Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, is known for its soothing and calming properties. Its use as a stress reducer, to ease indigestion and to promote a good night’s rest. back to the Middle Ages. Fast forward to today, and people are making DIY weight loss drinks from lemon balm.
But do these lemon balm concoctions live up to the hype? We spoke with a registered dietitian who shares everything you need to know about lemon balm and whether it’s worth making your own lemon balm drink.
The health benefits of lemon balm

“Lemon balm is extracted from the leaves of a plant known as Melissa Officinalis,” explains Sarah Keathley MS, RD, LDfrom Top Nutrition Coaching. “It can also be called honey balm or mint balm. This balm often comes in the form of an oily extract with a lemony scent. Its leaves can also be infused to create a drinkable liquid.”
What makes lemon balm so special? Well, it is home to “valuable chemical compounds” called flavonoids. “Flavonoids can act as antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antiviral compounds. Lemon balm, in particular, is rich in its phenolic compoundssimilar to lemongrass and neral (citral),” adds Keathley.
Although lemon balm has been gaining traction on social media recently, it has been used for some time to treat anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, and depression. “Recent research “Lemon balm was even shown to have positive effects on reducing total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein levels when administered as an herbal medicine,” Keathley tells us.
Other potential health benefits include improved cognitive health and increased memory. Lemon balm is also a suggested remedy for treating inflammation, cold sores, and PMS symptoms.
What is the viral lemon balm drink?
So, what exactly is this lemon balm elixir? Recipes on TikTok vary, but most include the following ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh lemon balm herb
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
- 1 tablespoon of raw honey
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
“Add the first three ingredients to 1 ½ cups of very hot water and steep for about 10 minutes,” says Keathley. “Add the lemon juice and honey after infusion. Stir well and leave to cool. Store in the refrigerator and leave for three days. video suggests that after letting the mixture sit, a tablespoon [should be taken out] of the container and [mixed with] a glass of water. Drink and enjoy. Continue this cycle, enjoying the supposed benefits. »
Can lemon balm drink help lose weight?


Lemon balm is making waves on TikTok and people are claiming it can help with bloating and lose weight.
“The antibacterial and antioxidant properties are suggested to help relax the intestines, improve digestion and ease the unwinding process,” says Keathley.
There is a lack of human research proving that lemon balm can help you lose weight. “[That being said,] “We have a small amount of animal research that sheds a positive light on this oily extract,” adds Keathley.A study showed that lemon balm extract helped stop obesity in insulin-resistant mice.
Overall, more research is needed. “It’s very likely that small changes in your diet, like portion control, frequently adding non-starchy vegetables, and focusing on lean proteins, will have a greater impact on weight loss than a cure-all. plant-based,” says Keathley.
Alexa Mellardo
Alexa is the Mind + Body Associate Editor at Eat This, Not That!, overseeing the M+B channel and bringing readers interesting topics on fitness, wellness, and self-care. Learn more about Alexa
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