10 Health Benefits Of Melissa Officinalis (Lemon Balm)

Melissa officinalis, also known as lemon balm, has health benefits such as calming anxiety and stress, reducing insomnia, and alleviating digestive issues.

The medicinal properties of this plant are attributed to its high content of rosmarinic acid, flavonoids, and terpenes. These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to soothe the mind and body.

People can benefit from using lemon balm in teas or supplements to improve sleep quality, reduce menstrual cramps, and ease symptoms of depression and anxiety.

This article explains in details the 10 best health benefits of Melissa officinalis.

1. Reduces anxiety and stress

Melissa officinalis reduces anxiety and stress because of its calming effects on the nervous system.

The herb contains compounds such as rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid, which have been shown to interact with neurotransmitters in the brain, promoting relaxation and reducing feelings of tension and unease.

Additionally, lemon balm's sweet and soothing aroma can help to calm the mind and promote a sense of tranquility, making it a popular natural remedy for alleviating anxiety and stress-related symptoms.

2. Improves sleep quality

Melissa officinalis improves sleep quality because of its ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels.

The herb contains rosmarinic acid, a compound that has been shown to have a sedative effect on the nervous system, helping individuals fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Additionally, lemon balm's calming properties can help alleviate symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness, leading to improved sleep quality and duration.

3. Alleviates symptoms of indigestion

Melissa officinalis alleviates symptoms of indigestion because of its natural relaxant properties.

The herb's essential oil, which contains rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid, has been shown to reduce muscle spasms in the digestive tract, calming cramps and discomfort associated with indigestion. Additionally, lemon balm's anti-inflammatory compounds help soothe the stomach lining, further reducing symptoms of bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

This natural remedy provides a safe and effective way to alleviate indigestion without harsh chemicals or medications.

4. Possesses antiviral properties

Melissa officinalis possesses antiviral properties because its essential oil contains rosmarinic acid, a compound that has been shown to exhibit potent antiviral activity against various viruses.

This acid inhibits viral replication by binding to the virus and preventing it from attaching to host cells, thereby reducing the severity of infections and promoting recovery.

Its antiviral properties make lemon balm a popular natural remedy for treating viral infections such as cold sores and herpes simplex.

5. Eases menstrual cramps

Melissa officinalis eases menstrual cramps because of its natural ability to relax and calm the uterine muscles.

Its essential oils, such as rosmarinic acid and terpenes, have a gentle antispasmodic effect on the uterus, reducing inflammation and alleviating cramping sensations.

Additionally, lemon balm's calming properties can help alleviate stress and anxiety associated with PMS symptoms, providing a sense of relief for women suffering from menstrual cramps.

6. Boosts cognitive function

Melissa officinalis boosts cognitive function because it enhances memory, concentration, and focus.

The herb's rosmarinic acid and volatile oils have been shown to improve mental clarity by increasing blood flow to the brain and reducing inflammation.

Additionally, lemon balm has been found to reduce stress and anxiety, which can impede cognitive performance, making it an effective natural remedy for improving overall mental acuity.

7. Helps lower cholesterol levels

Melissa officinalis helps lower cholesterol levels because of its ability to reduce triglycerides and LDL ("bad") cholesterol.

The herb contains compounds that inhibit the absorption of dietary cholesterol and increase the elimination of bile acids from the body, which in turn reduces the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver.

Additionally, lemon balm has been shown to improve blood lipid profiles by increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol levels.

8. Soothes cold sore outbreaks

Melissa officinalis soothes cold sore outbreaks because of its potent antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

The herb contains rosmarinic acid, which has been shown to inhibit the replication of the herpes simplex virus, responsible for causing cold sores.

Additionally, lemon balm's calming effects on the skin can reduce redness, itching, and swelling associated with cold sore outbreaks, providing relief from discomfort and promoting faster healing.

9. Possesses antioxidant properties

Melissa officinalis possesses antioxidant properties because of its high content of flavonoids and phenolic acids.

These compounds are able to neutralize free radicals that can cause oxidative damage to cells, tissues, and organs, thereby protecting the body against chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Additionally, lemon balm's antioxidant properties may help to reduce inflammation and improve overall health by scavenging harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) and stabilizing cell membranes.

10. Relieves headaches

Melissa officinalis relieves headaches because of its potent ability to calm and soothe the nervous system.

The herb contains rosmarinic acid, which has a profound effect on reducing inflammation and spasms in the blood vessels, ultimately alleviating tension headaches and migraines. Additionally, lemon balm's sedative properties can help regulate sleep patterns, which are often disrupted by frequent or severe headaches.

By addressing these underlying causes, Melissa officinalis offers natural relief from headache pain.