Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a mint family member and is native to Southern Europe. With a light citrus aroma and flavor, the Lemon balm has historically been considered a culinary herb, cosmetic and medicinal. Its leaves are often used to make drinks and garnishes and main dishes. Today, the Lemon balm can be consumed in the form of tea, supplements, extracts, or applied to the skin in lotions and lotions with many health benefits. Lemon balm essential oil is also popular in scent therapy, with this lemon balm essential oil thought to promote calm and reduce stress.
1. The active ingredient in Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm’s effects are numerous and varied, driven by many different chemical compounds found in this plant and its extracts:
- One of the active ingredients in Lemon Balm supplements is eugenol which has been known to relax muscles and body tissues.
- Lemon Balm also contains rosmarinic acid that has been found to inhibit GABA transaminase. By inhibiting the enzyme transaminase, Lemon Balm effectively enhances GABA activity – one of the inhibitors of neurotransmission in the brain. In addition, rosmarinic acid also seems to have strong antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
- Some tannins in Lemon Balm are thought to contribute to antiviral effects. This may also explain why supplements have strong antioxidant properties.
2. Top 4 benefits of lemon balm
2.1 Benefits of lemon balm: Helps reduce anxiety
✅ A Lemon Balm oil can be used to help reduce anxiety, according to a small study published in Nutrients magazine. Studies have suggested that rosmarinic acid (found in perilla oil) increases the brain’s ability to conduct neurotransmitters called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Low GABA levels in the brain are thought to be associated with anxiety and other mood disorders. In one study, participants who received Lemon Balm not only fought more stress, they also experienced improvements in mood and cognitive function. They report that they feel calmer and more alert, and have a significant increase in mathematical processing speed, without losing precision. To reduce stress and anxiety, you can use an herbal tea that combines Lemon Balm and Lavender – an herb that also has a very good relaxing effect.
2.2 Benefits of lemon balm: Improve sleep
✅ Lemon balm has been found to help sleep with both children and adults. Rosmarinic acid – an important active ingredient in Lemon Balm is thought to improve sleep in people with insomnia. This active ingredient helps increase GABA in the brain. GABA is one of the inhibitors of neurotransmission, which uses your brain to prevent greater excitement and achieve balance. It is responsible for ensuring that you will not be too stressed and easily fall asleep. According to a 2013 study in complementary therapies in clinical practice, Lemon balm oil combined with Valerian root significantly improved sleep quality in 100 postmenopausal women when compared to a placebo.
2.3 Benefits of lemon balm: Support the digestive system
✅ Traditionally, Lemon Balm has been used to relieve symptoms of indigestion and bloating. It has been found that people who use a dessert with Lemon Balm have less digestive problems than those who have eaten. For digestive disorders, you can use a combination of Lemon Balm with chamomile or hops.
✅ There is increasing evidence that Lemon Balm oil can help treat indigestion symptoms, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and acid reflux. In addition to rosmarinic acid, Lemon Balm oil contains citral, citronellal, linalool, geraniol, and beta-caryophyllene components, each with antispasmodic and anti-bloating properties. A 2016 animal study from Iran even went so far as to show that perilla oil can help prevent stomach ulcers and may be effective in reducing stomach acid like Zantac (ranitidine).
2.4 Benefits of lemon balm: Immune system support
✅ In vitro studies show promise for this herb in helping to promote a healthy immune system. Not only that, but the rosmarinic acid in Lemon Balm also has strong antiviral properties that may aid in the treatment of several viral infections. Most of the current evidence is limited to in vitro studies, in which rosmarinic acid appears to inhibit a range of common viruses, including adenovirus (associated with the common cold) and hepatitis B virus. Of these, rosmarinic acid is most effective at suppressing the herpes virus – the virus associated with cold sores and some cases of genital herpes. These findings may be particularly relevant for those who cannot find relief from standard antiviral drugs (such as acyclovir).
3. Notes when using Lemon Balm
When using Lemon Balm in the form of herbal extracts or supplements, you should note the following:
- When taken orally, Lemon Balm may cause a number of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, and wheezing. When applied to the skin, there are cases of perilla skin causing irritation.
- Lemon Balm is safe to use as food. However, it should not be used continuously for more than 4 months.
- If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor before use.
Recommended for you
🎁 Traditional Medicinals Organic Lemon Balm Herbal Tea
✅ From field to cup, Traditional Medicinals make sure their teas deliver the benefits of these amazing plants. To deliver consistently high-quality teas, they source organically farmed or organically wild-collected herbs from ethical trading partnerships, seeking out medicinal-grade plants. Only a small fraction of the world’s herb supply meets its high-quality standards.
✅ Traditional Medicinals Organic Lemon Balm Herbal Tea helps to calm the nervous system and supports digestion. Taste: Pleasantly mild, with subtle citrus notes. Directions: Freshly boiled water over 1 tea bag. COVER cup & STEEP for 5-10 minutes. SQUEEZE tea bag to ensure maximum goodness in your cup. ENJOY up to 3 cups per day.
🎁 Herb Pharm Certified Organic Lemon Balm Liquid Extract
✅ Herb Pharm Lemon Balm extract works with the body’s natural mechanisms to support the nervous system. Herb Pharm prepares Lemon Balm from the shade-dried herb of Melissa officinalis plants which are Certified Organically Grown on the company’s own farm. Lemon Balm is gentle enough to use with children, is easily dosed and taken in liquid form. It may be added to water or other liquid for taste and is easily absorbed into the bloodstream. Lemon Balm is very lemony, very slightly sour and bitter.
🎁 Gaia Herbs Adrenal Health Nightly Restore, Calming Sleep and Stress Support, Ashwagandha, Reishi, Cordyceps, Lemon Balm, Vegan Liquid Capsules
- PLANT-BASED SUPPLEMENT: A vegan adrenal support supplement designed for individuals who are feeling tired or rundown and looking to reenergize and improve overall well-being.
- DAILY ADRENAL SUPPORT: Designed to nourish your adrenals while you rest to support a healthy endocrine and immune system and support a healthy response to emotional and mental stress.
- PROMOTES HEALTHY SLEEP PATTERNS: Formulated with a proprietary blend of Ashwagandha and extracts of Lemon Balm, Reishi and Cordyceps mushrooms, Licorice, Cinnamon, and Magnolia bark, that helps promote normal sleep patterns and can calm occasional nervousness.
- MADE AT THE GAIA CERTIFIED ORGANIC FARM: We are committed to using only non-GMO ingredients. Our products are purity tested and do not contain gluten, soy, dairy, meat, peanuts, sesame, shellfish, yeast, or eggs.
- 60 DAY SUPPLY: Includes 1 (120 Count) Gaia Herbs Adrenal Health Nightly Restore. We suggest taking 2 capsules daily in the evening. Best results obtained with long-term use. For optimal results, consider taking Adrenal Health Daily Support
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