PHOTOGRAPHS: GALLO IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES
FIGHTS AGAINST
INFECTIONS
Rosmarinic acid, a
compound in lemon balm, appears
to have potent antioxidant and
antimicrobial properties, which
are very effective at treating
infections such as Candida.
Studies have also shown that
applying a lip cream containing
lemon balm to cold sores in the
early stages of infection shortens
healing time, reduces itching
and burning, and decreases the
frequency of outbreaks.CONTROLS
BLOOD SUGAR
LEVELS & ASSISTS
WITH WEIGHT LOSS
Lemon balm helps to lower blood
sugar levels and improves insulin
sensitivity. Researchers at the Free
University of Berlin claim that
ethanolic lemon balm extract can
potentially be used to prevent or
treat type 2 diabetes.
Studies conducted on mice
have shown that lemon balm
extract reduced the activity
of proteins involved in fat
production and therefore
inhibited the growth of fat tissue.RELIEVES
DIGESTIVE
ISSUES &
MENSTRUAL CRAMPS
Lemon balm has spasmolytic
(anti-spasm) and carminative
(anti-flatulence) properties,
and so has the potential to ease
abdominal cramping caused by
irritable bowel syndrome, an
upset stomach or menstruation.
It also has positive effects on
bile production in the liver and
the release of bile from the gall(^8) bladder. For digestive relief,
lemon balm is best consumed
as a tea, sipped immediately
after meals. Alternatively, the
essential oil (also known as
Melissa essential oil) can be
diluted in a carrier oil like
jojoba or sweet almond oil and
massaged into the abdomen to
stimulate the digestive process
and relax muscles.
REDUCES
INFLAMMATION
& RELIEVES PAIN
In studies on mice, lemon balm
reduced swelling caused by injury
and inflammation. It speeds up
the healing of wounds, but is also
a natural pain reliever due to a
compound called eugenol. If your
head is pounding, try taking a
lemon balm supplement. It will
relax your muscles, helping you
to unwind. For toothache, add
four tablespoons of lemon balm
leaves to 1 litre of water and rinse
your mouth.
IMPROVES
MENTAL
HEALTH &
CONCENTRATION
Anxiety and other mood disorders
are believed to be associated
with low levels of gamma-
aminobutyric acid (GABA) – a
naturally occurring amino acid
that works like a neurotransmitter
in your brain. Studies suggest that
rosmarinic acid in lemon balm
increases the availability of GABA
in the brain, producing a sedating
or calming effect.
AIDS A GOOD
NIGHT’S SLEEP
According to a 2013
study published in medical
journal Complementary Therapies
in Clinical Practice, lemon balm
combined with valerian root
significantly improved the sleep
quality of 100 women going
through menopause. This herb
combo produces a mild sedative
effect, relieves restlessness and
stimulates the production of our
‘feel-good’ hormone, serotonin.
REGULATES AN
OVERACTIVE
THYROID
Research suggests that the
flavonoids, phenolic acids and
other compounds found in
lemon balm are responsible for
its thyroid-regulating actions.
Natural health practitioners often
use it to help regulate overactive
thyroid conditions such as Graves’
disease (hyperthyroidism).
PROMOTES
HEART & LIVER
HEALTH
An unhealthy diet can put strain
on the liver. Studies in animals
found that lemon balm is effective
at protecting the liver from some
negative effects of an unhealthy
diet. Lemon balm essential oil
can be used aromatically to lower
high triglycerides in the blood as
well as improve the liver’s ability
to process cholesterol. The herb
also seems to help regulate
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Lemon balm isn’t meant
for long-term use,
rather a maximum of
three weeks at a time,
then take a week off
before using it again.
Lemon balm
may interfere
with certain
medications. If you
are breastfeeding or
pregnant, check with
your health care provider
before taking lemon balm.