Lemon Balm Leaves (Tea Cut Format) - Melissa Officinalis

The herb Melissa officinalis, also known as lemon balm, has a lemon fragrance and is related to the mint family. Although it is grown all over the world, the plant is native to Europe, North Africa, and West Asia.

Although mood and cognitive function have historically been enhanced by lemon balm, there may be additional advantages. Continue reading to find out more about this plant's potential medicinal uses.

1. It can help relieve stress

Lemon balm is said to relieve tension, promote relaxation, and elevate your mood.

2004 researchAccording to a Reliable Source, lemon balm helped reduce the depressive side effects of psychological stress brought on by lab work. Lemon balm users expressed greater relaxation and less alertness after taking the supplement.

Despite being a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, it only included 18 participants. To further develop these findings, more study is required.

2. It can help reduce anxiety

Additionally, lemon balm may be used to lessen the signs of anxiety, such as jitters and excitement.

The effects of diets containing lemon balm on mood and cognition were studied in 2014 research. Yogurt and a beverage containing the supplement were combined with either natural or artificial sweeteners. Reduced levels of anxiety were among the favorable effects on mood that participants in both groups reported.

Although this appears promising, more studies are required to fully assess its effectiveness.

3. It may boost cognitive function

The effects of lemon balm on enhancing cognitive performance were also examined in the same 2014 study.

Cognitive exercises requiring memory, numeracy, and focus were given to the participants. According to the outcomes of these computerized tests, individuals who consumed lemon balm outperformed those who did not.

Even while the levels of alertness and performance among these participants did increase, weariness may eventually set in. Lemon balm's rate of absorption changes when it is combined with food, which may have had an effect on how effective it was. More investigation is required.

4. It can help ease insomnia and other sleep disorders

Lemon balm and valerian together may help treat insomnia and other sleep disorders.

In one 2006 study, researchers discovered that children who received a combination dose saw symptoms improve by 70–80%. Lemon balm was recognized as a good or very good treatment by both researchers and parents. However, these results still require further study to be confirmed.

5. It may help treat cold sores

Lemon balm can even be applied topically when a cold sore first appears.

In a 1999 trial, participants applied a lemon balm cream or a placebo cream to the injured area four times each day for five days. Researchers discovered that those who applied the lemon balm cream had less symptoms and recovered more quickly than those who did not.

Additionally, the researchers hypothesized that applying lemon balm lotion could help extend the time between episodes of cold sores. To further explore these findings, additional research is required.