General considerations about the benefits of lemon balm

Citronella herb is a plant easily found on the market in bagged tea form and natural stores. Even its plant is found without much difficulty in home gardens and gardens.

Besides the delicious flavor of its tea, the herb is composed of phenolics and flavonoids that bring several health benefits thanks to its calming, anti-inflammatory, sedative, analgesic, and antioxidant effects.

Being widely used to treat digestive problems, anxiety and stress, it can be consumed not only in the form of tea, but also in infusions, juices, desserts, or in the form of capsules or natural extract. In this article, you will learn all about this herb. Check it out!

The nutritional profile of Lemongrass

In the nutritional area, lemon balm is a good source of phytochemicals and a variety of acids that can provide various health benefits, such as preventing disease and improving sleep quality. Read on to learn more!

The phytochemicals

Phytochemicals are nutrients present in plant foods that are absorbed by the human body when incorporated into the diet. Lemon balm contains several phytochemicals in its composition, such as flavonoids, tannins, perfumes, and terpenes. These substances are important because of their antioxidant action.

This antioxidant action is relevant for the health and well-being of the body, because it acts on free radicals... This slows down the aging of cells, prevents macula degeneration, prevents degenerative brain diseases, protects against cancer, and strengthens the heart.

Antioxidant rosmarinic acid

Rosmarinic acid is a phenolic compound present in the composition of lemon balm. Studies show that this compound has calming and sedative potential, which makes it a good partner in the fight against insomnia and in the process of sanitizing sleep.

Given the presence of rosmarinic acid combined with the high concentration of fiber in its composition, the herb is also indicated in the treatment of gastric problems. These substances assist in the elimination of feces and gas, bringing relief to pain and discomfort sensation generated in patients by indigestion and reflux.

Caffeic acid citral

Citronella herb contains an essential oil called citral, which makes it difficult for the body to produce certain substances that speed up bowel contraction. Maintaining normal bowel contraction is important for fighting the production of excess intestinal gas and relieving colic pain.

Studies show that using citral herb extract on nursing babies can relieve the pain of colic within a week. Some studies also show that citral may be beneficial for the treatment of Alzheimer's because it inhibits the production of cholinesterase, an enzyme that degrades a brain neurotransmitter important for memory.

Eugenol Acetate

Eugenol is an aromatic compound present in the herb that possesses a marked anesthetic effect commonly used in the treatment of toothache and widely employed in the cosmetics industry. It also has antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator, fungicidal, and anticoagulant properties.

Another very important property is the antioxidant action that this substance has, which helps to slow down the aging of cells. This antioxidant action helps to prevent a number of diseases, such as cancer and degenerative brain diseases.

The health benefits of lemon balm

The benefits of lemon balm are many and varied. It can have a relaxing effect, reducing anxiety, sanitizing sleep, bringing relief from cramps, and helping the bowels to function properly. Read the text below to learn more!

It is effective in combating anxiety and stress

This is because rosmarinic acid increases the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain, which helps produce a sense of relaxation, tranquility, and well-being.

In the medical literature, there is already evidence that drinking lemon balm tea increases feelings of calmness and decreases alertness in adults with mental distress. Studies show that taking capsules containing 300 to 600 mg of lemon balm, at least three times a day, significantly reduces stress.

The use of the capsules for the treatment of stress and other mental illnesses, however, should always be done under medical supervision so that the correct doses and proper daily use can be studied.

Fights insomnia and improves sleep quality

The rosmarinic acid present in lemon balm has properties that make the body more relaxed by having a calming and sedative effect.

Studies also point out that consuming the herb tea at least twice a day for at least 15 days increases the quality of sleep in those who have difficulty with insomnia. In addition, the herb associated with the valerian plant brings relief to problems linked to sleep disorders.

Promotes headache relief

Headache can be a problem resulting from the increased level of stress in the body. Because it has rosmarinic acid in its composition, which has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and calming action, lemon balm tea can be a good ally to relieve the symptoms of headache, mainly resulting from stress.

The properties listed above act on the muscles of the body, causing them to relax and taking pressure off the blood vessels, which causes tension to decrease and allows the body to relax. The result of blood decompression and relaxation of the body is relief from headaches.

Relieves colic and reduces intestinal gas

Among the elements that make up lemon balm, we find an important substance, citral, which is an essential oil that has antispasmodic and carminative properties.

The importance of controlling the contraction of the intestines is that it decreases the excessive production of gas, which brings relief from colic. In addition, studies show that the use of lemon balm extract in breastfeeding babies for at least a week can significantly decrease colic in the little ones.

It is effective in reducing PMS symptoms

The presence of rosmarinic acid in lemon balm also helps to decrease PMS symptoms, because it enhances the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain. Increased GABA activity decreases moodiness, irritation, and feelings of anxiety that afflict people with PMS.

The antispasmodic and analgesic actions present among the herb's properties also help to reduce the feeling of discomfort caused by menstrual cramps. Studies also show that using lemon balm in capsule form reduces PMS symptoms. Daily use of 1200 mg of lemon balm is necessary to achieve a good result.

Works to combat gastrointestinal problems

Due to their busy routines, people occasionally neglect their eating habits or overindulge in alcohol or fatty foods. This ends up causing several health problems, among them gastrointestinal ones.

Lemon balm can be used in these cases to help in the safe detoxification process, and it is recommended that the tea be consumed over three days. The tea acts on the digestive functions, helping the body to work more accurately. It is ideal that the herb be consumed after the main meals.

In addition to these advantages, the consumption of lemon balm also acts on the psychological function, helping to alleviate feelings of tiredness, malaise, and discouragement.

