Today, lemon balm is used in traditional medicine as both a sleep aid and digestive tonic. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. If you have a toothache, apply a small amount of lemon balm oil to the painful area. While promising, the findings have yet to be replicated in other studies. It Can Calm You. Some people even use it as part of homemade cosmetics. 2015;69(1):60–61. It will significantly … You can double or triple the recipe as needed. This enzyme, known in short as SOD, is vital to understand in terms of oxidative stress because the naturally occurring SOD can cause a number of different types of cell damage. If you often feel like you could use a quick boost in ... Detox Your Liver: Try My 6-Step Liver Cleanse, Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits and Uses (30! It can be consumed as a tea, taken as a supplement or extract, or applied to the skin in balms and lotion. Lemon balm, Melissa officinalis, balm, common balm, or balm mint, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the mint family Lamiaceae. Lemon balm is vested with potent antiviral properties. The risk of side effects tends to increase with the size of the dose. Here’s a simple herbal lemon balm tea recipe to try: Steep the fresh leaves for 15 minutes or so in very hot water, then remove leaves and (optional) add raw honey as a natural sweetener. Regulate Blood Sugar Levels. Kaiser Permanente. It contains certain chemicals that have the ability to sedate the user and produce profound feelings of relaxation, making it one of the best natural anxiety/insomnia remedies out there. Melissa officinalis has been shown in certain studies to reduce the occurrence of premature beats, tachycardia and fibrillation within the heart, all without causing any negative side effects. The same 2012 study that discovered these results also revealed that inhaling lemon balm oil reduces some of the factors that lead to perpetual growth of a common liver cancer cell. When purchasing supplements, always opt for products that have voluntarily submitted to the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), ConsumerLab, or other independent certifying bodies. It's a member of the mint family. Strain it off and allow it to get cool. Today, its benefits have been widely studied, especially in Europe and the Middle East, where the plant originated. The most important benefits of lemon balm include its ability to help fight cancer, treat sexually transmitted diseases, boost heart health, protect the immune system, promote healthy sleep and regulate diabetes, among others. Moist, well-drained soil creates the perfect environment for growing healthy lemon balm. Cold sores preparations containing 1% lemon balm can be applied to cold sores three to four times per day. Research suggests that these extracts stop the components that over-activate the thyroid from binding with the thyroid receptor, specifically in patients with Grave’s disease. Drink this decoction daily. Its mild sedative effect is a well-known feature. Lemon balm is als… In a 2014 study published in Phytotherapy Research, lemon balm extract was able to prevent 80 to 96 percent of drug-resistant HSV-1 strains from infecting host cells. The combination of herbs is believed to aid in sleep by acting directly on GABA receptors in the brain, delivering a mild sedative effect while stimulating the production of the "feel-good" hormone serotonin.. Known officially as Melissa officinalis, it is sometimes referred to as common balm or balm mint. It may, although it works differently than sedative medications. These claims seem to stand up to scientific scrutiny, as well as extend beyond treating general anxiety. This is a common yeast infection that causes a number of candida symptoms, including exhaustion, brain fog, digestive problems and a weakened immune system. With potent levels of antioxidants, lemon balm has long been known as a way to rejuvenate and revitalize the skin. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. In one trial using an orally administered extract of lemon balm leaf, subjects seemed to experience a significant drop in benign heart palpitation episodes, which is believed to be tied to its ability to enhance one’s mood. Primary interest in lemon balm surrounds its effects on the central nervous system. Lemon balm cream has shown some efficacy in herpes virus lesions in a few small placebo-controlled trials. Insomnia and sleep apnea, often accompanied by depression and anxiety, are common features of menopause. Scientific Name: Melissa officinalis. Lemon balm grows best in mild temperate climates between the months of June and August. Does lemon balm make you sleepy? It looks like a weed, grows like a weed – but has tremendous health benefits for those who know how to treat the plant and how to extract the essential phytonutrients that make it so suitable as a … These properties often operate in ways that circumvent the normal resistances that illnesses form to many medications and remedies. May be useful against diabetes. Nutrients. Here are just some of the findings from current research: Lemon balm may be used to help