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Posted on Dec 30, 2005, 8 p.m.
By Bill Freeman
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The lemon balm plant is native to southern Europe, however it can now be found throughout the world. Lemon balm was traditionally used to treat insomnia and heart problems. ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING: The active ingredients in Lemon balm include terpenes, flavonoids, and polyphenolics.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The lemon balm plant is native to southern Europe, however it can now be found throughout the world. Lemon balm was traditionally used to treat insomnia and heart problems.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
The active ingredients in Lemon balm include terpenes, flavonoids, and polyphenolics. Lemon balm has proven anti-herpes properties and is known to regulate the thyroid gland. Because of its effects upon the thyroid, it can be used to treat the autoimmune disease Grave’s disease.
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
Refer to packaging. The German Commission E recommends drinking several cups of lemon balm tea (containing 1.5-4.5g of the herb) each day.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL: Not established
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
No adverse effects from lemon balm have been reported. However, animal studies have found that the herb may raise pressure in the eye, thus people suffering from glaucoma should avoid Lemon balm.
