
Sleep Debt…..
Do you often find yourself dozing off while reading, watching a movie or working? You could be incurring sleep debt!
Also known by its scientific name Melissa Officinalis, the humble Lemon Balm is a perennial herbaceous plant in the mint family and native to south-central Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, Iran, and Central Asia, but now naturalised elsewhere.
Used in ancient Greece and Rome as a topical treatment for wounds and in the Middle Ages as a sedative. However it was not until the 17th century that a Culpeper, an English herbalist discovered its properties as a mood regulator, which it is most regularly known for. Since then, it has been often used to induce a sense of calm and help with anxiety in the broader population, as well as in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
So what is it about this wonderful herb that makes it a must-have?
Lemon Balm is especially known to calm the nerves and may be particularly helpful in easing those involved with digestion. Do you suffer from digestion issues from time to time or is it a chronic issue for you? Many people suffer from various different sensitivities in the gut. Typically what’s behind these problems are nerve endings that have become hypersensitive around the digestive organs. If someone’s stomach or intestines are irritated for no identifiable reason, it’s usually related to sensitive nerves. Someone with very sensitive nerves may actually experience discomfort even when consuming easy to digest food when it enters the digestive system and rubs against the lining of the intestinal tract.
According to The Medical Medium, Lemon Balm contains undiscovered alkaloids that calm the nerve receptors at the digestive tract so that the nerves become less sensitized and inflammation reduces, making it a valuable herb for stress assistance. Who doesn’t have to deal with a little stress from time to time?
There are many studies expounding the healing effects of Lemon Balm and some of the ailments that it can offer relief in. From published sources, Lemon Balm itself is a gentle herb that can be used not just as a remedy but also for culinary purposes, making it suitable for anyone from kids to adults and even during pregnancy.
If you don’t already make use of this wonderful all-around herb, consider incorporating it as part of your healing routine. Be it in tea form or as an alcohol-free tincture, Lemon Balm is definitely a must-have for anyone looking for some digestion or stress relief anytime in our lives.
Check out below a summary of the properties of Lemon Balm and what other kind of relief it is useful for.
Antidepressant, Antiviral, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Cholinergic, Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, Antispasmodic, Antioxidant, Cardiovascular effects, Hypolipidaemic, B12 conserving
Anxiety, Insomnia, Alzheimer’s disease, Cognitive function, Gastrointestinal conditions associated with spasm and nervousness, Oxidative Stress, PMS, Cold Sores & Herpes Simplex, UTI, EBV, H.pylori infection, Shingles, Yeast Infections, SIBO, Adrenal Fatigue, Insomnia, ADHD, PCOS, migraine, thyroid disease, autism, strep throat, ear infection, ringworm, tonsilitis, hypertension, TIA.
As a tincture with Vimergy Lemon Balm (recommended dosage once or twice daily) or as a calming tea with Planet Organic Lemon Balm Tea (steep 1 or 2 teabags in 1 cup hot water before sleep or whenever you need any additional support or just as a healthful hot beverage).
Sources:
Herbs & Natural Supplements – An evidence-based guide by Lesley Braun & Marc Cohen
Medical Medium Life-Changing Foods by Anthony William
https://www.medicalmedium.com/blog/lemon-balm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4557408/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711399800130?via%3Dihub

Do you often find yourself dozing off while reading, watching a movie or working? You could be incurring sleep debt!

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