The lemon balmor Melissa officinalisis a herbaceous plant of the Lamiaceaefamily, native to Mediterranean regions [1]. Since ancient Greece, this species has established itself as a valuable remedy in traditional pharmacopoeia.
Indeed, the plant was admired by Mediterranean cultures, notably the Romans and ancient Greeks, who introduced this versatile species beyond its native lands [2]. These civilizations recognized its triple utility as a melliferous, condiment and curative plant.
As a therapeutic resource, it has a long history of use, well over 2000 years. Its curative properties have been documented in ancient texts, and it continues to be appreciated for its medicinal potential.
Its etymology, linked to the Greek word "melissa"meaning bee, derives from the bees' attraction to its inflorescences [3]. However, the plant has attracted a great deal of interest from the scientific and medical community, due to its unique phytochemical profile.
As a result, the lemon balm contains essential oils rich in compounds such as citronellal, citronellol and geranial, which give the herb its characteristic aroma. This unique chemical composition underpins the multiple medical benefits associated with it.
A natural ally for digestion and digestive disorders
One of the most notable aspects of the beneficial influence of lemon balm of lemon balm on the digestive system lies in its ability to relieve gastrointestinal spasms [4]. This property is mainly attributed to citronellala major compound in its essential oils, which has an antispasmodic action.
This action can be particularly useful in managing abdominal (stomach) cramps and pain associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
In fact lemon balmobtained by infusing the plant's dried leaves, is an invaluable natural solution for soothing common digestive disorders.
This preparation offers a gentle alternative to medicated treatments, effectively relieving gastrointestinal discomfort while adding a touch of freshness thanks to its subtle mint aroma.
What's more, the lemon balm promotes the secretion of bile, an essential component of fat digestion. This can help improve tolerance of high-fat meals and prevent digestive delays.
In addition, the herb's anti-inflammatory properties may play a significant role in reducing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. This could be particularly beneficial for individuals affected by chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal system, such as Crohn's disease.
Finally, this plant has carminative propertieswhich means it can help reduce the formation and accumulation of intestinal gas, as well as flatulence, thus improving intestinal comfort.
The benefits of lemon balm on sleep: phytotherapy for sleep disorders
Most medications used to treat mental disorders have numerous side effects, such as cognitive dysfunction, excessive sedation, withdrawal syndrome, as well as other problems caused by long-term use or high drug resistance.
Herbal supplements are a proposed complementary treatment option that could offer benefits while presenting a low level of toxicity and being more readily available. For this reason, over the past few decades, doctors and patients have shown increasing interest in the use of alternative and complementary therapies and herbal medicine.
Its main action on sleep is due to its sedative properties. In fact, it exerts a sedative action comparable to benzodiazepines (BZDs) [5].
In addition, it has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels, which can be particularly beneficial for people suffering from stress-related insomnia.
Indeed, La lemon balm is a nootropic plant that improves cognitive performance. It is often used to relieve anxiety, agitation, nervousness and stress [6]. It contains terpene aldehydes which give it calming and sedative properties, acting on the nervous system as a natural anxiolytic.
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant power: properties and benefits of lemon balm products
The anti-inflammatory power of lemon balm is largely attributable to its bioactive compounds, notably the rosmarinic acids, caffeic acid and ferulic. These compounds have been shown to reduce inflammation by inhibiting the metabolic pathways responsible for the production of inflammatory mediators.
This anti-inflammatory action can have a significant impact on health, particularly in the management of chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.
What's more, it has a high antioxidant potentialthanks to the presence of flavonoids such as luteolin andapigenin. These antioxidants act by neutralizing free radicals, unstable molecules responsible for oxidative stress and cell damage. By reducing oxidative stress, lemon balm can help prevent various age-related diseases and reduce the risk of certain chronic disorders.
Lemon balm and viral infection: managing herpes labialis
L'herpes labialis is the most common clinical manifestation of reactivation of HSV-1 (herpes simplex virus) infection. Antiviral treatment for HSV infection has been available since the introduction of Aciclovir in the 1970s, and remains the most commonly used chemotherapy.