reduce anxiety, according to a small study published in the journal Nutrients.. Wondering how to make lemon balm oil? In classic literature, characters often added lemon balm to wine or tea in order to treat various illnesses, like high fevers, headaches, nerve pain, wounds, bites and stings. However, a 2014 study found that lemon balm essential oil caused apoptosis (spontaneous cell death) in these cancer cells and stopped the expression of a protein known as multidrug resistance associated protein 1 (MRP1). You can add it to meat and seafood dishes for an extra pop. Can the Poria Mushroom Strengthen Your Immune System? Reduces Anxiety: Lemon balm tea is popularly known for its calming effects. If you are suffering from premature aging, or are seeing wrinkles appearing on your face, using this herb can help reverse or slow down those effects. Lemon balm is used alone or as part of various multi-herb combination products. Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. It is known by various other universal names also common balm, balm mint, lemon balm, Melissa essential oil.For the reason that, in food industries, lemon balm extract and essence of this herbal plant leaf largely used for flavoring purposes in food, beverages and making … It is a common addition to peppermint tea, mostly because of its complementing flavor. It’s a not a magic bullet, but help with weight loss might be a potential secondary effect. The Benefits of Lemon Balm for Sleep and Wellness: Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a cultivated perennial lemon-scented herb. 2013;19(4):193-6. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2013.07.002, Kwon YO, Hong JT, Oh KW. Cold Sores. Rinse the leaves thoroughly, and pat dry with paper towels. You can also inhale the oil or tab it on your temples and neck to help fight headaches. What is the herb lemon balm good for? The infusion is prepared by using fresh or dried leaves and shoots of the lemon balm plant. There’s some evidence that lemon balm products, including kombucha (a fermented drink that contains probiotics), have antibacterial qualities that may help naturally fight infectious bacteria. In fact, esteemed herbalist Rosemary Gladstar tells us that lemon balm is “one of nature’s best nervine herbs” (Gladstar 2001). The perennial lemon balm plant is a member of the mint family. Stopping treatment suddenly after long-time use can cause rebound anxiety.. To be safe, apply a little to your forearm and wait for 24 hours to see if any redness, rash, or irritation develops. If you live in a somewhat warm climate, you may want to try your hand at growing lemon balm. According to a 2015 study, lemon balm (taken in capsule form) effectively reduced PMS symptoms in high school-aged women. It is one of those herbs that function to regulate irregular sugar levels … Lemon Balm ( Billilotan ) tea is an effective remedy for Diabetic patients. The volatile oils in Lemon Balm contain chemicals known as “terpenes” that relax muscles and relieve symptoms such as excess gas. Some people even use it to make homemade toothpaste. Does Melissa officinalis cause withdrawal or dependence?. It also helps in to reduce the High Cholesterol level of the patient. When using lemon balm extract in cream form, research shows that the intervals between herpes breakouts become longer, the healing period shortens and the symptoms, such as itching and burning, seem to decrease. Ireland remains a major producer of lemon balm essential oil, while Hungary, Italy, Egypt are the largest growers of the medicinal herb. Use lemon balm to help … For example, lemon balm tea benefits seem to include fighting abdominal pain and discomfort after eating, constipation and bloating. In fact, researchers at the Free University of Berlin stated, “ethanolic lemon balm extract can potentially be used to prevent or concomitantly treat type 2 diabetes,” because they were so impressed by the convincing data. The most useful parts of this plant (and the way it found its name) are the leaves. Native to south-central Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, Iran, and Central Asia, it has been cultivated since at least the 16th century as an ornamental plant, for its oil (used in perfumery), and its many virtues. Note that ‘bee balm’ is sometimes used, incorrectly, as a synonym for lemon balm; bee balm is, in fact, another group of plants in the mint family. Lemon balm supplements are available in capsule, tablet, powder, and tincture forms. Most of the current evidence is limited to test tube studies in which rosmarinic acid appears to inhibit a broad range of common viruses, including those associated with the common cold, such as coronaviruses and rhinoviruses and hepatitis B virus. You can even muddle them with the back of a spoon or chopstick to extract more of the herb's oils. The dose of a tincture can vary by the concentration (strength) of the formulation. Lemon Balm is an herb that has been used to treat anxiety and insomnia for a very long time. However, it is possible to regulate it naturally, using substances such as lemon balm that keep it in check. Low levels of GABA in the brain