I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how rampant anxiety is in our culture.  I’ve also been thinking about the fact that we are given so many healing tools to overcome this issue.

Unfortunately, I feel like too many women are sent home from the Doctor’s office with a prescription in hand and no other real help!

I’ve been there and I’ve heard of too many other women who’ve been in that same place.  You’d rather not take a prescription but you feel desperate and just want some relief from your symptoms.

Over the next few months, I’ll be discussing a LOT of natural remedies for anxiety.  I suggest you try most of them and see what works best for you!

Today I’ve been researching Lemon Balm and wanted to share my findings with you.

What Is Lemon Balm?

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) is a perennial herb in the mint family.  It is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region.  It has a mild lemon aroma, the plant has compounds that have a soothing effect and the leaves are used to make medicine!

How Is Lemon Balm Used?

Lemon Balm is used for many issues including, upset stomach, headaches, anxiety, sleep issues, rapid heartbeat due to nerves, high blood pressure, sores, insect bites, tumors, ADHD and more!

I’m specifically interested in its effects on anxiety, nerves, sleeplessness and stomach issues, which all can be related to stress and anxiety!

I find it so fascinating that even though we have different health issues we may be struggling with, there always seems to be an answer to the issue in the plant world.  I love that we have all these amazing resources at our fingertips!  We just need to learn about them!

Lemon Balm contains chemicals that have a sedative, calming effect.  This can help with anxiety, upset stomach, insomnia, which are often symptoms of anxiety.

There are a variety of active compounds like flavonoids and polyphenols that produce many health benefits.  Lemon Balm is also known to modulate neurotransmitter activity in the nervous system!

You need certain neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA to feel happy and relaxed:)

One study performed showed that 300 mg/day for 15 days in adults, significantly improved anxiety disorders and sleep issues in adults.

That’s pretty exciting to me because pharmaceuticals can take much longer to work if at all!

Using Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm can come in a variety of forms, Melissa essential oil is one of them.  You can take Lemon Balm in tincture form, tea, capsules, topical creams and more.

If you visit your local health food store you’ll be able to find many different versions of this herb as well as supplements that have a combination of herbs including this one that are particularly for stress and anxiety!

You can take 300-600 mg a day to help promote sleep and decrease anxiety.  Sip some lemon balm tea in the evening to help unwind from the day.  Diffuse some Melissa essential oil in your home or office to enjoy the calming scent!

Motherhood is already hard enough, to be a mom and struggle with anxiety is just too much to bare sometimes…I’ve been there.

Look to herbs and other natural solutions for healing.  I’m here to support you on your journey.  I’ll be sharing SO much more on this blog, my podcast

Have you tried Lemon Balm in any form?

Let me know about your experience!  Comment below:)

xo

Hannah

Questions?  Email me at hannah@hannahhepworth.com

Resources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4245564/

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12349-010-0045-4#page-1

webmd.com