Lemon Balm Benefits Against Radiation

Welcome to Herbal Snippets. I'm Rosalie de la Forêt here to share quick practical insights about herbs. I'm also the founder of Herbs with Rosalie, an herbal school, community, and podcast where we celebrate the art of herbalism together. Want to learn more? Visit herbswithrosalie.com or check out the link in the description to join our free herbal community. Now let's dive into today's herbal snippet. What I'm about to share about lemon balm and radiation is one of my favorite things to share about because it shows just how powerful and relevant herbs are today. Radiation exposure from x-rays can cause DNA damage and induce oxidative stress. Because the damage is cumulative, this is especially problematic for people regularly exposed to x-rays. In this study, 55 radiology staff members were tested for oxidative stress markers. Then they were asked to drink a simple lemon balm tea twice a day for 30 days. After the 30 days, they were tested again. Researchers recorded numerous improvements in oxidative stress markers including a marked reduction in plasma DNA damage. Why this isn't more widely shared with people regularly exposed to x-rays is a mystery to me. I also think about other applications like people who fly a lot and are exposed to low levels of radiation in flight. If you know of someone who this might benefit, then be sure to share this video. Ultraviolet or UV radiation is one of the leading causes of skin cancer and photoaging, which are changes to the skin induced by chronic exposure to UV sunlight. One in vitro study showed the many benefits from lemon balm for protecting the skin including a decrease in UVB induced oxidative stress production and a reduction in UV induced DNA damage. Too often people think of herbs as antiquated or irrelevant in the modern world, but nothing could be further from the truth. As you can see from its antiviral properties to protecting against DNA damage caused by x-rays and the sun, lemon balm is a powerful herb for us today. Do you love herbs? Are you dreaming of becoming an herbalist? Join us at herbswithrosalie.com or click the link in the description to be a part of our vibrant herbal community. Let's keep the love for herbs growing. See you in the next snippet!