Lemon balm has traditionally been used to improve mood and cognitive function, but the potential benefits don’t stop there
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a lemon-scented herb that comes from the same family as mint. The herb is native to Europe, North Africa, and West Asia, but it’s grown around the world. Read on to learn more about this plant’s possible healing powers
1. It can help relieve stress
Lemon balm is said to soothe symptoms of stress, help you to relax, and boost your mood.
How to use: Take 300 milligrams (mg) of lemon balm in capsule form twice a day. You can take a single dose of 600 mg in acute episodes of stress.
2. It can help reduce anxiety
Lemon balm may also be used to help reduce symptoms of anxiety, such as nervousness and excitability.
How to use: Take 300 to 600 mg of lemon balm three times per day. You can take a higher dose in acute episodes of anxiety.
3. It may boost cognitive function
The same 2014 study also looked at the effects of lemon balm in improving cognitive function.
How to use: Take 300 to 600 mg of lemon balm three times a day.
4. It can help ease insomnia and other sleep disorders
Combining lemon balm with valerian may help relieve restlessness and sleep disorders such as insomnia.
How to use: Drink a cup of tea brewed with valerian and lemon balm before bed. You can find loose-leaf or bagged options at your local grocery store or online.
5. It may help treat cold sores
You can even apply lemon balm topically at the first sign of a cold sore.
How to use: Apply a lemon balm cream to the affected area several times per day. Be sure to patch test the cream on the inside of your forearm before applying it to the cold sore. If you don’t experience any irritation or inflammation within 24 hours, it should be safe to use.
6. It may help relieve indigestion
If you experience frequent abdominal pain and discomfort, lemon balm may have a positive effect on your digestion.
How to use: Add 1 teaspoon (tsp) of lemon balm powder to a bowl of ice cream or smoothie and enjoy.
7. It can help treat nausea
Given its potential impact on your digestive system, lemon balm may also help relieve feelings of nausea.
How to use: Drink a cup of lemon balm tea at the first sign of nausea. You can find loose-leaf or bagged options at your local grocery store or online.
8. It may help minimise menstrual cramps
There’s also research to suggest that lemon balm can be used to relieve menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
How to use: Take 1200 mg of lemon balm daily for optimal results. This will allow the herb to get into your system long before it’s time for PMS symptoms to appear. Continued use is thought to reduce your symptoms over time.
9. It may help ease headache pain
Lemon balm may also be useful in treating headaches, especially if they’re happening as a result of stress. Its relaxing properties can help you to unwind, release tension, and relax your muscles. It’s also though that ingesting the herb can help to open up and relax tight blood vessels, which can contribute to headaches.
How to use: If you experience recurrent headaches, you may find it beneficial take 300 to 600 mg of lemon balm up to three times per day. This will allow the herb to get into your system well before a headache develops. You can take a higher dose if you feel a headache developing.
10. It may help lessen toothache pain
Lemon balm’s pain-relieving properties may make it an ideal choice for relieving toothache pain. In addition to drawing on its relaxing properties, this home remedy is thought to target inflammation in the body. More research is needed to confirm these findings.
How to use: Use a cotton swab to apply lemon balm oil to the affected area as needed. Be sure to select an oil that has already been diluted by a carrier oil, such as jojoba. If you purchase pure lemon balm oil, you should dilute it. Essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin until they are diluted in a carrier oil.
Side effects and risks
Lemon balm has the potential to cause the following side effects:
- headache
- painful urination
- increased body temperature
- nausea
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- dizziness
- wheezing
- skin irritation
- allergic reaction
You may be able to minimize side effects, such as stomach upset, by ingesting lemon balm alongside food. You can also reduce your risk for side effects by consuming fewer than 2 grams of lemon balm per day.
Lemon balm should only be used for a short period of time. A general rule of thumb is to take one week off after every three weeks of use. You shouldn’t take lemon balm for longer than four months at a time without a break.
You should talk to your doctor before use if you’re taking:
- glaucoma medications
- thyroid medications
- barbiturates
- sedatives
- drugs that affect serotonin
You should also talk to your doctor before use if:
- you’re pregnant
- you’re breastfeeding
- you want to administer lemon balm to an infant or child under the age of 12
- you have a scheduled surgery
The bottom line
Lemon balm can’t replace any doctor-approved treatment plan that you’re currently following, but it may be an effective complementary treatment. Talk to your doctor about your individual case and the potential benefits and risks involved.
If you’re growing your own lemon balm, or using dried leaves for tea, there is little risk. But if you’re taking capsules, powder, or other commercially prepared supplements or herbs choose a reputable company. Herbs and supplements are not monitored by the Food and Drug Administration and there may be issues with purity, quality, or safety.
If you begin using lemon balm, you may find it beneficial to keep a journal about your experience. You should make a note of any improvements you notice or side effects. It may also be helpful to keep track of what time you take lemon balm, the amount taken, and the way you ingest it.
Extracted and edited from Healthline. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — Written by Emily Cronkleton Read complete article here https://www.healthline.com/health/lemon-balm-uses
