Lemon Balm Health Benefits
Health Benefits of Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm, also known as Melissa officinalis is an herb belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae) native to south-central Europe, the Mediterranean region, North Africa, Iran and Central Asia.
Lemon balm has been traditionally used for thousands of years to heal wounds, treat high fevers, headaches, nerve pain, venomous insect bites and stings and other various illnesses.
Lemon balm has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-microbial properties.
Lemon balm may relieve tooth pain and improve cognition.
Lemon balm may help reduce anxiety, boost your mood and promote sleep. Studies have shown that participants that consumed 600mg lemon balm extract increased their mood and significantly increased their calmness and alertness. Another study where participants consumed lemon balm extract in combination with valerian slept much better than those who took a placebo but more research is needed for lemon balm by itself.
Lemon balm may help treat cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). One study showed that people who applied lemon balm cream to their lip sores experienced significant improvement in swelling and redness after 2 days. Another study showed that applying lemon balm cream reduced the healing time of both genital and oral herpes. Not a single recurrence was noted when lemon balm was used to treat the primary infection of the herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV I).
Lemon balm may also reduce PMS symptoms and menstrual cramps. Studies have shown girls who consumed lemon balm essence for 3 consecutive menstrual cycles reduced their pms symptoms significantly.
Lemon balm may also improve digestion, including indigestion, bloating, constipation, and nausea.
Lemon balm may have some side effects including, headache, nausea, bloating, dizziness, skin reactions and allergic reactions.
Lemon balm may interact with certain medications including thyroid medications .
As always consult with your physician.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemon_balm
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/lemon-balm