Lemon balm is an evergreen herb that is often used as tea or to marinate seafood or to enhance the flavour of baked goods and jams. It is also available in the form of supplements, extracts and oil for aromatherapy as it has many medicinal properties. Lemon balm herb is even added to balms and lotions for topical use for healthy skin. But can an expecting mom drink lemon balm tea to enjoy a good night’s sleep?
The good news is unlike many other herbal teas, Lemon balm tea is considered safe to consume during pregnancy. In fact, as expecting moms have to cut down on their caffeine intake, lemon balm tea can become their beverage of choice. It contains a compound called Rosmarinic acid which has antioxidant, anti-microbial, as well as antiviral properties. It also has anxiety reducing effects that promotes the production of serotonin- the body’s ‘feel good’ hormones. This means lemon balm tea helps fight depression and anxiety, and can give an expecting mom a well deserved good night’s sleep. It also promotes gastrointestinal health, reduces inflammation, relaxes muscles and enables the body to fight viral infections.
Just make sure you consume lemon balm in food amounts only as excessive consumption can have side effects like skin rashes, nausea, headache and palpitations of the heart. Avoid supplements or extracts or oils as these may contain lemon balm in concentrations above the permissible limit. It is best to seek the advice of your doctor about herbs safe to use during pregnancy.
