Health Benefits of Lemon Balm

A member of the mint family, lemon balm’s official name is Melissa officinalis which means honey bees. Lemon balm originated in the middle ages in the Near East. The flowering perennial then came to Europe where many assume it originated. During the 18th century, the European settlers brought lemon balm to America. Lemon balm is used to reduce stress, anxiety, to promote sleep, improve the appetite, ease the pain, discomfort from indigestion including gas, bloating and colic and many more conditions.

Skin Appearance

As far back as the 14th century, lemon balm is recorded as being used as a beauty product for the appearance of the skin. The queen of Hungary is reported to have erased years off her face changing wrinkles into smoother lines through the use of lemon balm. When it is applied to the skin, lemon balm is said to assist with fine lines. The volatile ingredients have a natural response to the blemishes on lips, clearing them up and removing them in short periods of time.

Thyroid

Lemon balm is used to decrease thyroid hormone levels and symptoms connected with hyperthyroidism. Lemon balm can bring high adrenaline down. It relaxes agitated individuals and those who can’t sleep. Lemon balm works to block the antibiotics in the thyroid that increase hormone level receptors. Nearly twenty-eight million people suffer from a thyroid disorder in the United States.

Calms the Mind

The oils in lemon balm are said to encourage feelings of relaxation and to suppress sleeplessness. The compounds found in lemon balm promote good Gaba activity and stress relieving qualities. Its primary benefit is the quality it has to ease anxiety and promote calmness. Lemon balm encourages the production of GABA. This helps to lower the stress and anxiety that individuals experience.

Sleep Disturbances

Lemon balm can help with sleep disturbances such as restlessness and insomnia. When used in the correct doses, it has proved to be a useful aid in inducing sleep at regular intervals. Given as an extract, lemon balm has been successful in both menopausal women and children at allowing them to sleep comfortably throughout the night.

Boosts Alertness

Lemon balm in a tea helps to boost alertness. It can improve readiness and create a positive mood and works best with food. It was in the 16th century that an English botanist by the name of John Gerard gave lemon balm to students to “quicken their senses.” It is the first record of lemon balms use for cognitive health.

Sharp Memory/Problem Solving

Without regards to age, improved memory and problem-solving skills are present in many individuals who take lemon balm as an herb. Combining lemon blam with antioxidants helps to recuperate memory related functions. Studies have shown to not only enhance your mood and to stimulate the mind.

Poor Appetite

Nausea and vomiting are two of the primary reasons for a poor appetite without regards to medical reasonings. Drinking lemon balm as a tea can improve your appetite and promote a reduction in depression and anxiety that can also affect your appetite. Lemon balm acts as an appetite stimulant when used in combination with food and proper light exercise. Use it sparingly until your body can adjust as it can make you sleepy.

Protects Brain Cells

Lemon balm has compelling antioxidants such as eugenol and a Rosmarinicc acid that is beneficial to delaying free radicals before them attacking the brain. If the brain lacks blood, it can become critical. When given directly after an incident,  lemon balm has been proven to be successful. t.

Powerful Antioxidants

Lemon balm has antioxidants that protect cells from free radicals and offers antibacterial and antiviral components that offer protection for the lipid membrane of the cells. The rosmarinic acid chemical compound and caffeic acid work together to neutralize the reactive oxygen species. Finally, eugenol is a natural anti-inflammatory that soothes painful conditions.

How to Grow Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is easy to grow and can grow in almost any soil. They can grow in part shade areas. However, they grow best in well-drained rich soils in full sun. You can sow the seed directly into the ground according to your region or transplant a plant after the threat of frost is over. They grow indoors or outdoors and make excellent houseplants. The scent will fill your home with its pleasant aroma. Lemon balm can quickly overcome an outdoor area, make sure to maintain your plants and clip or cut stems back regularly to maintain the size of the plants to your liking.