Lemon balm is an herb well known for its medicinal properties and has been used since ages for its healing benefits. Its distinct sweet, lemony flavor is useful in flavoring dishes and beverages. Interested to know more about the medicinal value of the herb? Read on to know the benefits people can enjoy by using this nature’s amazing herb.
Benefits Of Lemon Balm
Improves Brain Function
Lemon balm is believed to protect cells of the brain from damages and improve its functions. Studies suggest that eugenol an active compound in lemon balm eliminates the free radicals that damage the brain cells. Eugenol also solves memory problems and improves cognitive functions.
Herpes
Research has revealed that eugenol contains antiviral properties. In addition, the presence of antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid along with caffeic acid makes lemon balm a potent herb against viral infections. It can be used to treat herpes simplex, and CMV.
Anxiety And Stress
Lemon balm is a prescribed age old herbal medicine for anxiety and stress. Terpenes, a compound in lemon balm provides the calming effects. Studies say that compounds of lemon balm bind to the points in the brain that stimulate relaxation and reduce agitation. It is popular in aromatherapy for its calming and soothing effects since a long time.
Sleep Aid
Since centuries, lemon balm has been used to cure sleep problems such as insomnia, disturbed sleep, etc. The lemon balm tea is reported to promote sleep, and improve quality of sleep. One study in Germany showed that people including children, who were given the tea before bed had a good night sleep without any disturbance. It is very helpful for women in menopause as well to get a sound sleep.
Skin Health
Lemon balm is packed with strong antioxidants and flavonoids that protect the skin. These compounds give protection against UV rays and reduce lipid oxidation. They reduce the loss of moisture from the skin and keep it well hydrated. The antioxidants reduce the appearance of wrinkles and age spots and soothe the skin.
Supports Liver
It is important to keep the liver healthy, as it helps in clearing toxins from your body. Overtime, the detoxification could wear away the liver leading to liver damage. In one of the studies, it was proved that lemon balm was effective in protecting the liver from damages caused due to toxins.
Normal Blood Sugar
Herbs that support antioxidant level in the body also aid in regulating the blood sugar levels. One study shows that when taken constantly, it reduces insulin resistance and promotes consistent blood sugar.
Relieves Menstrual Cramps
Tea made from the leaves of lemon balm soothes menstrual cramps and relieves PMS.
Relaxes Muscles
The volatile oils present in lemon balm consist of chemicals, which help in relaxing muscles in uterus, stomach and bladder. This helps in relieving nausea, gas and cramps.
Grave’s Disease
This is an auto-immune condition wherein thyroid hormone is produced in excess by the thyroid gland. Lemon balm helps in blocking some of the thyroid gland activity. Hence, it is used to treat the disease.
Boosts Alertness
Lemon balm is used widely to calm the mind. However, this does not mean, it makes your mind dull. Studies have noted improvement in attentiveness among the participants, who took this herb in the form of supplements. Besides relaxing the mind, they also showed positive mood.
Dementia
In a small study, lemon balm was used aroma-therapeutically to calm down overexcited persons with dementia. Brain damage caused due to stroke or Alzheimer’s leads to deficit in thought processes thereby causing dementia.
Immune System
Lemon balm has the ability to stimulate the immune system. The caffeic as well as rosmarinic acids present in the herb have antibacterial and antiviral properties. Therefore, it supports healthy immune response and also strengthens the cell walls.
Vertigo
The soothing properties of lemon balm are quite effective in treating the symptoms of vertigo. Boil the leaves of this aromatic herb and drink the tea a few times a day for best results.
ADHD
Research is on to test if lemon balm can be sued to replace a few medicines for children suffering from ADHD. Studies showed that children responded well to a solution of lemon balm and glycerin. Also, in few kids it was possible for the drug Ritalin to be replaced with lemon balm.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
