The lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a plant with a lemon scent that is part of the mint family. The plant originates from Europe, North Africa, and West Asia, but it’s widely grown throughout the world.
The lemon balm plant has been traditionally utilised to boost mental and emotional well-being however, the potential benefits don’t end there. Learn more about this plant’s healing properties.
1. It can ease stress.
Lemon balm is believed to relieve stress symptoms and it can help relax and increase your mood.
A 2004 study by the Trusted Source found that taking lemon balm relieved the negative effects on moods caused by stress in the laboratory. Participants who used lemon balm reported a greater feeling of relaxation and less anxiety.
While this was a placebo-controlled, double-blind study, it only had only 18 participants. More research is required to expand on the results.
What to do: Consume 300 milligrams (mg) of lemon balm in capsule form two times each daily. It is possible to take only 600 mg when you are experiencing acute bouts of stress.
2. It can also help to ease anxiety.
Lemon balm essential oil can also be utilised to reduce the signs of anxiety like anxiousness and agitation.
The research published in 2014 looked at the effects on mood and cognition of foods that contain lemon balm. The supplement was incorporated into drinks and yoghourt with either artificial or natural sweeteners. Participants from both groups have reported positive results on the mood in a variety of ways as well as lower levels of anxiety.
While this sounds promising, further research is required to establish its effectiveness.
How to take: Take 300- 600 milligrams of lemon balm three times each day. You may take a greater dosage during episodes of acute anxiety.
3. It can improve the cognitive function
The 2014 study examined the benefits of lemon balm on improving cognitive performance.
Participants were required to complete cognitive tasks that required mathematics, memory and concentration. These results from computer-based tests suggest that those who consumed lemon balm did better than those who did not.
Although the participants experienced an increase in concentration and energy, it’s feasible for fatigue to creep into the body over time. The combination of lemon balm and food can affect the absorption rate and could affect its effectiveness. Further research is required.
4. It may help alleviate insomnia and other sleep disorders.
Combining lemon balm and valerian can help ease insomnia and other sleep disorders such as insomnia.
Researchers from a study conducted in 2006 discovered that children who received an entire dose of the herb experienced 70-80 percent improvement in the symptoms. Researchers and parents believed that lemon balm was an excellent or beneficial treatment. Yet, more research is needed to verify the findings.
What to drink: Have a cup of tea that has been brewed with lemon balm and valerian before going to bed. You can find loose leaf or bagged varieties at the local supermarket or on the internet.
5. It can help treat cold sores.
It is also possible to apply lemon balm on the skin in the early signs of sores that are cold.
In a study conducted in 1999, participants applied either the lemon balm or placebo cream to the area affected every day during five consecutive days. Researchers found that patients who took the lemon balm cream had less discomfort and healed quicker than those who did not.
Researchers also suggested that lemon balm cream can aid in extending the time between outbreaks of cold sores. More research is needed to further investigate these findings.
What to do Use: Apply a lemon balm lotion to the area affected at least once a day. Make sure to use the lotion on the inner side of your forearm prior to application to your sore that is cold. If you don’t notice any discomfort or inflammation after 24 hours, the cream should be safe to use.
6. It may help relieve indigestion
If you are frequently experiencing abdominal pain or uncomfortableness, using lemon balm could be beneficial to digestion.
A brief study conducted in 2010 by Trusted Source examined how a cold treat containing lemon balm on the symptoms of functional dyspepsia. Participants consumed a sorbet whether or not the herb was present following a meal. Although both kinds of desserts eased symptoms and intensity, the lemon balm dessert enhanced the effects. Further research is required.
How to make Use: Add one teaspoon (tsp) from lemon balm powder into the bowl of ice cream or smoothie, and then take a bite.
7. It may help in treating nausea.
Due to its potential effects on the digestive system Lemon balm can aid in relieving nausea.
A 2005 study that analysed the findings of various studies of lemon balm showed that the herb is effective in the treatment of gastrointestinal issues like this. While this is a positive improvement, it’s important to be aware of the limitations of the research.
A majority of studies focused on lemon balm when used alongside other plants. It is necessary to further research to assess the efficacy of lemon balm when utilised on its own.
What to drink: Take the lemon balm tea when you notice the first symptoms of nausea. There are loose-leaf and bags of the tea at the local supermarket or on the internet.
8. It can help reduce menstrual cramps.
Research suggests that lemon balm may be used to alleviate menstrual cramps and premenstrual symptoms (PMS).
A study byTrusted Source from 2015 investigated the effects of lemon balm on the severity of cramps for the 100 girls in high school. The girls were given either the lemon balm essence or placebo for three menstrual cycles. The severity of PMS symptoms was evaluated prior to and after one, two and three months following the test. The participants who took lemon balm experienced a notable decrease in symptoms. More research is required to confirm the results.
What to take: Take the equivalent of 1200 milligrams lemon balm each day to achieve the best outcomes. This allows the herb to be absorbed into your system before the time for symptoms of PMS to show up. It is believed that continued use will lessen the symptoms as time passes.
9. It could reduce headache pain.
Lemon balm can also be helpful in treating headaches, particularly when they are the consequence of tension. The relaxing properties of lemon balm can help you unwind, relieve tension and ease your muscles. It is also believed that ingestion of the herb may help loosen and open blood vessels that are tight. This could cause headaches.
What to do If you have recurrent headaches, it could be beneficial to take 300- 600 milligrams of lemon balm at least three times a day. This allows the herb to enter your system in a timely manner before headaches begin to develop. You may take a larger dose if you notice an increase in headache.
10. It can help ease toothache pain.
The properties of lemon balm that ease pain could make it a great choice for pain relief from toothaches. Apart from its soothing properties, this natural remedy is believed to help reduce inflammation within the body. Further research is required to confirm these claims.
What to do: the cotton swab to apply lemon balm oil on the region as required. Be sure to choose one that has been diluted through a carrier oil like Jojoba. If you purchase Lemon Balm Oil, make sure to dilute it. Essential oils shouldn’t be applied directly to skin until they have been diluted with the carrier oil.
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