Who wouldn’t love to drink a glass of cold lemonade on a hot summer’s day? Even just a few sips will recharge and revitalize you. Lemon has a myriad of uses and health benefits beyond summer refreshments, though. If you want to learn more, read this article!
What is Lemon Balm?
Lemon balm is a perennial herb that is part of the mint family. The plant doesn’t grow very tall. It has a yellow flower, which blooms in summer and spring months, and its leaves may be yellow-green or dark green, depending on the climate and type of soil in which it is planted. These leaves have a mild lemon scent and are used to make medicines as well as other herbal products.
Lemon balm is used to treat various digestive conditions, including colic, vomiting, intestinal gas, bloating and upset stomach. Furthermore, it also help relieve pain like toothaches, headaches and menstrual cramps. It can even help treat various mental disorders, including melancholia and hysteria.
There are some who believe that lemon balm has calming effects, which is why they use it for restlessness, sleep problems and anxiety. Furthermore, it is also useful as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, ADHD, insect bites, tumors, sores, high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat and swollen airways.
Uses of Lemon Balm
Since the health benefits of lemon balm are abundant, it is no surprise that there it has a lot of uses, including the following:
- Aromatic: lemon balm may be useful in various aromatic forms, such as for an essential oil added to an aromatherapy diffuser.
- Topical use: there are some people who use lemon balm in their creams or essential oils, as it helps reduce inflammation and soothe pain, even in small quantities. However, it is important note that topical use may cause an allergic reaction.
- Diet: lemon balm can be a garnish for fish dishes, blended into ice creams or brewed into a nighttime tea.
- Perfume: the powerful aroma of lemon balm is famous in the perfume industry, as it is compatible with many other scents
- Toothpaste: lemon balm can be used in a variety of things – including toothpaste, which protects the mouth against bacterial infections.
Health Benefits of Lemon Balm
The following are some of the best health benefits of lemon balm:
Helps boost immunity. Not only does lemon balm boost immunity, the rosemarinic and caffeic acids in it also have antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Helps improve digestive health. Drinking lemon balm tea and its fusion improves digestive health. Furthermore, the essential oil in lemon balm help treat gastrointestinal conditions like colic, upset stomach and flatulence.
Helps counter damages from radiation exposure. Radiation is a large part of treating illnesses like cancer. However, those who have radiation exposure may experience some side effects afterward.
Acts as an antioxidant. As we know, harmful free radicals may damage the health. Antioxidants can counter this, and lemon balm is full of them.
Helps treat insomnia and anxiety. This is particular beneficial when used in conjunction with other herbs.
Helps treat dementia. Research shows that lemon balm is beneficial in treating dementia and other illnesses related to memory loss.
Helps treat cold sores. The antiviral properties of the lemon balm help treat cold sores. Lemon balm cream is good for both genital and oral herpes, getting rid of the illness faster.
Side Effects of Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is perfectly safe to use in cooking as well as for short-term medicinal use. However, like anything else, excess use can lead to unwanted side effects. These include wheezing, dizziness, abdominal pain, vomiting and nausea.
