Lemon Balm is an herbaceous plant in the mint family. It grows to a height of 70-150 centimeters (28-59 inches), and its leaves give out a gentle lemon scent and are often used in teas or as a flavouring agent. During the summer, small white flowers full of nectar emerge, drawing the attention of bees and contributing to the honey-making process. Lemon balm is frequently grown as a decorative plant or used for perfume. Its essential oil and extracts are also used in both alternative and traditional medicine, because it offers a lot of health benefits. Keep reading to learn more!
Health Advantages of Lemon Balm
Protects Against Liver and Heart Problems
There are two key traits of lemon balm that are particularly studied, and those are its ability to protect the liver and heart. Lemon balm essential oil is also reffered to as melissa oil, and it can lower high triglycerides when used aromatically, as well as develop cholesterol synthesis in the liver. In 2012 study showed that inhaling the oil decreases the effects of factors that lead to liver cancer. Another heart-related advantage of lemon balm is that it protects the heart from injuries and disease. A 2016 study on animals showed the extract reduced heart rates and blood pressure.
Acts as a Natural Anti-bacterial Agent
Lemon balm has a long history as a traditional remedy, and multiple studies have showed its effects on disease-causing agents like harmful microorganisms. It turns out that lemon balm kombucha has antibacterial characteristics that protect against bacteria, and lemon balm oil in particular shows a high level of antibacterial activity that fights candida. Candida is a yeast contamination that causes a number of digestive problems, exhaustion, a weakened immune system and brain fog.
Effective Against Diabetes
Diabetes is an uncontrolled problem in western health. It’s normal for doctors to prescribe a number of medications with hazardous side effects to treat it, but it’s actually possible to reverse the condition naturally. Lemon balm juice is one way to do this, as it can help lower blood sugar levels and reduce oxidative stress connected to diabetes.
Might Boost Sleep, Mood and Concentration
Customarily, lemon balm has been used to treat insomnia and anxiety, due to its mild sedative effect. These claims stand up to scientific analysis and extend beyond curing general anxiety. For instance, lemon balm treats hyperactivity and concentration issues in elementary school children. In a study with young adults, it also seemed to improve moods and cognitive function when taken orally with meals. Today, lemon balm is a common sleep aid, reducing symptoms of sleep disorders and insomnia, especially during menopause, when these symptoms are more common.
Naturally Treats Herpes
Lemon balm is used topically, cherished for its antiviral characteristics. When applied directly to the skin, it acts as a beneficial herbal solution to help treat herpes. Note that there is no permanent solution for herpes, but treatment methods commonly involve finding ways to lessen the frequency and duration of outbreaks.
Acts as an Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Agent
Lemon balm can help fight damages caused by free radicals in ways that are truly remarkable for natural medicine. Most notably, the herb has an effect on glioblastoma multiforme, a rapidly spreading cancer that usually begins in the brain. A 2017 study found that lemon balm essential oil caused apoptosis, or impulsive cell death, in these cancer cells and stopped the expression of MRP1, or Multidrug Resistance Associated Protein 1. This is especially important, considering that MRP1 is thought to be the reason cancers develop a resistance against treatments like chemotherapy.
Manages Overactive Thyroids
Thyroid problems affect more than 12% of the US population. Of the two most common conditions, hyperthyroidism is the one which can be treated with lemon balm products. Research suggests that the juices of the plant stop the components that activate the thyroid from binding with the thyroid receptor, particularly in patients with Grave’s disease.
Cures Indigestion
Because of its antioxidant properties, lemon balm juice can potentially protect your gastrointestinal system, soothing digestive issues by preventing gastric ulcers, although this has not yet been studied at length. There is also some proof that lemon balm, angelica root and peppermint may be useful in creating an herbal solution for constipation.
Lemon balm is usually safe most of people, but because it influences thyroid activity, people with an existing thyroid condition or taking thyroid medication should not use it, as it may interfere.
