4 min
The benefits of lemon balm, an amazing plant
As the saying goes, "nature is well made". To the extent that it is full of unknown treasures, like lemon balm. This multifaceted plant, also known as Melissa officinalis (or more commonly, lemongrass), offers many benefits, which go far beyond its enchanting scent! 👃
Known for centuries for its beneficial properties, we are proud today to be able to use lemon balm in some of our dietary supplements. We explain why in this article.
What is lemon balm?
Before we delve into the composition and the benefits of lemon balm, let's say a word about its history.
Lemon balm, or melissa officinalis, originates from the Eastern Mediterranean, where it was discovered. This perennial plant, belonging to the Lamiaceae family, gets its name from the Greek "melissa" meaning bee, because of the attraction it exerts on these pollinators! 🐝
Its history goes back to Antiquity, where the Greeks and Romans appreciated it for its multiple uses. During the Greek era, Hippocrates, the father of modern care, already mentioned the benefits of lemon balm to soothe the body and mind. The Romans, for their part, exploited its exceptional aromatic qualities to create perfumes.
Over the centuries, lemon balm has traveled across Europe, settling in the gardens of medieval monasteries, where monks cultivated it for its benefits. It became a precious companion, used to aid relaxation or to alleviate digestive discomforts.
In the Middle Ages, lemon balm extended its influence towards the East through Arab traditions. This cultural diffusion allowed the plant to thrive beyond geographical borders, and to deeply root (no pun intended!) in the traditional pharmacopoeia of many cultures.
Over time, lemon balm won the heart of the Renaissance, and seduced herbalists in search of natural aid. It crossed the Atlantic with European settlers, thus expanding its footprint to North America.
Today, lemon balm has become a global superstar for its benefits derived from its very particular composition, which we will see without further ado.
Lemon balm, a surprising composition
Lemon balm, with its rich botanical wealth, is a natural source of beneficial compounds that contribute to its many benefits. Among the key elements present in this plant are essential oils, polyphenols, flavonoids, and terpenes. Let's take a closer look.
- Essential oils of lemon balm are at the heart of its aromatic power. Among them, citronellal, citronellol, and geraniol give the plant its characteristic fragrance – and its well-known nickname, lemon grass! 🍋
- Polyphenols, for their part, are antioxidant compounds abundantly present in lemon balm. These molecules play a crucial role in neutralizing free radicals, which contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative stress.
- Essential oils of lemon balm are at the heart of its aromatic power. Among them, citronellal, citronellol, and geraniol give the plant its characteristic fragrance – and its well-known nickname, lemon grass! 🍋
- Polyphenols, meanwhile, are antioxidant compounds abundantly present in lemon balm. These molecules play a crucial role in neutralizing free radicals, which contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative stress.
- Flavonoids represent another class of antioxidant molecules. In lemon balm, they act in synergy with other components to enhance its beneficial effects on the body.
Terpenoids, such as citronellol and linalool mentioned above, contribute to the characteristic aroma of lemon balm.
Finally, lemon balm contains phenolic acids, tannins, and amino acids, which complete its nutritional palette. Thus, it is the harmonious combination of these components that gives lemon balm its high value both aromatically and beneficially.
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The benefits of lemon balm on the body
We now have an idea of the richness of the composition of this remarkable plant; let's now look more closely at the benefits of lemon balm: you will see that it does not lack any 💪
First of all, lemon balm stands out for its antioxidant power. Polyphenols and flavonoids present in the plant help neutralize free radicals, the main culprits of oxidative stress. This antioxidant action is essential for preventing premature aging of cells.
Then, it's in the area of stress and sleep that lemon balm plays its most known role. Its relaxing capabilities help to soothe the mind and thus promote physical and mental relaxation. This anti-stress action also translates into an ability to facilitate falling asleep, producing inner calm, and contributing to the emergence of restorative sleep. 😴 Lemon balm thus stands out as a natural aid for those looking to improve their sleep quality and reduce tensions related to daily stress.
Regarding the tonic axis, lemon balm also acts in favor of the natural hormonal balance of the human body. This plant helps regulate the endocrine system, thus balancing hormonal fluctuations.
Finally, lemon balm benefits from properties that promote blood circulation. By maintaining adequate blood circulation, it plays a role in good cardiovascular health and helps prevent certain circulatory problems.🩸
How to do a lemon balm ?
Well, now that you are familiar with the benefits of lemon balm, you probably have only one desire: to take advantage of it! Here are some concrete recommendations to make the most of the properties of lemon balm.
- In infusions: start your day gently with a cup of lemon balm infusion. Dried leaves can be used to prepare a relaxing drink, ideal for easing stress. Consuming it before sleeping is also a good idea, to take advantage of its ability to promote falling asleep.
- In salads: what's stopping you from integrating lemon balm into your salads to bring a fresh and aromatic touch? Answer: nothing! The leaves can be finely chopped to enrich your dishes with their delicate flavors, and vary the pleasures.
- In a diffuser: you can enrich your living space by diffusing lemon balm essential oil. This practice promotes a calm and serene atmosphere, ideal for unwinding after a busy day… while flattering your sense of smell 🙂
- In dietary supplements: for an even simpler and more concentrated use, find lemon balm in our Sleep Formula. Combined with other carefully selected plants (passionflower, hops, and California poppy) and our labeled melatonin, the lemon balm in our Sleep Formula will contribute to peaceful and restful nights.
As you can see, it takes little to improve daily life and benefit from the virtues of lemon balm day after day!
Precautions and contraindications for the use of lemon balm
To finish our overview of this famous Melissa officinalis, let's talk about some precautions to consider before starting a treatment. Yes, because despite all its benefits, lemon balm is not a product to be consumed indiscriminately.
Here are the main points of attention to consider:
Medicinal interactions: consult your doctor if you are taking medication, as lemon balm can interact with some of them. This basic advice remains valid, more broadly, for any significant change in diet or taking dietary supplements! 🩺
Potential allergies: if you have a history of allergies to plants of the Lamiaceae family, such as mint, sage, or rosemary, be vigilant. Although allergies to lemon balm are rare, it is preferable to perform a skin test or consult an allergologist if you have doubts.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women to consume lemon balm, or at least not without the informed advice of a professional. Again, this is a common-sense precaution, which applies to all special active substances that one might take during this special time of life. 👶
Ultimately, these precautions seem quite understandable, but it is always good to remind them so that consuming lemon balm remains an asset for your body, and not a handicap. It would be a shame, given the potential of this wonderful plant!
The benefits of lemon balm within reach
And that concludes this brief presentation of the benefits of lemon balm! We hope that this plant, rich in history and fascinating properties, has caught your eye, and that you will now be able to make the most of it to live better every day 🌿
Lucas PINOS
Co-founder of NOVOMA
Passionate and expert in micronutrition, Lucas founded Novoma in 2012. With conviction, he develops dietary supplements with effective, carefully chosen active ingredients that are 100% clean to best meet the body's needs.
