Welcome to Herb Notes, I’m Tara Ruth
When life gives you lemon balm, you're in luck! With its uplifting citrusy scent, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) certainly is a balm for the soul.
Let's dive into three benefits of lemon balm leaves…
Lemon Balm for Stress
Lemon balm is a relaxing nervine and sedative, which means that it can help promote relaxation and restful sleep. While calming the nervous system, lemon balm also has an uplifting quality that can gladden the heart — making it a wonderful herbal ally in times of grief and heartache.
Lemon Balm for Digestive Support
Just as lemon balm leaves soothe the nervous system, they can also soothe the digestive system: lemon balm is antispasmodic, which means it can help address mild stomach cramping. Lemon balm can also ease stagnation and promote overall digestive health.
Lemon Balm for Skin Care
Lemon balm is anti-inflammatory, and topical applications of lemon balm can help support skin health and address skin irritation. Through supporting the digestive and nervous systems, which have a major impact on skin health, drinking lemon balm leaf tea can also help support skin health.
And here’s an important note of caution: there’s some debate in the herb world about whether lemon balm may inhibit thyroid function. So if you have an underactive thyroid, avoid consuming lemon balm in excess.
Want to learn more about the benefits of other common herbs? Visit Herb Notes.cards to grab a deck of our top 12 Herb Notes. You’ll learn about herbs like chamomile, elderberry, yarrow, and more.
This has been Herb Notes with me, Tara Ruth. Catch ya next time!
