The lemon balm plant is a member of the mint family and even though it is native to the Mediterranean, it grows easily throughout North America, Asia and Europe. A lovely lemony scent is emitted by its leaves and it has a soothing effect on the body. It has been used in herbal medicine in Ancient Greece around the year A.D. 60 and was then used to treat gassiness, fevers and to improve people’s spirits. It was also used in spells to attract love and heal broken hearts. Today, it is used as a herb in cooking and it is available in essential oils, capsules, salves, tinctures and medicinal teas.

What Are The Health Benefits?

In addition to improving digestive issues like gas and bloating, lemon balm can also help you feel calmer, aid sleep and manage anxiety. It may even ease headaches and menstrual cramps and boost cognitive function. Get more info on what natural supplements can be taken to support peaceful sleep, and reduce anxiety by visiting authorityreports.com.

 Here are more details on the benefits of lemon balm:

It Alleviates Anxiety and Stress

Studies have found that when consuming beverages and food laced with lemon balm it is associated with reduced levels of anxiety and improvements in cognitive performance and mood. This might be because of a compound in lemon balm named rosmarinic acid which is responsible for activating GABA receptors in the brain which causes a calming effect.

Lemon Balm Combats Dementia and Boosts Cognitive Function

Research also shows that lemon balm can boost brain power. It has also been shown to reduce agitation among Alzheimer’s disease patients and improve cognitive function when it is taken over a period of four months. 

It Improves Deep Sleep

Due to its calming properties, lemon balm is also used as a natural sleep aid. By combining the herb valerian with lemon balm, results may be improved even more. Studies have shown that when supplementing 80 mg of lemon balm and 160 mg of valerian root, a 70% to 80% of improvement in symptoms were noticed.

It Alleviates Bloating and Gas

Just like ginger and peppermint, lemon balm is considered a herb that relieves flatulence which means that your digestive system will be thankful. Lemon balm can lessen indigestion symptoms and even alleviate constipation.

It Reduces Headaches

Lemon balm may offer relief to stress-induced tension headaches as the herb’s sedative-like effects will assist with reducing tension throughout the body.

How To Take Lemon Balm

• Try a cream or salve for treating cold sores.
• Use a few drops of lemon balm essential oil in a warm bath or diffuser for a mood boost.
• When supplementing do not use more than 1.6 grams per day and make sure to seek out a reputable brand.
• For a cognitive boost, period cramps, bloating, insomnia and anxiety, take it via a capsule, tea or a tincture.

Try The Following Lemon Balm Teas

Even though you can buy lemon balm tea, it is really quite simple to make. Dried and fresh leaves work and pair wonderfully with many other aromatic herbs. It should be taken in a moment of anxiety or stress or before you go to bed.

• Pick fresh leaves off a lemon balm plant, tear them up and put them into an infuser and add about 8 ounces of boiling water for a few minutes. A few drops of honey can be added for a bit of sweetness.
• Dried lemon balm leaves can be bought from the store or you can dry it yourself. One heaped tablespoon can be soaked in boiling water for a few minutes. You can also add other soothing herbs such as lavender and passionflower.

Are There Any Side Effects?

It is important to note that lemon balm is only for short-term use. It should not be taken for longer than three weeks at a time. Give yourself one week off before taking it again as it might cause withdrawal symptoms and dependency with prolonged use. 

Also, keep in mind that capsules (a concentrated dose) can potentially cause more side effects, whereas fresh lemon balm carries a much lower risk. Even though side effects are relatively rare, it could include increased appetite, wheezing, dizziness, abdominal pain, vomiting and nausea. These side effects can be reduced when taking lemon balm with a snack or a meal.