The
lemon balm is a simple herb in
appearance, but with regenerative and relaxing properties from ancestral times.
For
about 2,000 years, the Greeks began the medicinal use of this plant for
relaxation purposes, and even today it remains in force thanks to the way in which
medicine in the West has opened more and more to natural products.
However,
the benefits of lemon balm go beyond
simple relaxation: recent studies have shown its importance for cell
regeneration and to improve cognitive functions, among other aspects.
Find
out more about this supplement and how it could benefit your health.
What is lemon balm?
The
lemon balm is the most common name under which this medicinal plant is known,
although its names are several. In Spanish, it is also called by these three
names:
·
Melissa officinalis (its scientific name).
·
Balm.
·
Melissa.
It
is a very common plant, coming from the South of Europe, whose traditional
consumption in the form of tea has been very widespread throughout the West.
Recently,
lemon balm has gained popularity as a supplement, especially recommended for
the treatment of cases of stress and insomnia, although its uses are very
diverse.
As
a biological specimen, it can be said that this plant is a rarity: it contains
various active and compound molecules, which behave differently depending on
how it has been collected and processed. This means that even though two
supplements look the same in their description, it is very likely that they act
in a different way when consumed. A simple capsule-based natural dietary supplement
called Cortexican treat the underlying causes of tinnitus.
Why is lemon balm so popular?
The
main reason why lemon balm has gained so much popularity recently, is the fact
that every time we deal with more stress.
Our
current interconnected world demands so much attention that we seldom know how
to deal with all the content that comes to us throughout the day, which ends up
bringing us stress . To combat it, it is very common for many to seek answers
in natural methods.
The
good news in this case is that apparently it is not a passing fad: the recent
popularity of lemon balm has made scientists pay more attention, discovering
some real benefits of its use that are worth knowing.
Benefits of lemon balm
As
has already been said, the study of lemon balm by science is recent. Between
1950 and 2000 there were only 5 studies about it but, only in 2015, there were
22. All this has resulted in a greater knowledge of its benefits, which
apparently are more diverse than what could be expected.
1. Increase relaxation
The
lemon balm can be considered as a moderate sedative: its molecules act in the
body by increasing the amount of γ-aminobutyric
acid , an inhibitory
neurotransmitter that reduces brain
activity.
As
dangerous as this may sound at the beginning, it is actually quite safe. The
result is that your brain will respond less to signs of stress, anxiety and
alertness, which results in more relaxation.
2. Improves sleep
The
inhibiting effect of lemon balm on
neuronal activity has another easy to guess consequence: improvement of sleep.
Different
studies have shown that this plant improves the brain's ability to "let
go" to a deeper and more restful sleep.
3. Improves memory and
cognitive functions
Although
not all researchers agree on this, some studies have reported that people who
show slight improvements in activities that include the use of memory, after
taking lemon balm supplements.
4. It can reduce the impact of
DNA deterioration
As
we know, DNA is the chemical structure stored in cells, which is basically
responsible for shaping everything. This structure forms new organisms from its
division, and if everything is fine in it, life goes on perfectly (genetically
speaking), but DNA can deteriorate over the years, for different reasons.
In
this regard, lemon balm has been shown to improve
the way the body handles DNA deterioration
. We still do not know very well how he does it (studies are recent), but there
is evidence that this is the case.
How much lemon balm should be
ingested?
The
effective dose of a substance is the minimum amount capable of achieving the
expected objectives when taken. In the case of supplements with lemon balm, the
minimum effective intake is 300 mg per day. However, different personal
conditions (age, weight) can raise this dose to 600 mg per day in some cases.
Does lemon balm have side
effects?
So
far no side effects have been found
in the consumption of supplements with
lemon balm, even when consumed in high doses. However, we must remember
that it is a type of sedative, so you should consult a doctor about its use,
especially if you are already taking another type of sedative.
How to choose a supplement with
lemon balm?
The
lemon balm can be acquired in many different ways, from a tea to pills for
stress or sleeping powder, but regardless of the presentation in which you
acquire this product, there are some considerations you should remember:
·
Look for one that provides between 300 mg and 600 mg per day.
·
Make sure it contains rosmarinic
acid.
As
said at the beginning, lemon balm contains various compounds and molecules, and
one of the most important seems to be the latter.
If
you want your supplement to contain rosmarinic acid, you should look at the
label and make sure it says it has been standardized for it, which means that
it contains at least certain amounts.
In
some cases, standardized supplements are more expensive; But if you really want
your lemon balm supplement to be effective, it is best to make sure and
guarantee the benefits of relaxation and general recovery that this plant
promises.
