All You Need to Know About Lemon Balm

All you need to know about lemon balm will be explained in this article. The Lemon Balm is a tropical plant that is native to Asia and parts of South America. When the young shoots are fully developed, it will create that familiar lemon scent in your garden.

Lemon balm is one of the most popular herbs. It is an herb that has a very soothing effect on the skin. Its scent is very pleasant and can be used in aromatherapy. Lemon balm is very inexpensive, which is why it is a great addition to any pantry. Lemon balm is a valuable plant as it has also been used in treating a range of other health complaints including constipation, gas, colic, nausea, vomiting, arthritis, chronic fatigue, and multiple sclerosis.

In this article, we’ll discuss all you need to know about lemon balm including some of the main benefits of this herb as well as the common uses for its oil. 

1.     Tips for Growing Lemon Balm in the Garden

In the discussion of all you need to know about lemon balm it is important to mention the growing tips of lemon balm that are explained below:

1.1 Requirement of Sunlight

The most important thing in all you need to know about lemon balm that you can do for growing Lemon balm in the garden is to make sure that it gets the right kind of sunlight.

1.1.1 Provide Full Sunlight

This is a plant that likes full sunlight to grow, so if you don’t get the right kind of sunlight, it won’t grow properly.

1.1.2 Area for Planting Lemon Balm

• Try to plant it in an area where it gets between eight and ten hours of sunlight a day.

1.2 Correct Type of Soil

Another point in all you need to know about lemon balm for growing it in the garden is to make sure that you’re using the correct type of soil for your particular plant.

1.2.1 Well-drained Soil

• It needs a firm root system, but you also want the soil to be well drained. You can use a soil based compost to help achieve this.
• Make sure that you add plenty of organic matter to the compost as well.

1.2.2 Fertile and Nutrient Rich Soil

If you decide to use soil in your planting, then make sure that the soil is very fertile and rich in nutrients.

• The soil should be rich in nitrogen, and it must be very dark. This is because the roots of the lemon balm need lots of light in order for them to grow properly.
• If the soil is dark, then it means that the lemon balm has enough source of light, which is what they need to grow.

1.3 Watering

• Make sure to water your plants thoroughly when they are in the dormant period.
• When spring comes and the weather starts to heat up, move your plants indoors to a location where it will be warmer.
• During the hot summer months it is important to make sure that all of your garden items are properly ventilated. If you fail to do this, your plants could become damaged by dried air.

1.4 Provide Fertilizer

Once you have chosen the area that you’re going to plant it in and planted it with the right mixture of soil and compost, you’ll then need to give it a little bit of fertilizer.

• You can find this at any nursery or gardening store. Make sure that you follow the package directions exactly.

1.5 Protection from Harsh Elements

After it gets a little bit of space and has been established, it will then need to be protected from harsh elements. That means the shade and extra sunlight.

• You can do this by building a trellis system around it. It will provide both protection and support for the tree.

1.6 Keep the Insects away

Another tip for growing this type of tree is to take good care of it. The only thing that you should really watch for is insects.

• They will suck all the sap out of it so be sure to get a good insect repellent. If you can’t afford one then you can spray the leaves and twigs with a broad-range insecticide.

1.7 Pruning the Mature Plant

Once the plant starts to mature you can prune some of the more growths and take away some of the dead wood.

• Keep in mind that it should be pruned only after the base is covered in about 2 inches of new growth. This will keep the plant healthy.
• Just don’t remove more than half of the branches.

2.     Historical Uses of Lemon Balm

2.1 For Skin Care and Hair Care

During medieval times, Lemon Balm Oil had been widely used in Europe as a skin ointment or pomade for the purpose of treating skin ailments such as wounds, skin infections, burns, eczema, varicose ulcers, as well as for hair care.

2.2 Medicinal Value

In all you need to know about lemon balm the usefulness and benefits of lemon balm are so vast that it has been incorporated into many different healing systems.

• For example, the Ayurvedic (Maharishi) system of medicine, considered one of the oldest and most accurate systems of medicine in the world, uses lemon balm as a part of a number of important treatments.
• There are many other herbal remedies that make use of this aromatic herb, including several concoctions which are used as homeopathic medicines.
• It is even believed that the use of lemon balm has been recorded in Egyptian tablets dating back to 3000 B.C., although this is not a proven fact.

2.3 Treatment of Diseases

• Another aspect of all you need to know about lemon balm is that it was also used as an anti-carcinogenic, analgesic, expectorant and anti-irritant.
• This is because Lemon balm has many properties that make it a natural remedy for coughs, colds, sore throats and coughs that tend to become chronic and recurrent.

