Medicinal & Aromatic Plants
Open Access

Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm): Therapeutic Applications for Anxiety, Sleep Disorders, Mental Clarity, and Gastrointestinal Health

Vasiliki Evageliou^{* *}Correspondence: Vasiliki Evageliou, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece, Email:

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Description

Melissa officinalis, the technical name for lemon balm, is afragrant herb that has been prized for generations for its healingand calming qualities. This herb, which belongs to the mintfamily, is known as "lemon" balm because of its mild, lemonyaroma. Lemon balm has long been used to treat a wide range ofconditions, but it is especially well-known for its capacity toreduce tension, anxiety, and encourage relaxation. Lemon balmis a natural, easily accessible solution to help reestablishequilibrium and calm in today's hectic environment, when stressand anxiety have become common problems.

Because of its calming properties, lemon balm has been utilizedin herbal medicine since ancient Greece and Rome. Its highconcentration of essential oils, especially citronellal, geraniol,and linalool, is thought to be responsible for its medicinalqualities. These substances are thought to have a calming impacton the central nervous system, which is why lemon balm hasbecome so popular for easing tension and anxiety.

The potential of lemon balm to reduce tension and anxiety isamong its most noteworthy advantages. Natural treatments likelemon balm are becoming more and more well-liked as analternative to prescription drugs in the modern world, wheremental health problems are becoming more prevalent. Therelaxing qualities of the herb can enhance mood, foster serenity,and lower anxiety levels. Lemon balm has been demonstrated instudies to lessen anxiety symptoms, especially in people who areunder mild to severe stress. Lemon balm promotes mental andphysical relaxation and a sense of peace by interacting withneurotransmitters in the brain, such as GABA (gammaaminobutyricacid).

Lemon balm is also frequently used to enhance the quality ofsleep. Anxiety and stress are often associated with insomnia anddisturbed sleep patterns. As a mild sedative, lemon balm isuseful for assisting people in getting a better night's sleep. Lemon balm can be used before bed to help people unwind, soothe their minds, and get ready for restful, deep sleep. This is especially helpful for those who have trouble going asleep because of racing thoughts or anxiety. Lemon balm is frequently included to herbal teas or tinctures intended to promote sleep, along with other relaxing herbs like chamomile. Lemon balm is recognized to promote general mental clarity in addition to its relaxing properties. Lemon balm doesn't make you sleepy or affect your ability to think clearly, although it might help with tension and anxiety. Rather, it aids in striking a balance between attention and relaxation. People might feel more concentrated and capable of managing everyday obstacles more easily as a result.

Conclusion

Lemon balm is a useful herb for people who want to manage stress during the day without sacrificing productivity because of its capacity to calm the nervous system without producing sedation. Because of its many applications, lemon balm is simple to include in daily routines. Herbal teas are among the most popular ways to use lemon balm. People can make a cool, soothing beverage that encourages relaxation by steeping fresh or dried lemon balm leaves in hot water. Lemon balm can be taken as essential oils, tinctures, or capsules for individuals seeking a more potent impact. The essential oil can be applied directly for a relaxing effect on the skin or diluted with a carrier oil and diffused into the air to create a tranquil atmosphere. Lemon balm has several other health advantages in addition to its ability to reduce stress. Because of its modest antiviral and antibacterial properties, it can be used to treat minor skin irritations, stomach problems, and cold sores. Actually, by calming the gastrointestinal tract's muscles, lemon balm has been utilized to reduce indigestion and bloating symptoms. Because of its antiinflammatory qualities, it could also lessen the discomfort brought on by ailments like arthritis or muscle soreness.