It is efficient in the treatment of labial herpes

Lip herpes is a disease caused by a virus that causes blisters in the lip area. Because it contains phenolic compounds, such as caffeic, rosmarinic, and feluric acids, the consumption of lemon balm also becomes an ally in the fight against fever blisters.

By preventing the virus from spreading, the consumption of lemon balm contributes to faster healing of the affected areas.

In addition to the above benefits, the consumption of the herb also helps relieve the classic symptoms attributed to fever blisters: itching, stinging, redness, burning, and tingling.

Can eliminate fungus and bacteria

The composition of lemon balm is diverse and rich in substances and antioxidants. Together, they work to act against fungi, bacteria, and other organisms that invade the body and can be proliferating agents of disease.

These substances act as a barrier that protects the body so that these invading organisms do not survive or multiply inside the human body. Thus, it increases its defenses against possible diseases.

In addition, lemon balm also helps the body recover from skin lesions and rashes caused by fungi and bacteria more quickly, and relieves the pain and discomfort caused by them.

It is useful in the treatment of Alzheimer's

An important substance present in lemon balm is citral, a phenolic compound. It acts on cholinesterase, which is an enzyme known to deteriorate acetylcholine, an important brain neurotransmitter for good memory function.

People with Alzheimer's disease suffer from a decrease in the number of acetylcholines present in the body, and this results in deterioration of the memory and cognitive capacity, which impairs the quality of life of the sick person.

In addition to protecting acetylcholines, studies show that taking lemon balm over 4 months contributes to improved thinking and symptoms such as agitation, both of which are associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Has antioxidant action

The antioxidant action benefits the body because it protects healthy cells against the harm of free radicals. Because of their instability, these free radicals end up oxidizing healthy cells, which can cause serious health problems.

Citronella herb is known to have a strong antioxidant action. It is therefore an excellent ally to fight free radicals, preventing the problems that come with them, such as premature aging of the cells.

In addition, this antioxidant action of the plant is responsible for preventing various types of cancer, inhibiting macula deterioration, and preventing degenerative brain diseases.

Improves cognitive function

It is a fact that the brain is the most relevant organ in the body, since it is responsible for the functioning of all the body's functions. Therefore, the better the health of a human being's brain activity, the better his or her quality of life and well-being will also be.

Studies show that the consumption of lemon balm contributes to good brain activity, and therefore improves cognitive function by reducing the levels of anxiety and stress symptoms in people who consume it. This reduction occurs because lemon balm is responsible for increasing the levels of GABA in the brain, and its increased presence in the human body generates a calming effect, improving mood.

How to use lemon balm and contraindications

It is possible to consume lemon balm for up to 4 months without side effects for adults, and for up to a month for children and infants.

Lemon balm is commonly prepared for consumption as tea, infusions, and desserts.

Teas

It is quite simple to produce lemon balm tea. It is necessary to use the leaves, both dried and fresh, in its preparation, because the leaves contain substances that are beneficial to the body in sufficient quantities to contribute to improving health.

Place the leaves of the herb in a container and cover them with boiling water. Cover the container and let it stand for 15 minutes. After this period, strain the contents, leaving only the liquid to escape into another container. Thus, the tea is ready. It is indicated that it be taken 3 to 4 times a day.

Infusions

One of the best ways to consume lemon balm is in the form of an infusion. Collect between 1 and 4 grams of leaves of the herb, either dried or fresh, in a container and add to them 150 ml of water.

Place the container on the stove and bring the water to a boil, then leave the leaves to steep in the container for five to ten minutes, then strain and allow it to cool a little. Drink the tea while it is still warm, and if you like, consume it without sweetening.

Juices

To prepare the lemon balm juice and get all the benefits that the plant can bring to the human body, you need to use either its dried or fresh leaves in the making process. You will need to use one cup of chopped lemon balm leaves, one lemon juice, 200 ml of water, ice to taste, and, if you like, honey to sweeten.

All the ingredients mentioned above should be put together in a blender. Then, the contents should be strained and poured into a new container. After that, if desired, add honey, and it is ready for consumption. It is recommended to take the juice twice a day.

Desserts

It is possible to make desserts with lemon balm. To do this, blend 1 and a half liters of lemon balm tea in a blender with 1 glass of juice made from two lemons and 1 box of condensed milk. Gently mix 1 box of heavy cream with 1 box of hydrated gelatin, dissolving and following the instructions on the package.

Spread all the contents of the previous operation into individual bowls or put them together in a dish previously moistened with water. Let it cool in the refrigerator for about six hours. Serve the dessert with lemon slices scattered on top to decorate.

Natural Extract

To make natural lemon balm extract you need 200 grams of dehydrated lemon balm seeds. Crush the seeds in a pestle or grinder until they turn into a powder. Put the powder in an amber glass container or cover the glass with aluminum foil. Add 900 ml glycerin and 100 ml grain alcohol.

Allow the mixture to stand for 72 hours, with the glass covered and in a place where there is no contact with light and heat. Place the contents in a pot inside a water bath for one hour. Strain the mixture through a paper or cotton filter and store the contents in a cool place away from light and heat.

Add the medicinal plant to your routine and enjoy all the benefits of lemon balm!

Citronella herb is a medicinal plant whose benefits are widely known by the Brazilian population. These benefits range from its calming, antispasmodic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties, to its antioxidant action, which are great allies to our health.

It has been used as a great ally against mental problems, such as stress, anxiety, insomnia, and agitation.

Versatile and tasty, it is a great medicinal plant to add to your food routine, given the numerous health benefits it brings. Moreover, it can be added to your diet in the form of tea, juice, dessert, and infusion. Knowing this, what are you waiting for to enjoy the benefits of this herb?