Lemon Balm| Uses, Benefits and Side Effects of Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm:

A refreshing smell, immense health benefits, aesthetics and easy to grow, the Lemon balm plant has it all. This perennial herb, originally native to Central Europe and Asia has spread all over the world. Belonging to the mint family, Melissa officinalis (scientific name) has been named for its usage in attracting bees for honey production. It has immense health benefits that have been utilized since times immemorable.

The lemon balm plant can be quickly grown in almost any kind of soil and temperature and can be produced from seeds or stem. It can be grown indoors, but it’s best grown outside as per Herb Society of America. It needs light, proper drainage, fertilizer and can be grown year-round in warmer climates.

Uses of Lemon Balm:

Lemon balm can be used variedly. It serves a lot of medicinal purposes, including Aromatherapy for Alzheimer’s, it's a well-known fact that Queen of Hungary used to use it soften her wrinkles and has many cosmetic benefits like the soft smell and smooth skin. It is added to toothpaste to freshen breath. Lemon balm tea is a fantastic soothing drink for summers with remarkable health benefits. Even its essential oil gives an uplifting experience.

How to make Lemon Balm Tea:

This is easy to make. All you’ve got to do is add one tablespoon lemon balm tea blend to boiling water and then mix it with honey. A soothing, relaxing tea with uncountable health benefits is ready for you! This is even more beneficial when used with chamomile. This amazing tea aids in digestion and helps in boosting immunity.

Benefits of Lemon Balm:

•    Its leaves can be chewed to freshen breath.

•    It has a very soothing effect on cold sores caused by herpes. Some studies have even suggested that creams with lemon balm extracts can help in treating HSV1 sores. Studies have also suggested that creams with lemon balm extracts can help in treating HSV1 sores.

•    Northumbria University researchers in 2003 found out that Lemon balm improved memory Dementia and reduced agitation caused by Alzheimer’s.

•    The busy lives of many Americans have made them prone to anxiety and insomnia. Since it has a very relaxing effect, they help in coping up with anxiety especially when used with chamomile. Clinical trials suggest that it can be used for the treatment of Insomnia.

•    This wonder herb contains antioxidants in oodles. This helps in reducing the harmful effects of free radicals and act as anti-aging agent.

•    It’s a natural antibiotic agent and helps in eliminating a lot of bacteria; it’s also anti-fungal and helps in eliminating candida.

•    Lemon Balm Essential oil helps in reduction of the bad cholesterol HDL levels that could lead to blockage of arteries. It can also help in the prevention of arrhythmia.

•    A 2016 study suggests that it may have an ability to protect the heart from injuries.

•    It reduces blood sugar levels and reduces the oxidative stress thus making many researchers believe that it can help in even reversing type 2 diabetes.

•    Some studies conclusively suggest that lemon balm has an apoptotic effect (killing) effect on some cancer cells especially that of glioblastoma multiforme and colorectal carcinoma.

•    It acts as a mosquito repellent and bug repellent which is a wonderful replacement for the harsh chemical ones that highly toxic.

Side effects of Lemon Balm:

Even this wonderful herb isn’t an elixir, and it may cause specific side effects.

•    If a patient is suffering from Hypothyroidism, then usage of lemon balm may aggravate the disease.

•    Its usage should be considered carefully in people with a mental health condition.

•    Its essential oil is not to be used in pregnancy or infancy.

•    Also, it’s recommended that essential oil should be diluted before using.

The lemon balm uses and advantages may stun any person into grabbing it from the shelf. Lemon balm is available as dried leave sin market and can be grown easily as well. So, don’t miss out on the wonderful benefits this wonder herb can offer.

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