Lemon balm is a herb that belongs to mint family. The leaves, which contain a mild lemon aroma, are used to make medicine. Also, lemon balm is used alone or as part of various multi-herb combination products.
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Research experts reported that lemon balm offers many health benefits.
HOW DOES LEMON BALM WORK?
Lemon balm contains chemicals that have calming and sedative effect. Also, it might help in reducing the growth of some viruses.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF LEMON BALM:
1. BETTER DIGESTION
Due to its antioxidant activity, lemon balm extract has a potentially protective effect on your gastrointestinal system. It can help in soothing digestive issues, by preventing gastric ulcers, though it has not been studied further.
Also, there is evidence that lemon balm, as well as angelica root and peppermint, may be extremely useful in making herbal remedies for constipation.
2. DIABETES MANAGEMENT
Diabetes is big problem in Western health. While it is common for traditional practitioners to prescribe a number of medications that has dangerous side effects to treat it, it is actually possible to reverse diabetes naturally. The usage of lemon balm extract may be one effective way to achieve this.
Researchers have studied both lemon balm essential exctract and oil, on their effect on high blood sugar. Both produce similar results by reducing oxidative stress and reducing blood sugar levels related to diabetes.
The researchers at the Free University of Berlin reported that, “ethanolic lemon balm extract can be used in preventing or concomitantly treating type 2 diabetes,” because they were so impressed by the convincing data.
3. LIVER HEALTH
The liver is responsible for detoxifying dangerous compounds from your body and, over time, can become sluggish, most especially if you follow an unhealthy diet. Studies conducted on animals have found that lemon balm is effective at protecting the liver from some of the negative effects of an unhealthy diet.
Also, lemon balm supports the liver’s production of 2 important antioxidants, namely uperoxide dismutase and glutathione.
4. LOADED IN ANTIOXIDANTS
Lemon balm is loaded in rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid, which are known powerful antioxidants that help in neutralizing reactive oxygen species. Also, it contains eugenol, which is known to be a natural anti-inflammatory that helps in soothing painful conditions. These compounds offer profound anti-viral and antibacterial properties and helps in protecting the lipid membrane of cells.
A study that was published in 2010 in Toxicology and Industrial Health, studied lemon balm and its ability to reduce oxidative stress in radiology staff participants who are dealing with radiation-induced stress. The study reported that taking lemon balm infusion of 1.5 grams in a 100 mL drink for the duration of 30 days, had a positive effect on reducing DNA damage and lipid peroxidation.
Also, it was shown to improve intracellular antioxidant (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) status and reduce DNA damage in these radiology staff particpants.
5. RELAXATION BENEFITS
Lemon balm has been used for years to care for wounds and cure sleeplessness. Some have reported that the sweet, pure aroma of the oil promotes a feeling of relaxation. Most of the sweet oils are known to provide the same benefit.
LEMON BALM PROPER DOSAGES:
Lemon balm is most commonly used for insomnia, digestive issues, immunity and anxiety. It can be consume in the form of infused teas in the range of 1.5-4.5 grams of lemon balm, and should be taken 2-4 times daily.
Also, it can be taken in a tincture of 2-3 mL (roughly 20 drops) at least 3x daily. Many others choose to steep 2-4 tablespoons of the crushed leaf in 1 cup of boiling water.
You can also buy lemon balm in a capsule-based formula. For the recommended dosage, 300-500 mg and to be taken 3 time daily or as needed. When using in topical form, apply it 3-5 times daily to maintain its powerful anti-microbial activity on the region.
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