Discover which tea helps regulate sleep and aids digestion

Lemon balm, scientifically known as Melissa officinalis, is a medicinal plant in the mint and boldo family. It is popular for its citrus aroma and flavor and is widely used as a tea.

Nutritionist Danielle Luz Gonçalves explains that the herb's tea is known for its calming, anxiolytic, and digestive properties . "Studies show that bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, help reduce stress, alleviate symptoms of mild anxiety, improve digestion, and even help reduce tension headaches."

Furthermore, according to the Uniceplac professor, tea has an antioxidant effect, helping to combat free radicals in the body.

Danielle adds that the herb can help with sleep . "Lemon balm acts on the central nervous system, enhancing the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and reduces brain excitability."

"This means that tea can reduce mental agitation and facilitate sleep induction, especially in people who suffer from mild insomnia or difficulty switching off before bed. It's not a strong sedative, but rather a natural resource that improves the quality of rest when combined with a sleep hygiene routine," he adds.

How to prepare?

Preparation must be simple , but respect the characteristics of the plant to preserve its essential oils:

• Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh leaves or 1 tablespoon of dried leaves for each cup of water (200 ml).
• Boil the water, turn off the heat and only then add the lemon balm.
• Cover the cup and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes — this detail is essential to prevent the loss of volatile compounds.
• The ideal consumption is 1 to 2 cups throughout the day, one of which should be about 30 minutes before bed.