Lemon balm is a member of the mint family, and not the balm you buy from. The plant can withstand unfavorable climatic conditions and are very easy to grow. It has a wonderful fragrance that is energizing and invigorating, resembling a scent between mint and lemon. Lemon balms are not only beautiful additions to the garden, but it is used in traditional forms of medicine, aromatherapy and cooking. The flowering herb is used to produce a rich and concentrated essential oil that has been highly-praised for ages. Plus, dropping a lemon balm tea into a cup of hot water can create a refreshing tea that is both fragrant and delicious.

Storage and use of Lemon Balm

Ideally, lemon balm leaves can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Dried leaves of the plant can also be preserved in airtight containers.

In the market, you can find lemon balm leaves in various forms. Dried leaves can be purchased in jars. You can also purchase lemon balm tea, capsule, tinctures and essential oil.

The good thing about lemon balm is that nearly all its parts can be used for healing various conditions and ailments in humans. The leaves, stems and flowers are all beneficial. Even in the ancient Roman civilization, it was used for medical treatments.

1. Better Mood and Sleep

Owing to growing stress and incessant multi-tasking that people are subjected to nowadays, sleeping problems and anxiety have become common. Fortunately, lemon balm has been found useful for treating insomnia and anxiety. When the herb is used in conjunction with other herbs like chamomile and valerian, the effect is more pronounced and the mixture makes an impressive nаturаl rеmеdу fоr іnѕоmnіа. Despite also having thе аbіlіtу tо ѕtіmulаtе fосuѕ аnd optimize mеmоrу, thе ѕооthіng ԛuаlіtіеѕ of thіѕ hеrb аrе juѕt аѕ notable. This flexibility mаkеѕ lemon bаlm еxtrеmеlу important fоr those with interrupted sleep раttеrnѕ.

2. Rich in Antioxidants

Unknowingly, you get exposed to harmful free radicals every day. These can be damaging for your health. To battle the effects of free radicals, you need antioxidants, and lemon balm contains oodles of them. Thе hіgh lеvеl оf antioxidants hаѕ also been shown to reduce bеtа-аmуlоіd рlаԛuе dероѕіtіоn іn nеurаl раthwауѕ, which can ѕlоw dоwn the progression оf nеurоdеgеnеrаtіvе diseases, ѕuсh аѕ Alzhеіmеr’ѕ аnd Pаrkіnѕоn’ѕ dіѕеаѕе.

3. Reduce Damage from Radiation

For treating cancer and some other disorders, exposure to radiation becomes necessary. However, people subjected to radiation exposure have to cope with several side effects afterwards. Studies have indicated that using lemon balm can reduce the negative impact of exposure to radiation by reducing damage to the plasma DNA.

4. Better Gut 

Drinking lemon balm tea and its infusion can help improve the condition of your digestive health. And this comes as no surprises as lemon balm has been used to reduce distress to the gut and also heal it from various stomach conditions, such as indigestion.

5. Reduce Muscle Ache

Having a flu and a muscle ache that comes with it? Fret not, because lemon balm leaves can help relieve that body ache, possibly due to eugenol which is a pain-reducing compound. It also contains wonderful properties that help to reduce antispasmodic actions, and thus effectively reduces muscle spasms. Using Lemon balm leads to sweating when you have a fever, helping to release toxins from the body and bring some relief. which brings some relief.

6. Improves Immune System

Using lemon balm can boost your immunity levels. It has components like caffeine and rosmarinic acids, which are antibacterial and antiviral properties to fortify the body, thus effectively alleviate any onset of infection in healthy cells.

7. Clearer and Healthier Skin

Lemon balm is useful for keeping the skin in top condition, both for women and men. It has natural and strong astringents, making it a great herb for treating skin inflammation, as well as managing oily and acne prone skin. Want to up your cleanser game? Use lemon balm! It is great for getting the gunk from the pores, giving you a beautifully smooth complexion and also reducing acne and rashes.

8. A Fresher Mouth

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To treat instances of oral infections and results like bleeding gums and bad breath, you can try using lemon balm. A few drops of lemon balm essential oil are all you need. Mix it with a mouthwash or just a cup of water and start gurgling the bacteria away. You will definitely feel and smell a better mouth.

9. Reduce Stress and Tension

People get tensed due to many reasons, personal and professional. Using lemon balm tincture or infusion in such times works wonders in calming tensed nerves. You can use it to release stress after returning from work.

10. Freshens the Air

You can use lemon balm to as a natural room freshener. Fresh lemon balm leaves can be soaked in lightly boiled water to create a concoction that can be sprayed in your living space for a light minty aroma.

Side Effects of Lemon balm

Avoid using with other medicines

Avoid using lemon balm together medications and sedatives unless you have checked with your physician about the safety concerns. As lemon balm already contains some sedative properties, using it with other OTC sedative drugs can strengthen that sedative effects that may be undesirable. While it is not yet proven that lemon balm has any effect when taken with anti-retroviral agents, it is advisable that HIV patients undergoing such therapy should not use any forms of lemon balm.

Not for Glaucoma Patients

Studies have found that lemon balm essential oil can increase pressure in the eyes, and this can worsen glaucoma. Furthermore, the herb may affect patients by interacting with existing medications that can cause adverse results. Thus, it is recommended that glaucoma patients stave off the herb.

Not Suitable For Those Prepping for Surgery

People prepping to undergo surgery, or recuperating should not use lemon balm in any form due to the herb’s sedative properties. It can induce a deeper and long sleep, which is undesirable for those who just underwent a surgery.

Allergies

Like many things out there, lemon balm leaves can induce allergic reactions that can include nausea and vomiting. However, most times, these allergic reactions only arise when large quantities are taken, so be aware and careful of how much you consume.