2.4 Powerful Healer

As was already mentioned above in all you need to know about lemon balm, lemon balm is known as a powerful healer, especially when it is used in combination with other herbal remedies.

• For instance, when used in conjunction with vitamin C, it is known to produce faster healing of wounds.
• Additionally, lemon balm is a very good substitute for other powerful pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen, because it does not produce any side effects of its own.

2.5 Treatment of Skin Malady

Another interesting history of lemon balm is that it was used extensively in the Middle Ages for treating skin malady such as ulcers.

• The juice can be applied to cuts or scrapes and it is also believed to relieve sunburn.
• Lemon balm became very popular with herbalists during the Victorian era because it was often prescribed to those who had sore throats and yellowish or whitish skin.

3.     Modern Uses of Lemon Balm

3.1 Treatment of Toothaches

One of the most common uses of lemon balm is to treat toothaches.

• It is a powerful antiseptic, which means that it kills germs and bacteria in the mouth.
• Lemon balm is effective in treating periodontal disease. It is also effective in treating gum infections and cracked lips.
• Lemon balm is used in many herbal medicines as a digestive tonic.

3.2 Treatment of  Respiratory Conditions

Lemon balm has been used to treat a number of respiratory conditions including sore throats, colds, flu, and bronchitis.

3.3 Healing Properties

It is often used in the treatment of shiatsu, or reflexology, a form of massage therapy that treating aches, pains, and disorders of the reflex organs.

• It is also believed to help relieve the symptoms of menstrual cramps and promote dandruff. 

3.4 Reduce Anxiety

Some studies show that lemon balm coupled with other soothing herbs (like hops, Valerian, lavender) helps to reduce anxiety and improve sleep. 

3.5 Improve Digestion

In fact, lemon balm has been called the “herb of choice” by patients with digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome or IBS.

• The herb has an antispasmodic effect, which is a treatment for IBS. 
• This herb also stimulates peristalsis, the wavelike movement of the bowels, and it can help in digestion.

3.6 Treatment of Acne

For those who are suffering from acne, lemon balm can be used to treat and cure the condition effectively.

• Lemon balm has antibacterial properties that can kill microorganisms that cause acne.

3.7 Used in Cooking

In order to add more flavor to your food, lemon balm can be added as an ingredient.

• Its flavoring can be added to a wide variety of foods including ice cream, cookies, pastries, cakes and other sweets.
• Other than that, the Australian native species of the lemon balm has also been known to have a strong aroma.

3.8 Used in Cosmetics

Another major point while discussing all you need to know about lemon balm is that it is not only useful for cooking and health. It is also used in cosmetics due to its lactic acid content.

• Other cosmetic uses include in skin whitening products and bath water.
• For this reason, this herb is highly valued for its therapeutic properties.

4. Health Benefits of Lemon Balm

The Health benefits of this herb are important while explaining all you need to know about lemon balm.

4.1 As a Detoxifier

Lemon balm leaves and essential oil has the ability to detoxify the body.

• This is because the leaves contain catechins, which are known as antioxidants that are able to remove toxins from the body.
• Thus, by drinking tea made of these leaves, you will be able to remove these toxins from your body, thus preventing possible illnesses such as skin problems and respiratory illnesses.

4.2 As an Anti-depressant

Drinking tea made of this herbal medicine would definitely improve mood and calm your nerves.

• In fact, some people have claimed that it can help them sleep better at night and gain more energy during daytime.
• It is also considered as an effective treatment for depression.

4.3 Strengthen Immune System

It can strengthen our immune system. It has been found out that drinking lemon balm contains antioxidants which can fight against free radicals that cause cellular damage and cancer.

• Moreover, lemon balm contains terpenoids, flavonoids, indoles, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds which are powerful antioxidant which can boost the immune system.
• It can fight against several health disorders including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, etc. Thus, these herbal teas can be considered as the best natural medicine to cure several health problems.

4.4 Treat Different Health Problems

Using lemon balm in treating different health problems can give you many benefits.

• It can treat flu, cold, influenza, pneumonia, sore throat, stomachache, diarrhea, eye disease, dizziness, headaches, sinusitis, cough, lung infection, urinary tract infection, and cancer.
• It can also treat toothaches. It could treat ulcers, burns, cuts, scrapes, blisters, and other wounds that occur in the skin.
• So, it really is a good alternative medicine that can be used to treat different diseases.

4.5 Anti-inflammatory Properties

Lemon balm has been used for thousands of years. Early Native Americans used it to treat sunburns.

