Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is also known as lemon balm for its citrusy scent or honeysuckle for its flowers that attract bees. This is where the name of the family “Melissa” comes from, which is Greek for bee. Lemon balm is a key herb for calming the nerves, especially those involved in digestion. Many people suffer from a variety of gut sensitivity conditions and receive complex and confusing misdiagnoses. The root of these problems is often the nerve endings near the digestive organs that have become hypersensitive. Nerves play a role in many of the digestive disorders we struggle with today. For example, sometimes the cause lies in inflammation of the phrenic nerve (which controls the diaphragm and thus affects the stomach) or the vagus nerve (which runs through the diaphragm and affects the stomach and digestion), or the nerves connecting the spine and digestive tract.
When the stomach or intestines are irritated for no apparent reason, it is usually due to sensitive nerves. It often happens that food (even very easily digestible food) rubs against the lining of the intestinal tract, which creates discomfort for a person with sensitive nerves. Nervous sensitivity can also cause symptoms such as nausea, loss of appetite and sudden urgent need to defecate, etc. Lemon balm is a gift from God and Mother Nature to cope with our exhausting daily lives. It is a great helper in such situations and calms us thanks to its bioactive phytochemicals such as undiscovered alkaloids, which relieve nerve receptors in the digestive tract - they become less sensitive and inflammation decreases. This is why lemon balm is a valuable herb for stress.
The beneficial properties of lemon balm do not stop there. It is extremely healing and has a beneficial effect on almost every part of the body. Lemon balm is a rich source of microelements such as boron, manganese, copper, chromium, molybdenum, selenium and iron and the macroelement silicon. In addition, it is an herb that protects the body's reserves of vitamin B12 , preventing them from being completely depleted. It has antiparasitic, antiviral and antibacterial effects and fights Epstein-Barr virus , herpes zoster and other herpes viruses , such as human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6). This is an incredible herb for treating tonsillitis - inflammation of the tonsils, which is due to streptococcal bacteria . It cleanses the liver, spleen and kidneys and relieves inflammation of the bladder, making it an ideal remedy for interstitial cystitis and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Lemon balm is also beneficial for chronic gastrointestinal disorders, including indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis , and acid reflux . It promotes the health and balance of the immune and endocrine systems, which is very helpful for conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome , adrenal fatigue , multiple sclerosis , and vertigo . It is also useful in treating nervous tension, insomnia, and other sleep disorders by calming the body and improving sleep.
Lemon balm contains a compound called terpene, which has the ability to help relieve anxiety, stress, hypertension, depression, muscle spasms, heart palpitations, intense headaches, circulatory problems, and cognitive disorders such as attention deficit disorder and Alzheimer's disease.
The polyphenol tannins contained in lemon balm give it antiviral properties, making it especially useful in treating colds, flu , bronchitis and all kinds of viral infections. Topically, lemon balm can be applied as a cream or compress to help heal and provide relief from cold sores and rashes caused by herpes zoster , as well as cuts and wounds. Overall, lemon balm is a “cure-all” herb and has rightly earned its reputation as the “elixir of life.”
DISEASES
If you suffer from any of the following conditions, consume lemon balm:
Problems with nutrient absorption, laryngitis, interstitial cystitis, fungal infections, urinary tract, bladder and kidney infections, tonsillitis, high blood pressure, Epstein-Barr virus/mononucleosis , herpes zoster , human herpes virus 6 , transient ischemic attack (TIA), staph infections, Helicobacter pylori infections, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) , ear infections and other ear problems, hiatal hernia, neuropathy, tapeworm, anxiety, depression, thyroid disorders , adrenal fatigue , migraines, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), strep throat , autism, osteophytes (bone spurs), glandular nodules, Lyme disease , amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) , herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2) , rosacea, osteopenia, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) , Meniere's disease .
SYMPTOMS
If you have any of the following symptoms, consume lemon balm:
Loss of appetite, sleep problems , anxiety, nervous stomach, sensitive stomach, palpitations, hot flashes, night sweats, frozen shoulder syndrome, stomach pain, gastritis, abdominal pain, bloating , gas, nervousness, fatigue, diarrhea, urgent need to urinate, frequent urination, weight gain, weakness in the limbs, indigestion, micronutrient deficiencies, toothache, fever, seizures, nosebleeds, inflammation, histamine reactions, brain inflammation.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Stress and uncertainty often make us fear the future. We often lie awake at night wondering what will happen to us and our loved ones. If you are worried about your future, lemon balm will dispel your anxiety and bring inner peace.
SPIRITUAL LESSONS
Lemon balm is practically universal and teaches us that we, like it, are complete. We did not come into this world with a single purpose, but have many purposes within one life. We do not have to direct our efforts in just one direction - we have the opportunity to explore our different gifts and achieve multiple goals. Some of them we will discover along the way, and others we will experience without even realizing what change we have caused.
TIPS
Anthony William recommends using Vimergy®’s high-quality, non-alcoholic lemon balm extract , as well as drinking a strong lemon balm tea (two tea bags or two tablespoons of loose herb). Here are some other lemon balm tips he gives:
* Make a sun tea with fresh lemon balm by steeping it in a jug of water for a few hours in strong, direct sunlight. The sun extracts and enhances the herb’s therapeutic properties, boosting its nutritional profile to help you heal.
* Use small amounts of lemon balm leaves in cooking. Grow them in a pot on your windowsill so they are always on hand to add to salads for flavor and health benefits.
* Taking lemon balm before bed at night will calm your nerves and promote sound sleep.
