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LEMON BALM
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
Melissa Officinalis, she may sound like an old high school friend of yours, but it's actually the name of an herb: LEMON BALM ... |
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Lemon Balm |
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| Lemon Balm works to help you deal with stress. |
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A perennial bush with serrated heart shaped leaves which have a mild taste and smell like lemon. Lemon balm, part of the mint family, has been cultivated around the Mediterranean coast for over 2,000 years. Historically, many attributed increased intelligence to individuals who consumed it on a regular basis. Now it is much more widely known for it's medicinal properties/uses as a sedative, anti-spasmodic and anti-bacterial. For some it is still considered a cure-all. |
Lemon Balm has always been known for its general effects on the nervous system as a whole – commonly used for stress and anxiety, lack of appetite, digestive discomfort, depression and for general strengthening of the memory and mind. Today, there is again a lot of attention on lemon balm in the treatment of Alzheimer's and dementia, showing results of improved mood and mental performance. It is also commonly prescribed for insomnia or difficulty relaxing, as well as for calming spasms of the digestive tract.
Lemon Balm is frequently paired with valerian root, as a sleep aid and anti-anxiety remedy. There is also strong evidence of lemon balm's efficacy in treating genital or oral herpes, decreasing duration of sores and length between outbreaks. Although its specific anti-viral actions are poorly understood, it is suspected it interferes with virus receptors on host cells. If you are an outdoor enthusiast looking for natural options, the crushed leaves can also be rubbed over skin for a natural mosquito repellent.
Lemon balm can be taken in capsule or tincture form, and is commonly found in anti-anxiety or sleep promoting combinations. Lemon balm maintains an excellent safety record. There are no side effects for interactions associated with its use, although it is not to be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Individuals taking benzodiazepines, SSRI's or SNRI's may notice some mild drowsiness if combining lemon balm with these medications. Recommended dosages vary anywhere from 100-500 mg/day.
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LEMON BALM - QUICK
FACTS |
PARTS USED |
· Leaf |
APPLICATIONS |
· Anxiety, sleep disorders |
OPTIMUM DOSAGE |
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100-500 mg/day for adults. |
WORKS WELL WITH |
· Valerian, passionflower, hops, elderberry, echinacea |
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
click for products |
· Individuals taking benzodiazepines, SSRI's or SNRI's may notice some mild drowsiness if combining lemon balm with these medications. Not recommended in pregnancy and during breastfeeding |
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copyright National Nutrition 2001 - 2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
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