Here’s How to Use Lemon Balm Essential Oil and Its Benefits that will change your life! Don’t miss out on this!
Native to Europe, West Asia, and North Africa, lemon balm is widely used for the beneficial compounds it contains. These compounds give the plant healing properties for wounds and even help improve digestive health. You can reap these benefits, too, by using the essential oil made from the plant.
Benefits of Lemon Balm Essential Oil
1. May Help Alleviate Stress and Anxiety
A 2022 review notes how the rosmarinic acid and flavonoids in lemon balm help alleviate anxiety levels in people who experience laboratory-induced stress. One small study even examined how certain lemon balm foods positively affect stress levels and mood.
People even feel better if they have planted lemon balm at home, as it is fragrant and pleasant. Though more human studies are needed to prove these findings, the results have been promising.
2. May Help Improve Cognitive Function
To follow up on the previous point, lemon balm essential oil can also have positive neurological effects. This means it can help improve cognitive function and memory. With regular use, it may support patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Can Help Ease Insomnia
Try using lemon balm oil to help with insomnia and get restful sleep every night. Its fragrance has calming effects and can help reduce anxiety, so it would prove quite effective. A 2019 study suggested that this oil could also help children who grind their teeth during sleep.
4. May Help Treat Cold Sores
Due to its antiviral properties, the lemon balm essential oil may also offer protection against the HSV or herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores. A 2023 test-tube study suggested that this essential oil could inhibit the growth of this virus in the body, ultimately preventing it from multiplying.
5. May Prove Effective Against Indigestion
Historically, people have had immense benefits in using this oil to remedy digestive issues. In a 2023 animal study, research indicated that the phenolic and ethanolic compounds in the essential oil could protect the gut against inflammation and ulcers.
6. Can Benefit Cardiovascular Systems
A 2021 review highlights that lemon balm essential oil can help protect your cardiovascular system. In this animal study, researchers showed how this oil contained compounds to help reduce oxidative stress, ultimately improving your odds against cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
You can also benefit from its ability to help reduce harmful cholesterol levels and protect against diabetes. However, more human studies are needed to pinpoint the dosage, effectiveness, and safety measures for using lemon balm oil.
How To Use Lemon Balm Essential Oil
Lemon balm is safe for adult consumption when diluted well, that is, mixed with tea or food. You must also use essential oil only for a short time (no more than 8 weeks at a stretch).
For topical use, use a few drops of lemon balm essential oil diluted with coconut oil or water and apply with a cotton ball to affected areas. This especially applies to cold sores; you can repeat this process several times throughout the day.
Precautions and Side Effects When Using Essential Oil
- As with every oil, you must always patch-test a small area with diluted lemon balm essential oil and wait at least 24 hours. If there are no skin rashes or other allergic reactions, you can start using it topically.
- Using the correct dosage for no more than the prescribed amount of time is essential for the lemon balm oil, as continued use can result in harmful side effects like headaches, nausea, reduced alertness, vomiting, and more.
- In case you are pregnant, nursing, have other medical conditions or have children under 12 who you think would benefit from this oil, you must consult with your doctor first.