Here’s a fun twist on your usual fresh squeezed lemonade recipe; try this Lemon Balm Ade! The recipe is a delight. It is light, refreshing, and citrusy. But more importantly, both the lemons and the lemon balm may have a mood boosting effect! Some studies have shown these herbs may help with depression, calmness, insomnia, and memory. As a result, some research is listed after the recipe.
Lemon Balm Ade Ingredients
- 4 cups of water.
- 1 cup of fresh lemon balm leaves, organically grown.
- Abut 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 6 lemons).
- 1 extra lemon, cut into slices to use as a garnish.
- 4 cups of white grape juice.
Lemon Balm Ade Instructions
- In a pot, boil 4 cups of water. Remove from heat. Then, add most of the lemon balm leaves and let steep for 10 minutes. (Set a few leaves aside to use as a garnish.)
- Once steeped, strain out the leaves and keep the herbal liquid. Then, allow to cool.
- Squeeze the lemons to get 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Then, add to the cool lemon balm infused water.
- Add in the white grape juice.
- Serve iced. Finally, garnish with lemon balm leaves.
Please share this Lemon Balm Ade Flyer. It provides all you need to know on one easy page!
Lemon Balm Ade Research
Lemon Balm
There have been multiple human studies showing that this green leafy herb can help with mood. This includes depression, calmness, insomnia, and memory. Hence, below is a list of eight human studies.
- Memory and calmness was increased while alertness was reduced in this study of M. officinalis with 20 participants. From: Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of Melissa...
- Lavender and Melissa had neuronal depressant and agitation reductive activities. From: Pharmacological profile of essential oils derived from Lavandula angustifolia and Melissa officinalis with anti‐agitation properties…
- In a randomized study of 20 healthy participants, M. officinalis helped improve cognitive performance and mood. From: Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of single doses of Melissa officinalis…
- A lozenge containing lavender oil, hop extracts, lemon balm, and oats resulted in a calming effect. From: Effects of lozenge containing lavender oil, extracts from hops, lemon balm and oat on electrical brain activity…
- In this experiment of 18 healthy adults, M. officinalis, improved mood and cognitive testing. It also reduced alertness. From: Attenuation of laboratory-induced stress in humans after acute administration of Melissa…
- A four month trial of 42 elderly people with Alzheimer’s disease showed that taking an extract of M. officinalis reduced agitation and improved cognitive function. This was compared to the placebo. From: Melissa officinalis extract in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease…
- A multicenter study showed improved sleep with a lemon balm and valerian blend. From: Tolerability and efficacy of valerian/lemon balm in healthy volunteers…
- Cyracos®, a standardized Melissa officinalis extract, reduced symptoms of stress and insomnia. This study involved participants with mild to moderate symptoms. From: Pilot trial of Melissa officinalis…
Lemons
Furthermore, lemons, with their invigorating citrus aroma and flavor, can also boost mood. These fruit have shown in human studies to reduce stress, depression, and symptoms of dementia. Thus, below is a list of three human studies.
- Ingesting lemon essential oil, containing components such as limonene and citral, reduces both physical and psychological stress. From: Effect of flavour components in lemon essential oil on physical or psychological stress.
- Lemon and valerian inhalation reduced depression in humans. From: Effects of lemon and valerian inhalation on autonomic nerve activity in depressed and healthy subjects.
- Two lemon essential oil components, limonene and perillyl, reduced the symptoms of dementia. From: Components of lemon essential oil attenuate dementia induced by scopolamine.
Finally, here are a few more links to information and more on the research for lemon balm and lemons.
By: Kathy Sadowski, MS in Aromatherapy, RA (ARC), NAHA and AIA Professional Member, LMT
Last Updated: 8/2/18
