The main benefits of lemon balm
Improve sleep quality
Lemon balm contains phenolic compounds in its composition, such as rosmarinic acid, which have soothing and sedative properties, which can be useful in combating insomnia and improving sleep quality.
Additionally, some research shows that drinking lemon balm tea twice daily for 15 days improves sleep in people with insomnia, and a combination of lemon balm and valerian may help reduce restlessness and sleep disturbances.
Anti-anxiety and stress
Lemon balm helps fight anxiety and stress because it has rosmarinic acid in its active ingredient that works by increasing the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as GABA, which contributes to feelings of relaxation, happiness and tranquility in the body and reduces symptoms of anxiety such as agitation and nervousness.
Some research shows that taking a single dose of lemon balm increases calmness and alertness in adults with mental stress, and taking capsules containing 300 to 600 mg of lemon balm three times a day reduces symptoms of anxiety.
Headache relief
Lemon balm may also be helpful in treating headaches, especially if they are caused by stress. Because it contains rosmarinic acid, its pain-relieving, relaxing, and anti-inflammatory properties can help relax muscles, relieve tension, and relax tense blood vessels, which can help relieve headaches.
Fight intestinal gas
Lemon balm contains citral, an essential oil, which has antispasmodic and carminative effects, inhibiting the production of substances responsible for increasing intestinal contractions, helping to relieve abdominal pain and combat the production of gas in the intestines.
Some research shows that treatment with lemon balm extract can improve colic in breastfed infants within 1 week.
Reduce PMS symptoms
Because it has phenolic compounds in its composition such as rosmarinic acid, lemon balm helps reduce PMS symptoms by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, which helps improve bad mood, nervousness, and anxiety associated with PMS.
Lemon balm because of its antispasmodic and analgesic properties also helps to relieve the discomfort of menstrual cramps.
Additionally, some studies using lemon balm capsules suggest that to reduce PMS symptoms, you should take 1,200 mg of lemon balm capsules per day.
Fights digestive problems
Lemon balm can help treat gastrointestinal problems such as indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, gastroesophageal reflux and irritable bowel syndrome, for example, because it contains rosmarinic acid in its composition, in addition to citral, geraniol and beta-caryophyllene, with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic and intestinal gas eliminating effects, helping to reduce the symptoms and discomfort of gastrointestinal problems.
Fight cold sores
Some studies have shown that the caffeic, rosmarinic and pheuric acids found in lemon balm have anti-herpes virus effects by inhibiting the virus and preventing it from multiplying, helping to stop the spread of infection, reducing healing time and contributing to the rapid effects on typical herpes symptoms such as itching, tingling, burning, stinging, swelling and redness. To get this benefit, you should apply lipstick containing lemon balm extract to your lips when you first feel the symptoms.
Additionally, these acids in lemon balm may also inhibit the growth of genital herpes viruses. However, human studies are still needed to prove this benefit.
Eliminate fungi and bacteria
Several in vitro and in vitro laboratory studies have shown that phenolic compounds such as rosmarinic, caffeic, and coumaric acids found in lemon balm can eliminate fungi, especially skin fungi, such as Candida sp., and bacteria such as:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes lung infections, ear infections, and urinary tract infections;
Salmonella sp causes diarrhea and gastrointestinal infections;
Escherichia coli causes urinary tract infections;
Shigella sonnei causes intestinal infections;
However, human studies are still needed to prove these benefits.
Support treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Some studies suggest that phenolic compounds in lemon balm, such as citral, may
inhibits cholinesterase, an enzyme responsible for breaking down acetylcholine, an important brain neurotransmitter for memory. People with Alzheimer's disease often have reduced acetylcholine, leading to memory loss and impaired learning.
Additionally, these studies show that taking lemon balm for 4 months can reduce agitation, improve thinking, and reduce symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
Has antioxidant effects
Lemon balm contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds in its composition, especially rosmarinic and caffeic acids, which have antioxidant effects, fight free radicals and reduce cell damage.
Therefore, perilla may help prevent diseases related to oxidative stress caused by free radicals such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Recommended Dosage and Possible Side Effects
Lemon balm is safe when consumed for up to 2 weeks. However, if this herb is consumed in excessive amounts or for longer than recommended, it can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, decreased heart rate, drowsiness, low blood pressure, and wheezing.
To cook perilla leaf water, you just need to take enough leaves, wash them, soak them in salt water, then boil 2.5 liters of filtered water, add perilla leaves, and cover tightly.
Boil the mixture again for 2 minutes, then turn off the stove, let it cool, pour it into a clean bottle and add 3 slices of fresh lemon, cover and store in the refrigerator. Take this water every day, 10-30 minutes before three main meals to reduce the amount of food intake and prevent fat absorption.
Each person should only drink about 2 glasses of perilla leaf water per day, divided into small portions. Still use filtered water to provide enough water for the body.
Fresh perilla leaf water should be used within 24 hours to ensure quality and flavor. Do not boil fresh perilla leaf water for more than 15 minutes. Because the essential oils in the leaves and branches will evaporate.
Who should not use perilla?
Lemon balm in tea, tincture, capsule or extract form is not suitable for children under 12 years of age.
People who are taking thyroid medications or sedatives should talk to their doctor before consuming lemon balm.
Because of its sedative effects, lemon balm tea is not recommended during activities requiring alertness such as driving or operating machinery.
Additionally, people with low blood pressure, pregnant or lactating women should consult a doctor before consuming perilla.
Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/cong-dung-than-ky-cua-tia-to-dat.html
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