is believed to be associated with anxiety and other mood disorders., The same influence that rosmarinic acid has anxiety is believed to improve sleep in people with insomnia.. Sometimes, the most beneficial natural health remedies are the ones that have been around the longest. That’s certainly the case with lemon balm, a fast-growing plant that’s been studied for its effects on everything from insomnia to cancer. An early study from Iran reported that a four-month course of lemon balm extract was moderately more effective than a placebo in improving cognition and dementia in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's. These may include: To minimize risk of negative reactions, consume the oil with food and start with a low dose. Even food-grade essential oils used for flavoring candies and other foods should not be taken by mouth. Extract of lemon balm is one of the treatment methods that natural health practitioners tend to use when attempting to regulate overactive thyroid. Lemon balm extracts and supplements should be avoided in children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers due to the lack of safety research. Do this last minute; the leaves blacken and dry out if you cut them too far in advance. Traditionally, lemon balm herbal preparations have been used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Alternative practitioners believe that lemon balm can be used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, including insomnia, cold sores, high cholesterol, genital herpes, heartburn, and indigestion. The Truth About Oats & Gluten, Sucralose: 5 Reasons to Avoid This Artificial Sweetener, Chia Seeds Benefits: The Omega-3, Protein-Packed Superfood, 9 Proven Black Seed Oil Benefits that Boost Your Health, Top 15 Potassium-Rich Foods to Start Eating Today, 3-Day Cardiac Diet: Is It Safe? If your life is governed by anxiety and stress, you can reap the benefits of lemon … Some people may develop a form of allergy known as contact dermatitis when using a topical lemon balm preparation. In both animal and human studies, lemon balm taken by mouth has had calming effects. Since both passionflower and lemon balm are also anxiolytic herbs, they serve a double benefit for those with insomnia – a direct sedative effect on sleep and an additional benefit of reducing anxiety. The participants were each given 60 drops of lemon balm extract containing 500 micrograms of citral per milliliter (μg/ml) for a period of 16 weeks. Lemon balm is often used alone or in combination with other synergistic herbs, and plays a role in optimizing immune health, digestive health and providing a sense of balance for the nervous system. Anti-stress effects of lemon balm-containing foods. & detox juicing guide. Some people take up 600 milligrams twice daily, however starting with a low dose and splitting your dose may be better tolerated. Traditional Iranian medicine has used it as a therapy for some time to treat heart palpitations, and science seems to back up this use. 2016;188:204-28. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.05.010, Scholey A, Gibbs A, Neale C, et al. According to a 2013 study in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, lemon balm combined with valerian root significantly improve sleep quality in 100 women with menopause when compared to a placebo. Lemon balm (sweet balm) is an herbal supplement made from the plant extract of Melissa officinalis . Both produce similar results by reducing blood sugar levels and oxidative stress related to diabetes. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a member of the mint family, is a perennial herb which embodies a gentle, lemony fragrance. These include tannins and polyphenols. Lemon balm contains volatile (essential) oils ,including citronellal and citral A and B, which are known to have sedative properties. Of these, rosmarinic acid appears most effective in inhibiting herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) associated with cold sores and some cases of genital herpes.. In both animal and human studies, lemon balm taken by mouth has had calming effects. In others, a dose reduction or change of medication may be needed. Often said to ease stress and anxiety, lemon balm contains a compound known as rosmarinic acid that appears to have potent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Lemon balm is considered safe for short-term use. Read our, Medically reviewed by Arno Kroner, DAOM, LAc, Medically reviewed by Richard N. Fogoros, MD, Medically reviewed by Lana Butner, ND, LAc, 14 Natural Ways to Get a Better Night's Sleep. These findings may be especially relevant to people unable to find relief from standard antiviral drugs (like acyclovir). Side effects may include headache, nausea, bloating, gas, vomiting, indigestion, dizziness, stomach pain, painful urination, anxiety, and agitation. Pure extract, Haghani H. Valerian/lemon balm use for sleep disorders during menopause,... Antibacterial activity against candida disease: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial no well-known side effects, are! 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