Introduction:
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.
Uses and benefits:
It can help relieve stress:
Lemon balm is said to soothe symptoms of stress, help you to relax, and boost your mood.
It can reduce anxiety
Lemon balm may also be used to help reduce symptoms of anxiety, such as nervousness and excitability.
Boosts immune function
Some studied have looked into the effects of lemon balm in improving cognitive function. Participants were asked to do cognitive tasks involving memory, mathematics, and concentration. The results of these computerized tasks suggest that participants who ingested lemon balm performed better than those who didn’t.
It can reduce insomnia and sleep disorders
Combining lemon balm with valerian may help relieve restlessness and sleep disorders such as insomnia.
Helps treat cold sores
You can even apply lemon balm topically at the first sign of a cold sore. Participants in an applied either a lemon balm or placebo cream on the affected area four times per day for five days. The researchers found that the participants who used the lemon balm cream experienced fewer symptoms and healed faster than those who didn’t.
May help reducing nausea and indigestion
In cases that have frequent abdominal pain and discomfort, lemon balm may have a positive effect on the digestion and helps relieve the distress. It also relieves the symptoms of nausea.
It may help minimize menstrual cramps
There’s also research to suggest that lemon balm can be used to relieve menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Reduces headaches
Lemon balm may also be useful in treating headaches, especially if they’re happening as a result of stress. It has relaxing properties that can help one to unwind, release tension, and relax the muscles.
Reduces toothache
Lemon balm’s pain-relieving properties may make it an a good choice for relieving toothache pain.
Side effects and risks
Lemon balm has the potential to cause the following side effects:
- headache
- painful urination
- increased body temperature
- nausea
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- dizziness
- wheezing
- skin irritation
- allergic reaction
It should be used with caution in patients who are on:
- glaucoma medications
- thyroid medications
- barbiturates
- sedatives
- drugs that affect serotonin
Conclusion:
Lemon balm can’t replace any doctor-approved treatment plan that you’re currently following, but it may be an effective complementary treatment. Talk to your doctor about your individual case and the potential benefits and risks involved.