10 Potential Benefits of Lemon Balm Backed by Research

Lemon balm is a traditional herbal medicine from the plant Melissa officinalis, who had been used as medicine for hundreds of years. More recently, there has been a surge in scientific interest in lemon balm as a potential supporter of many aspects of health. In this video, we will discuss the top 10 most amazing scientifically proven benefits of lemon balm before finishing with some important safety information and frequently asked questions. But first, a quick reminder. All content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always speak to a healthcare professional before introducing changes to your diet or lifestyle, as some health circumstances and drug interactions could be impacted. What do scientific studies say about lemon balm? Research studies regarding lemon balm, like these published by the National Library of Medicine, yield the following results. Lemon balm features strong bioactive components, such as flavonoids, polyphenols, and a number of oils, including citronellol and geraniol. Its sedative and antispasmodic properties, researched to relieve psychological stress as well as GI discomfort and even sleep disorders, has also been documented. Lemon balm has been studied extensively, showing that it is safe for the majority of users with few side effects and is one of the most widely used herbal supplements around the globe. 10 Surprising Benefits of Lemon Balm Lemon balm is a herb from the mint family that has long been used in traditional medicine. With modern science, many of its health claims have begun to be validated. Following are 10 of the most notable lemon balm benefits that make it such a wonderful addition to your wellness routine. Clinical studies demonstrate that lemon balm's active compounds can reduce anxiety, by modulating GABA receptors, leading to a calming effect without significant sedative impact. Additionally, lemon balm has been shown to improve sleep quality, which can further reduce stress levels. And the science backs up these uses, though the compounds responsible for lemon balm's various activities aren't pinpointed, with researchers suspecting its rosmarinic acid may actually affect gamma-aminobutyric acid, GABA, receptors, providing a calming experience, but not significant sedation. In a systematic review with meta-analysis of clinical trials, lemon balm reduced anxiety and depression scores more than placebo in a statistically significant fashion, hinting that it is a promising natural treatment for these conditions. Lemon balm has also improved the quality of sleep, which can fight against stress as well. Lemon balm is also studied for its ability to improve memory, attention, and cognitive performance in general, so it can be a valuable herb in supporting mental clarity as well. Lemon balm has traditionally been used to relieve symptoms of anxiety and stress. Recent studies lend support to these indications, suggesting that the active constituents of lemon balm, particularly rosmarinic acid, may provide effects through modulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid, GABA, receptors, providing a more calm than sedated effect. Dietary supplements of lemon balm substantially improved comparative anxiety and depression scores in comparison to a placebo, suggesting its ability as an alternative remedy for anxiety and depression. Lemon balm also can help with quality of sleep, and a good quality of sleep can decrease stress too. Due to the carminative properties of lemon balm, it is especially good for gas and cramping, two common digestive distress symptoms. Besides calming, lemon balm is thought to help with a healthy gut microbiome as well. Zinc occurs to have properties that is antimicrobial in nature, which means it can regulate gut microbiota by inhibiting pathogenic microorganisms while also promoting beneficial microorganisms. As a result, this two-fold action not only promotes digestion, but may also aid in nutrient ingress and overall gut's wellness. High in antioxidants, lemon balm has been shown to fight oxidative stress, thereby potentially reducing the risk of chronic disease by supporting immune function. Lemon balm is known to be an antioxidant that helps the body strengthen the immune system. Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage and disrupt normal cellular functioning and contribute to chronic diseases, and antioxidants neutralize them. Lemon balm protects the cell structure by reducing oxidative stress and increasing our health. Lemon balm not only has antioxidant potential, but also antiviral properties that help further boost immune function. This action, together with its antiviral assistance, offers a combined discerned effect which makes lemon balm a good plant to add to the body's natural defenses against the various pathogens which attack it. Thanks to its sedative properties and its ability to relax muscle tension, lemon balm can help with menstrual pains, leading the way to fewer cramps or mood swings. Moreover, when it comes to PMS effects, the anti-inflammatory activity of lemon balm also plays a role. It may help relieve pain and swelling commonly associated with the menstrual cycle by dampening inflammation. Lemon balm has also been found to enhance sleep quality, which may aid people suffering from insomnia or fatigue due to PMS. Better sleep is not only good for mood, but better helps the body to recover and better manage stress, which overall alleviates the PMS symptom burden more. Hepatoprotective properties Lemon balm has been shown to have liver protective properties. Compounds in lemon balm, including rosmarinic acid, have been studied for their potential to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are factors that contribute to the disease progression of liver diseases. Studies also suggest that lemon balm canad help by affecting the lipid metabolism and thereby benefiting liver function. The anecdotal effects of mood regulation are mostly pointed to the effect that lemon balm has on the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid, GABA, which is responsible for reducing anxiety and inducing relaxation in the brain. Lemon balm promotes GABA activity, producing a tranquilizing effect and alleviating restlessness and irritability due to mild depression. This mechanism provides an organic, subtle method to support mental health. While lemon balm has also been connected with GABA, it includes essential oils and polyphenols like rosmarinic acid and citronelol, which fight oxidative stress in the brain. In mood disorders, oxidative stress has an important role. Therefore, by alleviating it, lemon balm protects neurons and aids in mood stability. That dual-action effect is what makes lemon balm a great choice for whole-body emotional health. Lemon balm is effective against the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores, so used topically can help it heal quicker and is a wonderful natural antiviral. Lemon balm has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of HSV cold sores. In a study with 116 people with HSV, those who put lemon balm cream on their scraping lip sores were red and swollen within two days. These antiviral effects of lemon balm have been linked to its abundance of polyphenolic compounds that inhibit HSV replication. This shows us why lemon balm is a great natural solution for those who are looking for a natural treatment when it comes to having cold sores. Lemon balm. Its antibacterial and antioxidant properties can help clear up acne, if used in skin care. Known to have antibacterial anything antioxidant properties, lemon balm is another herb with some potential value in the acne and skin clarity prairies. Its extremely high polyphenol and flavonoid content also helps protect against oxidative stress, a main contributor to skin aging and inflammation. Lemon balm helps to preserve youthful and glowing skin by neutralizing free radicals. What are the side effects of lemon balm? Lemon balm is well tolerated and side effects which are rare include dizziness, headache, and mild gastrointestinal disturbance, all of which have been comparable with those reported with placebo in studies. Research in the National Library of Medicine has also found it not related to liver injury, even with chronic use. Despite these limited reactions, hypersensitivity responses are achievable. Through rare hence it would be wise to stay cautious for plant hypersensitivity individuals. Frequently asked questions. Does lemon balm help with weight loss? Lemon balm does help you lose weight but indirectly. Its calming effects may prevent excessive eating caused by stress, which may help maintain an optimal weight combined with proper diet and physical activity. Can you drink lemon balm every day? While lemon balm is mostly considered safe and well tolerated when consumed every day, particularly as a tea, it is recommended that you seek advice from your healthcare professional if you are thinking of long-term use of lemon balm. Who should not drink lemon balm? Pregnant or breastfeeding people, as well as people with thyroid problems and those taking sedative medications, should steer clear of lemon balm, or at least check with their healthcare provider before using it for potential interactions. If you enjoyed this content, please like this video, subscribe to our channel, and activate notifications so you won't miss any future videos on health and wellness. We would love to hear your thoughts, so drop your comment below. Thank you for watching and stay tuned for more insightful videos.