Lemon Balm has been used for centuries for stress and anxiety relief. This wonderful popular herb is available in most health food shops. But what is it and what does it do?
What is lemon balm?
Lemon Balm is a calming herb that is a member of the mint family. It’s grown for its leaves which are lemon scented. Use of this herbal supplement can be dated back over 2000 years, first growing in the Middle East and North Africa before being brought to Europe. It’s known by many names, including bee balm, sweet Mary, sweet balm, dropsy plant, honey plant and Melissa.
The name ‘Melissa’ originates from the Greek word Melissa/Melitta which means ‘bee’, with ‘meli’ meaning ‘honey’. This is because the lemon balm scent attracts bees.
What are the benefits of taking lemon balm?
There are many benefits of taking lemon balm. Here are just some of the things it can do:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Help improve mood
- Relieve headaches
- Help improve sleep.
- Help with gas and bloating.
- Help with indigestion.
- Treat and relieve nausea.
- Provide pain relief.
- Ease menstrual cramps.
- Treat cold sores – specifically lemon balm cream.
- Improve memory and concentration.
What forms are lemon balm available In?
Lemon balm is available as a capsule, tablet, liquid extract, oil, tincture, and in powder form. It’s also available in dried leaf form and as a cream.
You can consume the supplement at any time of the day, however, it is recommended that lemon balm should be taken alongside food and not on an empty stomach.
Can i take lemon balm?
Pregnant or breastfeeding people should avoid lemon balm. Those who suffer from a thyroid issue, should also avoid lemon balm.
If you have a surgery coming up or you have been prescribed a sedative, you should also avoid lemon balm.
Please read the directions on the supplement package and consult your doctor if you’re unsure.
What are the possible side effects?
Possible side effects of lemon balm are dizziness, headaches, nausea, painful urination and increased appetite.
Overall, lemon herb is a great herb for stress that can bring you some much needed relief when you need it, having been used for centuries for the purpose of improving wellbeing.
DISCLAIMER
Before you start any new diet, health programme, exercise routine, and ingest or topically use any oil, vitamin, mineral, product or compound, it is very important to consult your doctor, therapist or do a patch test to make sure you do not have any adverse reactions.
We do not offer any form of medical or psychological advice. The information in our wellbeing articles are offered for educational purposes only. Our wellbeing articles are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. Thank you.
