Lemon balm benefits are numerous. It is useful in a number of situations, including heart health, menstrual cramps, and sleep. In addition to its health benefits, lemon balm is a tasty, delicious herb that can be used in a variety of recipes. You can even steep lemon balm leaves in hot water for 3 minutes before using them. You can also use lemon balm leaves in baking, for example, by powdering the leaves and adding them to your cake batter or frosting. Dried leaves are also great to add to salads and can be used in cooking, too. But remember to be cautious about how much you eat – you can overdo it and end up with a stomachache or diarrhea.
Lemon balm, known scientifically as Melissa officinalis, is a lemon-scented herb that comes from the mint family. There are two types of lemon balm: western and eastern. Western lemon balm originated in Europe, northern Africa, and West Asia, while eastern lemon balm is native to China. While it is most widely used for its scent and flavor, this herb has been traditionally used as a medicinal plant for hundreds of years. It is believed to improve mood and cognitive function, offer pain relief, and act as a muscle relaxant.
Menstrual cramps
For centuries, lemon balm has been used as a home remedy for easing period cramps. Lemon balm, also known as fennel, contains antispasmodic and calming properties. It has been found to reduce the intensity of PMS symptoms without causing side effects. In a study, high school girls who took lemon balm for three months had significant reductions in PMS symptoms and cramp intensity.
Heart health
If you want to maximize the health benefits of lemon balm, try ingesting it regularly. The plant, Melissa officinalis, belongs to the mint family and can grow up to 3 feet high. Originally native to the Mediterranean and Europe, lemon balm is now found all over the world. Lemon balm has been used for its health benefits for centuries. It can be used to make a soothing tea.
Sleep aid
The lemon balm plant has many benefits that can help you sleep better. A 2011 clinical study found that consuming 600 milligrams of lemon balm extract daily reduced insomnia by 42%. Various researches have also suggested that the plant may reduce anxiety. Stress can range from mild to severe and can affect our sleep. The lemon balm plant contains several powerful antioxidants and can help us feel better. It can also relieve anxiety and stress, so it is an excellent choice for sleep at night.
Antiviral
Lemon balm has shown great promise in the treatment of herpes. Its antiviral benefits have been shown in several animal studies, and preliminary trials have suggested high activity against HIV infection. In addition, the herb has been used historically as an insect repellent and is also a good natural way to prevent food spoilage caused by fungi. In addition, it may also be able to help with a variety of other ailments, including depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
Antioxidant
Lemon balm has numerous health benefits, including its ability to fight free radical damage. In fact, some studies show that lemon balm may even have an impact on cancer, specifically glioblastoma multiforme, a brain cancer that has no known treatment. The results of a 2014 study showed that lemon balm essential oil stimulated cancer cell death by inhibiting the expression of the protein MRP1, which is responsible for drug resistance.
Heart protection
While lemon balm’s benefits for the heart are numerous, there are some precautions you should be aware of. The herb is a mild stimulant and can cause tachycardia and hypotension. Additionally, lemon balm should not be used by pregnant women, nor should it be combined with anti-anxiety medications. Consult your doctor before starting any new supplements or herbal treatments. Nevertheless, these risks are minor and are largely unavoidable in the long run.
Herbal remedy for herpes
Lemon balm can be taken in a variety of ways. One way is to steep the herb in a cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Another way is to apply a topical cream. Either method is effective for most people. You can also apply topical cream to the affected area three to four times daily, as directed. A lemon balm tincture contains flavonoids and phenolic acids that help fight viruses. This remedy can be taken three times a day and may be repeated if the outbreaks return.
Hopefully you’ve now learned everything there is to know about lemon balm. This herb has a number of potential uses, from improving your mood to protecting your cells from damage, but the important thing is that further scientific studies are needed to verify these benefits. In the meantime, you should keep an open mind about this humble herbal remedy.
