Case in point: lemon balm.
What exactly is lemon balm?
The lemon balm plant (Melissa officinalis) is aperennial herbthat’s a member of the mint family.
It’s native to the Mediterranean but grows easily throughout Europe, Asia, and North America.
Lemon balm leaves have been used in herbal medicine dating back to aroundthe year A.D. 60 in Ancient Greece.
Fun fact: Lemon balm was alsoused in spellsto heal broken hearts and attract love.
What are the health benefits of lemon balm?
“It may also boost cognitive function and be helpful for easing menstrual cramps and headaches.”
Here are some more details on the most promising research-backed benefits of lemon balm:
1.
It alleviates stress and anxiety.
They also reported an increased sense of calm.
(Learnhow GABA works in your brain and why it’s so important.)
It boosts cognitive function and combats dementia.
Participants taking 300 milligrams of lemon balm experienced improved speed when solving math problems, without compromising their accuracy.
It lulls you into a deep sleep.
Thanks to its calming properties, lemon balm is also a useful natural sleep aid.
(Psst…Here are 15 things to try if you’re having trouble falling or staying asleep.)
It helps alleviate gas and bloating.
It helps out with cold sores.
If you’re plagued by cold sores, you’d probably try anything to get rid of them faster!
It relieves painful periods.
Killer period cramps are enough to make even the most die-hard natural health junkies reach for a pill bottle.
The good news: Lemon balm (much likefenugreek) presents a promising solution forquelling the pain without drugs.
It alleviates stress-induced headaches.
Stress-induced tension headaches are no joke, but lemon balm may offer relief.
What’s the best way to take lemon balm?
Lemon balm is available in medicinal teas, tinctures, salves, capsules, and essential oils.
So how should you take it?
Well, it really depends on what you’re using it for.
For treating cold sores, you’ll want a cream or salve.
Also, as with all dietary supplements, be sure to seek out a reputable brand to avoid contamination.
This is the bang out of cream often used in studies.
Here are some stress-relieving lemon balm teas to try.
you could always buylemon balm tea, but it really couldn’t be simpler to make.
Both fresh or dried lemon balm leaves work, and it pairs wonderfully with other aromatic herbs.
Consider having a cup before you go to bed, or in a moment of stress or anxiety.
Add a little honey for a touch of sweetness.
Dried lemon balm tea:Purchase dried lemon balm leaves from a reputable company likeMountain Rose Herbs.
Are there any side effects to watch out for?
One important note: Lemon balm is not meant to be used long term.
“After that, give yourself a week off before you begin taking it again.”
Inrare cases9, it’s been shown to cause dependency and withdrawal symptoms with prolonged use.
Lemon balm creams may cause skin irritation.
Lemon balm may also interfere with certain medications.
Same goes for women who are breastfeeding or pregnant.
We’d recommend starting with a tea and working your way up from there.
