Lemon balm is a plant that belongs to the mint family. The balm, which is extracted from the leaves, has been used for thousands of years as an additive to food and drinks. While it was used as a delicious ingredient for recipes, it also was used to treat many health ailments.
Today, lemon balm still is a popular alternative medicine that is used for its healing properties. After studying for over ten years of various herbal remedies, I find that it is no surprise that lemon balm can replace many traditional medications in the medicine cabinet.
Health Benefits of Lemon Balm
Lemon balm has natural calming and relaxing properties. It is very beneficial for people who suffer from anxiety, stress, and insomnia. Since this herb is safe to use on children, lemon balm is effective for those who suffer from hyperactivity. Therefore, children who have been diagnosed as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) will benefit from using lemon balm.
Lemon balm helps your digestive system when you eat a spicy meal or over indulge at the all you can eat buffet. Lemon balm helps relieve the symptoms of indigestion such as heartburn, gas, bloating, and nausea.
If you are suffering from the stomach flu, drinking a tea that contains lemon balms helps relieve you of vomiting. If you include lemon balm in your daily diet, the antiviral properties of this herb may protect from catching the stomach flu and other viral infections.
Lemon balm contains healing properties. A cream containing this herb can be applied to the skin to treat conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Because it has antibacterial properties, lemon balm can be used to treat cold sores, bee stings, mosquito bites, cuts, and scrapes.
Lemon balm can be used as an insect repellent. If you grow lemon balm in your backyard, take a few leaves and rub them over the exposed skin. This will keep the mosquitoes and other insects at bay.
Lemon balm is a natural pain reliever. It is effective against backaches, toothaches, headaches and sore throats.
Where to Get Lemon Balm
It is very easy to grow lemon balm since it can grow in any soil. By having lemon balm in your backyard, you will be able to make your healing oils, creams, and salves. However, if you do not have the time to make your products, you can purchase products that contain lemon balm at your local health food store. It can be purchased as: Teas Leaves, Creams and Essential Oils Extracts
Cautions
Before using lemon balm, it is important to talk to your doctor. Even though it is safe to take it can interact with any other medications and vitamins you are taking. If you are planning on using the lemon balm to treat your children, talk to your child’s pediatrician for advice.
If you are planning to gather lemon balm from the wild, it is best to talk to a qualified herbalist since poisonous plants can easily be confused for lemon balm.
Never consume essential oils. They are only meant to be used externally. Taking them internally can be dangerous.
