Is lemon balm good for anxiety?
Ah, anxiety – the uncomfortable feeling that overshadows our lives more often than not. Whether it’s due to work stress or everyday life struggles, we all have experienced anxiety at some point in time. The good news is that there are ways to cope with it! One such option is lemon balm, known for its soothing properties and ability to relieve anxiety symptoms. Let’s dive into this herb and see if it really lives up to its reputation.
A Brief Introduction
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a member of the mint family and has a long history of use in traditional medicine as an antiviral agent, sedative, and digestive aid. It gets its name from its lemony fragrance but goes by many other names such as bee balm, honey plant or sweet melissa. While commonly used as a culinary spice or added ingredient in teas, recent research over the past few years has shown promise for using it in managing various medical conditions.
What Causes Anxiety?
Before discussing if lemon balm can help with anxiety relief, let’s understand what causes anxiety? Although be cautious when determining one cause related to these types of mental illnesses because psychologist suggest each case is individualized.. However some common reasons include:
- Genetics
- Traumatic events
- Brain chemistry imbalances
- Environmental factors
Regardless of how difficult overcoming these issues may seem; seeking advice from professionals can make an enormous difference.
Lemon Balm Properties
Lemon balms contain numerous compounds thought to play various beneficial roles – which could possibly support sleep reduction techniques – including rosmarinic acid antioxidants, citronellol terpenes, tannins bioflavonoids among others!
Sedative Qualities
One particular compound found abundantly inside lemongrass several sources named Rosmarinic Montserrat et al., 2000) is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties shown to reduce anxiety. In fact, a recent study found that patients receiving 600mg of lemon balm extract daily for 15 days scored better on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale compared to those taking placebo. Some people report improvements in decrease anxious tendencies after consuming Lemon grass-infused beverages or directly applying topicals.
Antioxidant Benefits
Lemon Balm was also reported as containing Eugenol Oliva et al., (2018)) classifying it alongside cloves and basil. Eugenol exhibiting strong antioxidant activity helps elevate stress levels while simultaneously improving the body’s immune system associated with oxidative stress relief – which occurs when toxins damage cells beyond repair. This process plays a vital role by supporting cognitive functioning and mental health establishment among other health benefits
How To Consume Lemon Balm
Now that we know some benefits about Lemon Grass, you may be wondering how best to consume this herbal remedy? There are several ways including:
- Tea: Steep dried leaves in hot water
- Tincture: Alcohol-Based extracts
- Balms: Apply an infused topical onto your skin
- Capsule Formulary
In conclusion, numerous studies have pointed out potential effects of lemon balm on anxiety reduction naturally – So what do you have to lose besides common ailments stemming from stress? Remember, however; despite extensive science backing certain natural remedies; medicinal treatment should only rely upon advice from your licensed psychiatrist!
As always look towards a well rounded holistic lifestyle approach incorporating both medical care and natural treatments such as nature walks and breathing exercises combined with wholesome diets having sufficient sleep amounts.
Make sure you try out all consumption methods for maximum benefit – Be creative without limits but do not exceed any recommended dosage advised- before utilizing one single pathway over another. Good luck fighting back against nervousness difficulties today!
P.S.: Before indulging in any new supplementary diet, including any herb or plant-based medicinal products, review if it’s compatible with your health/coping situation.