Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is an herb from the mint family. The leaves, which have a mild lemon aroma, are used to make medicine and flavor foods.
Is lemon balm related to lemons?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a lemon-scented herb that comes from the same family as mint. The herb is native to Europe, North Africa, and West Asia, but it’s grown around the world.
What is lemon balm made of?
What is It Made Of? Lemon balm supplements are made from the leaves of the plant. Essential oils made from lemon balm leaves contain plant chemicals called terpenes, which play at least some role in the herb’s relaxing and antiviral effects.
Who should not use lemon balm?
Current research suggests that individuals who take glaucoma or thyroid medications or use other types of sedatives should not take lemon balm. 1 It’s important to remember that lemon balm cannot replace any treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare provider.
What is the difference between lemon and lemon balm?
Lemon verbena produces a more intense lemon flavor and scent, but lemon balm emits a burst of zesty lemon scent with the slightest touch. Both can be used in sachets or herbal bouquets to freshen the air and lift the spirits.
Can you eat lemon balm raw?
You can certainly enjoy lemon balm fresh on salads, or in your favorite recipes, too. Be brave! Experiment with its bright flavor.
Is lemon balm an anti inflammatory?
The use of herbs to relieve pain has a long history in the world of medicine. The fact that the essential oil of lemon balm has anti-inflammatory properties supports the traditional use of this herb in the treatment of numerous diseases associated with inflammation or pain (Bounihi et al., 2013).
What does lemon balm do to the brain?
Lemon balm significantly reduces excitatory transmission in the brain by inhibiting an enzyme called GABA-T that breaks down GABA, thus increasing the amount of GABA available in the brain.
Can you drink lemon balm tea everyday?
While more studies are needed to determine how lemon balm tea may help individuals, it does appear that the tea is safe for most people to consume. A person should consult their doctor if they have an underlying condition, such as a thyroid issue, before regularly consuming lemon balm tea.
Is lemon balm good for your heart?
In traditional Iranian medicine, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis, Lamiaceae) leaf extract is used as a heart tonic and to help ease tension, restlessness, and irritability.
Is lemon balm hard on the liver?
Lemon Balm and Its Constituent, Rosmarinic Acid, Alleviate Liver Damage in an Animal Model of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Nutrients.
Why does lemon balm make you sleepy?
Lemon balm contains chemicals that seem to have a sedative and calming effect. It might also reduce the growth of some viruses and bacteria.
Does lemon balm raise blood pressure?
Lemon balm may lower your blood pressure and therefore should be used with caution if you are taking medications with similar properties. It can also lower your blood sugar levels and people with diabetes should use lemon balm with care.
Why is lemon balm good for anxiety?
As an herb that has an affinity for the nervous system, lemon balm is a go-to herb for anxiety and depression. Not only does it bring your stress response back into balance in the moment, it is known for its ability to support a healthy fight-or-flight response long-term.
Is lemon balm antidepressant?
Based on meta-analysis results, lemon balm significantly improved mean anxiety and depression scores compared with the placebo (SMD: -0.98; 95% CI: -1.63 to -0.33; p = 0.003), (SMD: -0.47; 95% CI: -0.73 to -0.21; p = 0.0005) respectively, without serious side effects.
Is Lemon balm tea good for you?
Research has shown that when combined with herbs like valerian, lemon balm helps improve sleep. Also, drinking lemon balm tea can help with insomnia. Compounds in lemon balm may relieve gastrointestinal problems, such as bloating and indigestion.
Is lemon balm antibiotic?
Among these products, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis, Lamiaceae) is a medicinal plant and used for the treatment of headaches, gastrointestinal disorders, nervousness, and rheumatism. It is an antibacterial and antifungal agent.
Can you chew lemon balm leaves?
A leaf can be chewed to freshen the breath or crushed and placed on a bug bite to help ease the itch. Our favorite use is to turn it into a lip balm for cold sores!
What part of lemon balm is medicinal?
A poultice of the fresh leaf can help relieve pain caused by cramping and nervous headaches. Use lemon balm fresh in cooking as a substitute for lemon thyme, lemons or mint. Drink lemon balm tea 30 minutes before bed to help with insomnia. The tincture of the fresh herb in glycerine is an effective children’s medicine.
Is lemon balm good for wrinkles?
They help reduce fine lines and wrinkles to give you smoother and suppler skin while also improving your complexion. Lemon balm is also rich in tannins which give it astringent and antiviral properties.
Is lemon balm good for nerve pain?
Herbs that are in the “nervine” category can be very nourishing and soothing to the nerve tissue. Among the best are Chinese skullcap, lemon balm, wood betony, St. John’s wort, chamomile, prickly ash and milky oats.