• Lemon was also used by Chinese herbalists as an anti-inflammatory.
• Lemon has also been used as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, a form of arthritis related to the immune system.
• Lemon has also been used to treat a number of menstrual problems and infections.

4.6 Prevent Yeast Infections

Lemon balm is thought to help prevent yeast infections. This is because it has compounds that prevent yeast from growing.

• Yeast is a fungus that feeds on sugar and releases toxins.
• The lemon balm has been found to inhibit the growth and release of fungi.
• It has been used to treat skin infections, athlete’s foot, and candida albicans (a form of yeast).

4.7 Improve Digestion

Lemon balm can also be used to treat a number of digestive disorders.

• It has been used for quite some time to treat flatulence and intestinal gas.
• People who suffer from constipation may find relief by using it to help them pass stool.
• It can also relieve diarrhea by aiding the passage of food.

4.8 Improve Brain Health

Lemon balm acts as an herbal ally for improving brain fog.

• Research has shown that the essential oil is very effective in clearing the brain and stimulating blood circulation.
• Other research has shown that lemon balm also improves the memory and improves mental clarity.

5. Skincare Benefits of Lemon Balm

All you need to know about lemon balm includes its skincare benefits that are as follows:

5.1 Heals the Skin

While discussing all you need to know about lemon balm it is important to mention that lemon balm is used as a healing agent for various conditions including acne, eczema and several types of herpes.

• It is used as an antiseptic for cuts, scrapes and burns.

5.2 Stimulates Collagen Production

This is one of the known benefits of lemon balm. As skin ages, its collagen content starts getting reduced. The reduction results in sagging, wrinkles, and other aging signs.

• The introduction of balm in the skin initiates the production of collagen again, which helps in the regeneration process of the skin cells.

5.3 Helps Combat Inflammation

Dry skin is prone to bacterial attack and irritation. Lemon balm for the skin not only soothes inflamed and irritated skin but also removes impurities from the skin.

• Bacteria that cause acne are killed by the balm.
• Irritation is relieved and this in turn lessens the redness caused by inflammation. This makes the skin smooth, soft and supple.

5.4 Prevent Sunburns and Skin Cancer

Sun exposure can lead to serious skin disorders like wrinkles, dryness and rashes. It causes high levels of stress on the skin, which in turn leads to premature aging.

• The lemon balm acts as a moisturizer and hence helps fight the effects of sunburns.
• If you use it daily, then it can help in the prevention of premature wrinkles, skin aging and skin diseases.
• Other benefits of lemon balm for the skin include killing bacteria, cleaning the pores, softening the rough and dry epidermis and giving a healthy skin texture.

5.5 Reduce Inflammation and Itching

All you need to know about lemon balm includes information about its anti-bacterial and anti-septic properties which make it useful for treating skin problems like pimples, acne, and burns.

• If you suffer from regular skin infections, then apply a small amount of the lemon balm on the affected area as it can help cure the infection.
• In addition to all these benefits of lemon balm for the skin, it also provides you a healthy and glowing skin.

5.6 Acts as a Natural Toner

It can be applied over scars and discoloration to get quick results. It also helps get rid of blemishes, spots and brown spots.

• You can use it as a natural toner. However, do not overdo it as the lemon balm for the skin should be used in small quantities.
• This makes it an ideal remedy for dry skin.

5.7 Infuse Moisture in Skin

If you have dry skin, then Lemon balm works wonderfully on it. It will help to reduce the dryness by infusing moisture and leaving a protective coat of oil behind. 

5.8 Using Lemon Balm for Skin

• When using lemon balm for the skin, you can mix a few drops of it with any other ingredients like lemon juice or orange juice, honey, aloe vera, rose water or mint juice.
• Make sure you dilute the herbal oils before applying them on your skin. Before taking it orally, ensure you consult your doctor as it is a very strong medicine.

Conclusion

This was all you need to know about lemon balm. The Lemon balm will provide you with a beautiful blooming flower in the spring. It’s a great blooming variety that grows to be a full blossom as well as a tree. Growing this kind of balm in your garden provides you with not only beauty but also with its nutritional value as well.

There are numerous health and skincare benefits of Lemon balm. It can be used to treat common illnesses such as flu, cough and colds, sore throat, fever, skin rashes, headaches, toothaches, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, anxiety, digestive disorders, and skin conditions. The lemon balm can also be used in the home as a powerful natural painkiller if you are suffering from arthritis, osteoarthritis, shingles, or even menstrual cramps.

In fact, it is one of the most popular ingredients in various herbal remedies such as acne treatment, massage oils, and other medicinal formulations. To conclude, it is one of the most beneficial herbs to grow.