Perhaps you’ve heard of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis). You may be growing it in your garden as we speak. Commonly used in cooking, lemon balm is also found in the form of extracts, salve, oil, and tinctures. It not only has a refreshing flavor, but packs a powerful punch against viruses. This member of the mint family is next-level. It’s been shown to fight against the group of viruses that causes mono, cold sores, shingles, chickenpox, and chronic fatigue. Read on for some study talk.
Studies Show
In a randomized, double-blind trial of 116 subjects with cold sores, 96% of those who used lemon balm extract five times daily on their cold sores experienced a complete clearing after eight days. Impressively, participants in another study using lemon balm in the form of essential oil showed improvements within only 72 hours (mindbodygreen). Pretty rad!
Need Relief
We’ve established the oh-so-soothing scent of lavender. But have you given thought to LEMON BALM when it comes to winding down? Studies suggest that a compound in lemon balm called rosmarinic acid may have anti-anxiety effects by raising the availability of GABA, a signaling chemical, in the brain (verywellhealth).
Deep Breaths
For those who find themselves needing to pause and breathe heavily, lemon balm has the potential of reducing the frequency of benign heart palpitations. One study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology observed people with benign heart palpitations. Subjects took either a lemon balm extract or a placebo twice a day for 14 days. At the end of the two weeks, the lemon balm was reported to reduce the number of palpitation episodes, along with the number of people with anxiety symptoms.
ZZZ...
When combined with valerian, lemon balm may contribute to better sleep quality during menopause. A Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice study included women between 50 and 60 years of age who had sleep disorders. They were given either a lemon balm-valerian combo, or a placebo. The lemon balm-valerian supplement seemed to reduce some symptoms of sleep disorders.
Optimism for Alzheimer's
From the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund to Seth Rogen’s Hilarity for Charity, steps are being made towards finding a solution for this disease. Early studies are showing that lemon balm extract may inhibit cholinesterase and also reduce damage from beta-amyloid (the plaque that builds up). The Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry looked at subjects with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. These subjects took either a lemon balm or a placebo daily for four months. At the end of the period, those who took the lemon balm extract experienced a better cognitive outcome, as well as less agitation (verywellhealth).
Making a Difference
If your customers are going nights without sleeping or are constantly on the lookout for something natural to help ease their anxiety, wouldn’t it be gratifying to know that YOU helped them? Makers Nutrition is all about it, so allow us to do what we do best. Provide a level of service like no other! Call today!
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