. Quality Melissa tea should taste mildly sweet with a hint of citrus, making it an excellent choice for relaxing afternoons or evenings.
How to store melissa tea
Melissa tea, also known as lemon balm tea, should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Keeping it away from light and moisture preserves its flavor and potency. Properly stored, dried melissa tea can last for up to a year.
Humidity and exposure to light can degrade the quality of melissa tea. Avoid storing it in clear containers or in areas with high humidity. For the best flavor, store the tea in a dark, dry cupboard and use within the recommended timeframe.
✅ Extra Tip
How long does it last?
Melissa tea can last for 6-12 months when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. For the best flavor, consume it within these time frames. Proper storage away from light, heat, and moisture is essential to maintain its quality.
What to do with leftovers?
Leftover melissa tea, also known as lemon balm tea, can be used in a variety of culinary and non-culinary ways. In the kitchen, melissa tea can be enjoyed hot or cold, or used as a base for smoothies, iced teas, and cocktails. The brewed tea can also be used to infuse flavor into desserts, such as sorbets, jellies, or cakes.
Beyond drinking, melissa tea has several practical uses. It can be used as a natural facial toner, helping to soothe and refresh the skin. Melissa tea can also be added to bathwater for a relaxing soak, as it is traditionally believed to help reduce stress and promote sleep. The brewed tea can also be used in homemade hair rinses to add shine and reduce scalp irritation. Dried melissa leaves can be added to potpourri or sachets to bring a fresh, lemony scent to your home, and the tea can even be used as a gentle cleaner for surfaces like countertops and windows.
👨⚕️️ Medical disclaimer
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Listonic Team
Fact-checked
Our editorial team checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of publishing it.
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