I grow my own lemon balm and use it for everything from cooking to making charms. Not only is it delicious, but it has so many medicinal and magickal properties that make it worth incorporating into your daily routine. What better way to get the benefits of lemon balm than to use it in a delicious dessert recipe?
But first, so you know how to pair it with other favors, you should know what the herb tastes like. Lemon balm has a light, delicate flavor that is described in the following ways:
• Lightly lemony - The dominant flavor is a bright, citrusy lemon note. It tastes like a milder, more subtle lemon flavor.
• Herbal and grassy - There are undertones of grass, green tea, and other soft herbal flavors. It has an aromatic botanical taste.
• Sweet and floral - There are hints of honey and flowers that round out the predominant lemony flavor.
• Mild and refreshing - The flavor is delicate and not overpowering. It has a pleasant, mellow taste.
• Subtly minty - Some varieties have trace hints of mint that complement the lemon and herbal notes.
• Aromatic - The lemon balm flavor really opens up when brewed as a hot tea. The aroma contributes greatly to the overall sensory experience.
The taste is not sour or tangy like a lemon slice but has a nice balance of citrus, green, and sweet flavors. It makes for a refreshing, soothing herbal infusion.
Lemon Balm dessert ideas
Here are some ideas for incorporating lemon balm into desserts:
• Lemon balm ice cream - Infuse lemon balm leaves into the cream/milk mixture before churning in the ice cream maker. Strain before freezing.
• Lemon balm sugar cookies - Finely chop lemon balm and fold into sugar cookie dough. It adds a refreshing flavor.
• Lemon balm cake or cupcakes - Fold chopped or pureed lemon balm into cake or cupcake batter before baking. Frost with lemon buttercream.
• Lemon balm lemonade - Steep lemon balm leaves in freshly squeezed lemonade for a few hours to infuse flavor.
• Lemon balm cream pie - Make a custard or pudding with milk infused with lemon balm. Use as filling for a cream pie.
• Lemon balm ice cubes - Add lemon balm leaves to ice cube trays before adding juice or liquid. Use in drinks for flavor.
• Lemon balm gummy candy - Make an herbal-infused gelatin gummy recipe using lemon balm tea as some of the liquid.
• Lemon balm granita - Steep lemon balm in water overnight. Strain, adding honey and lemon juice. Freeze in a shallow pan, scraping occasionally to form a granita texture.
The light, lemony flavor of lemon balm pairs perfectly with many chilled or baked goods for a soothing dessert. Get creative with infusing it into your favorite treats!
Other ways to use lemon balm
Here are some recipe ideas using lemon balm, which has soothing, anti-anxiety properties:
• Lemon balm tea - Steep 2-3 tablespoons of fresh or dried lemon balm leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Add lemon and honey to taste. Drink to reduce stress.
• Lemon balm tincture - Infuse lemon balm leaves in vodka or glycerin for 4-6 weeks. Take diluted tincture as a calming supplement.
• Lemon balm infused oil - Infuse chopped lemon balm in olive or coconut oil for 4 weeks. Strain and use topically as a relaxing massage oil.
• Lemon balm and oatmeal bath - Tie 1 cup of lemon balm leaves in a cheesecloth sachet and add to a warm oatmeal bath to soothe skin.
• Lemon balm salve - Simmer beeswax and olive oil. Remove from heat and add lemon balm leaves. Pour into containers and allow to solidify into a topical salve.
• Lemon balm honey - Infuse lemon balm leaves in raw honey for 1-2 weeks. Strain out leaves and enjoy the medicinal honey straight or in tea.
• Lemon balm popsicles - Blend lemon balm leaves with coconut milk and honey and freeze into soothing anxiety-reducing popsicles.
Here are some of the main medicinal properties and health benefits of lemon balm:
• Anxiety and stress relief - Lemon balm contains compounds that help relax muscles, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep. It elevates mood.
• Antioxidants - It contains antioxidants like rosmarinic acid that can help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
• Antiviral and antibacterial - Research indicates lemon balm extracts have antiviral and antibacterial effects against some pathogens.
• Improved cognition - Some studies show lemon balm may help boost alertness, memory, and problem-solving abilities.
• Digestive aid - Lemon balm tea can help relieve indigestion, nausea, and upset stomach due to its anti-spasmodic actions.
• Skin soother - The antioxidants and antiviral properties of lemon balm may be beneficial for treating cold sores and soothing irritated skin conditions.
• Heart health - It contains compounds that may help lower high blood pressure and reduce high cholesterol levels.
Lemon balm is generally very safe when used appropriately. Mild side effects like nausea or dizziness are possible if large amounts are ingested. Always discuss with your doctor before use.
Here are some of the special properties and uses of lemon balm in witchcraft and magical practices:
• Cleansing and purification - Lemon balm is believed to have cleansing properties and is often used in spells or rituals aimed at purification. It can help clear negative energy.
• Promoting calmness - Due to its associations with reducing anxiety and lifting mood, lemon balm is often used in spells or rituals for cultivating calmness, relaxation, and peace.
• Love and attraction - Some traditions link lemon balm to spells involving love and attraction due to its uplifting, mood-elevating properties.
• Healing - Lemon balm is incorporated into healing spells, charms, or potions due to its medicinal benefits and associations with supporting wellbeing.
• Sleep and dreams - Its sedative qualities make lemon balm a common component in dream pillows, teas, or baths intended to promote restful, meaningful sleep and pleasant dreams.
• Psychic awareness - Lemon balm is thought to help strengthen psychic abilities and create mental clarity for practices like meditation or divination when used as incense or tea.
• Repelling negativity - Wearing or carrying lemon balm or placing it around the home is believed to help repel jealousy, ill-intentions, or harmful spells cast by others.
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