Lemon_balm
Lemon Balm otherwise known as Melissa Officinalis is native plant which originated from Europe.
They belong to the mint family. This plant can grow to almost 2 feet tall and may grow little, yellow colored flowers during the spring and summer seasons. You can easily identify this plant by rubbing your fingers on its leaves and it will leave them smelling sweet and tart similar to that of lemons.
This plant was primarily used to attract bees. In recent times, they were massively grown in crops due to its importance in the aesthetic and industrial fields. However, lemon balm is popular for its medicinal benefits. For many generations, this plant was believed to have the ability to maintain one’s health and treat certain medical disorders. There were only a few studies conducted to support such testimonials but the lemon balm is slowly earning its place in the medicinal field as with its many health contributions.
According to University of Maryland Medical Center , lemon balm used together with other calming herbs like hops, chamomile and valerian can help reduce anxiety. It is strongly believed that that its anti-anxiolytic properties come from its essential oils. This agent works primarily on the hypothalamus, a part of the brain responsible for controlling the autonomic nervous system. Furthermore, it can also protect the cerebrum from extreme stimuli from the outside environment. Lemon balm also has a tonic effect on a person’s circulatory system specifically on the peripheral blood vessels resulting to decrease in blood pressure.
For many decades now, many people tuck in a lemon extract near the area where they sleep or they sip a lemon herb tincture believing it can induce sleep. As you may have heard from current news, many people became addicted to pharmaceutical sleeping pills and this is the exact reason why people avoid them. Instead, they turn to lemon balm to help enhance their sleep. There was a study conducted wherein a group of people who have complaints of minor sleeping troubles took the herb combination of lemon balm and valerian. Around 81% of them reported a better sleep as compared to those who only have the placebo. There was no question regarding its sleep enhancing properties but it wasn’t clear whether the valerian or the lemon herb was responsible for the effects. Moreover, people diagnosed to have chronic fatigue syndrome can also take advantage of the lemon balm for its relaxing results.
Dr. Christopher’s book of Herbal Legacy mentioned that lemon balm gain recognition in herbal world because of its anti-viral activity. Because this plant contains rosmaric acid and polyphenol tannins, it is thought to be highly effective in combating the several types of virus specifically the two forms of herpes virus: H.simplex and H. zoster. These agents have the capacity to prevent the virus from attaching to the host’s receptor sites thus controlling the spread of infection. Lemon herb based topical preparations such as lotions or lineaments have been greatly accepted to work on herpes.
Hyperthyroidism or known as Grave’s disease in the medical world is an autoimmune disorder wherein the thyroid is extremely active and may result to abnormally high level of thyroid hormones. It has the capability to decrease the pituitary function which in turn reduces the amount of thyroid hormone level. When used in conjunction with Lycopus virginicus injection, a lemon balm tincture or tea preparation can control the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. In other words, it can enhance the thyroid function and avoid stimulating it.
The website, www.mylemonbalm.com, recommended sniffing the sweet smell of the lemon balm can help relieve any forms of headaches and control nausea. Its’ relaxing aroma is quite popular to people who suffer tension headaches in their workplaces. Additionally, herbalists suggest that dried lemon balm leaves made into hot or cold tea can do wonders for your health. Be reminded to never forget to cover the teapot while you are brewing so as to maintain the steam, which is believed to hold the plant’s healing oils
Lemon balm is nature’s gift to humans. Although there are only a few studies made to clearly show its therapeutic effects, this herb has continually been used to treat medical disorders with its antiviral, calming and possibly neurological effects. So, take advantage of this humble plant and make it part of in you and your family’s quest of optimum health.
