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Lemon balm has a beautiful lemon fragrance and many wonderful health benefits. It is one of the most popular herbs for promoting good health. Like many herbs, it has been used for centuries to treat various health conditions. As it has been claimed to cure many conditions, researchers have put Melissa officinalis to the test.
In one study, researchers found that the volatile oils and anti-viral compounds in lemon balm have powerful properties. The anti-viral properties of lemon balm are due to its caffeic, ferulic and rosmarinic compounds. These properties were so powerful that the viruses placed inside the test tube were destroyed in as little as three hours.
Here are some of the healing and health benefits of this wonder herb.
Heals Cold Sores, HSV Infections
A study showed that a topical ointment containing lemon balm was found helpful in treating cold sores and other skin problems caused by herpes simplex virus or HSV. The study showed that lemon balm cream can significantly reduce the swelling and redness of lip sores caused by HSV. This was achieved after using lemon balm cream for just two days.
Protects the Skin
The ferulic and caffeic acids in lemon balm are also capable of penetrating into the subcutaneous layers of the skin. This effect provides the skin with protection from the sun’s rays.
Lemon balm is also rich in flavonoids that function as antioxidants. They also act as an astringent while providing antiviral effects.
Calming and Soothing
If what you need is an emotional detox, then lemon balm is a handy herb to use. Its ability to calm the nerves and relieve the symptoms of anxiety and stress has been known and used for thousands of years. It also soothes migraines, neuralgia, headaches, heart palpitations, and hysteria.
Relieves Agitation
Lemon balm works well when mixed with herbs such as valerian. Lemon balm mixed with valerian can help provide a restful night’s sleep. Lemon balm has mild sedative effects when given in higher doses, which is helpful for people who are experiencing agitation and sleepless nights.
In aromatherapy, lemon balm extract can also bring about calming effects to overexcited sufferers of dementia.
The nervine properties of lemon balm provide a soothing effect to the nervous system. This is because its active compounds can directly impact the thyroid gland, causing a reduction of excess T3, which is known to cause nervous tension.
Eases Muscle Tension
There are studies that show the combination of lemon balm and valerian tincture can be beneficial for helping individuals experience relief from muscle tension without causing the patient to feel too drowsy, which is a ‘side effect’ of some relaxant herbs.
Relaxes the Digestive System
The calming effect of lemon balm can provide benefit to the digestive system as it relaxes the digestive tract, thereby giving relief to an upset stomach, colic, dyspepsia, gas, stomach cramps, and indigestion.
Although lemon balm works effectively in stopping spasms, cramps, and pains associated with irritable bowel syndrome it does not cause constipation.
If you’d like to grow your own lemon balm and make a cup of tea when needed, you can dry the leaves or use fresh. If dried leaves are used, use 1 tablespoon of leaves, and if fresh use 2 tablespoons. Pour the boiling water in and let steep. Once cool enough to drink, you can benefit from its goodness.
DIY Lemon Balm Healing Recipes
During the dryer months, sensitive skin like the lips can become dry and cracked. This is not only unpleasant but can be quite uncomfortable and painful as well. You may feel tempted to run out and buy a name-brand product as intended to hold moisture into your sensitive lip skin, but a few companies have even been found guilty of creating formulas that actually dry out your lips. The best way to avoid that kind of fraudulent activity is to make it yourself so this article has been compiled to show you how to make lemon balm healing recipes.
Cold Sore Balm
If you or anyone else you know has ever dealt with the embarrassing and annoying effects of a cold sore then this recipe will be great for you. Place 4 tablespoons of lemon balm-infused jojoba oil into a double boiler. Add 3 tablespoons of beeswax. Add 1 tablespoon of raw organic honey, then heat the ingredients until they begin to melt. Whisk the mixture until it is blended nicely, then add 20 drops of lemon balm oil. Store your brand-new mixture in a cool dark place in a large glass container. This mixture should last at least one year and can be used the moment that you begin to feel the sensation of a cold sore forming.
Bedtime Sleepy Tea
Teas are always a great way to go when you want to get the benefit of healing herbs. This recipe is a great way to calm and relax everyone from children to adults! All you need to do is take and teapot and fill it with 2/3 cups of fresh lemon balm leaves and fill the pot with water to where they’ve only just begun to immerse the leaves. Boil and mixture on low heat until close to half of the water has evaporated. Remove any plant matter that remains in the pot, and while it is the mixture is still hot, pour out half a cup of lemon balm tea and add 4 tablespoons of raw honey.
Each dose of this mixture is about a tablespoon.
Lemon Balm Bug Away
Insects can be a nuisance, but this recipe will help you deal with them. Get an empty spray bottle and a jar. Take a half cup of fresh lemon balm leaves and a teaspoon of basil, catnip, and mint, place them in the jar, then fill the jar with witch hazel. Put the cap on the jar and store in a cool dark place for at least one week. Once finished, remove the plant matter and pour the liquid contents into a spray bottle. Add a few drops of basil, citronella, and lemongrass essential oils. Shake vigorously. Now you have your own homemade bug repellent.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before using any natural medication or if you experience any unusual symptoms. See Full Disclaimer here.