The development of viral resistance to antiviral agents increases the need for new compounds effective against viral infections. Thus, new antiviral agents with different mechanisms of action are urgently needed.
In this context, medicinal plants produce a variety of chemical constituents with the potential to inhibit viral replication, and compounds from natural sources are attracting interest as potential sources for controlling viral infections.
The lemon balm, a member of the Lamiaceaefamily, and plants in this family are well known in Europe. antiviral phytotherapy[7]. Plant extracts from the Lamiaceae family have been described for their antioxidant and antibacterial effects, which have been linked to their polyphenolic composition.
It should be noted that it does not cure herpes simplex infection, as this is a chronic viral infection for which there is currently no definitive treatment. However, its use can help alleviate symptoms, shorten the duration of outbreaks and improve the comfort of those affected.
It is essential to consult a health care professional before resorting to treatments based on lemon balm treatments for herpes simplex, as each case may be different. Nevertheless, this herb offers an interesting natural approach to managing herpetic rashes, taking advantage of its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
Precautions for use: points to bear in mind
The lemon balm is generally considered a safe plant when used in accordance with the appropriate guidelines. However, there are a few important precautions to take into account to maximize its safe use:
- Allergies Allergies: some people may be sensitive and develop allergic skin or respiratory reactions. It is advisable to carry out a skin test to check the reaction before using the product more extensively.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding The effects of lemon balm during pregnancy and breast-feeding. As a precautionary measure, pregnant or breast-feeding women are advised to consult a health professional before using products containing this plant.
- Drug interactions Herbals may interact with certain medications. It is important to discuss this with your doctor, especially if you are taking medication, as it can potentially increase or decrease its effectiveness.
- Sun sensitivity For some people, excessive use oflemon balm essential oil applied to the skin may increase sensitivity to the sun, leading to more severe sunburns. The use of sunscreens is recommended where appropriate.
Conclusion
The lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is proving to be an invaluable source of health benefits, a claim supported by a growing body of scientific studies.
This herbaceous plant, thanks to its complex chemical composition including citronellal, citronellol, geranial, neral, polyphenols and flavonoids, offers a multitude of healing properties that deserve to be highlighted.
Its benefits include :
- Soothing of the digestive system
- Improved quality of sleep
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Management of herpes labialis
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action
Its use as a natural alternative is a valuable opportunity for those suffering from a variety of ailments. It offers a route free from the undesirable side effects often associated with conventional drug treatments.
However, it is crucial to note that the use of lemon balm for medicinal purposes should be undertaken with caution and under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Despite its multiple benefits, lemon balm must be wisely integrated into an overall wellness strategy.
References
- P. Babulka, "Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.)", June 2005. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10298-005-0084-z
- Paul Goetz & Kamel Ghedira, "Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae): Lemon balm" https://doi.org/10.1007/978-2-8178-0058-5_20
- Berthet Paul, "Pierre Lieutaghi. - Gardens of knowledge, gardens of history. 1992 ".
- Tatiana Zanin, "Lemon balm: 10 benefits, how to use and side effects", 2023. [On line]. Available at: https://www.tuasaude.com/fr/melisse/
- Jean-Marie FONTENEAU, "Herbal medicine for the insomniac patient", 2019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpha.2019.05.010
- Javid Ghazizadeh 1 2 3, Saeed Sadigh-Eteghad 1, Wolfgang Marx 4, Ali Fakhari 5, Sanaz Hamedeyazdan 6, Mohammadali Torbati 7, Somaiyeh Taheri-Tarighi 1, Mostafa Araj-Khodaei 2 8, Mojgan Mirghafourvand 9, "The effects of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) on depression and anxiety in clinical trials: A systematic review and meta-analysis", 2021. DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7252
- Akram Astani; Jürgen Reichling; Paul Schnitzler, "Melissa officinalis Extract Inhibits Attachment of Herpes Simplex Virus in vitro", 2012. DOI: 10.1159/000335590
