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Lemon balm is a herbal plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family and has the Latin name Melissa officinalis. Lemon balm is a plant originating from the European and Mediterranean regions which is then widely cultivated in European regions.
Lemon balm was first introduced in the 7th century in Spain which was eventually used massively by all European communities as a herbal medicine in curing several diseases. Lemon balm was later introduced to America during wartime.
Lemon Balm Benefits For Health
Lemon balm with its nutritional content and compounds can provide considerable health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of lemon balm for body health:
1. Anti-inflammatory
Lemon balm is known to have anti-inflammatory properties in the body. This is because lemon balm has several compounds that can heal inflammation and also relieve pain in the body.
Anti-inflammatory compounds found in lemon bal, among others, rosmarinic acid, phosphorus and linalool. These three compounds have different roles in overcoming inflammation in the body.
One example is rosmarinic acid which can inhibit the sending of pain signals by the spinal cord to the brain which can ultimately relieve pain feelings in inflammation. In addition, phosphorus compounds also play a role in relaxing the nerves and muscles in the body, which makes inflammation heal faster
2. Overcoming Insomnia
Lemon balm can also be used to treat insomnia in the body. This is because lemon balm has a citrus scent that can calm the nerve cells and smooth muscle found in the brain so that a person can relax and sleep easily.
In addition, lemon balm that is consumed or processed into tea and then drunk will provide good properties to prevent insomnia, namely by holding the brain from releasing hormones that can affect a person's emotions, so sleep easier and less agitated.
3. Prevent Cancer
One of the other benefits of lemon balm is that it can prevent cancer in the body. This is because lemon balm leaves contain compounds such as flavonoids, phenolics, limonene, alkaloids and terpinenes.
These compounds have different roles in preventing cancer in the body. One example of the role of these compounds, namely compounds such as terpinenes and alkaloids is known to damage cancer cells because of their cytotoxic properties.
In addition, flavonoids, phenolic and limonene are compounds that have a role in preventing the process of proliferation in cancer cells, so that cancer cells cannot develop and spread throughout the body's tissues.
4. Reducing Cholesterol Levels
Lemon balm leaves can also be used to reduce bad cholesterol levels in the body. This is because in lemon balm leaves there are several compounds, such as flavonoids, potassium, sterols, citronellol and several other compounds that can destroy bad cholesterol.
The compounds that have been mentioned above, have quite a complex role for the body, one of which is flavonoid compounds which are compounds that can dissolve in fat and make fat can be removed from the body.
In addition, potassium and sterols can destroy cholesterol that sticks to the walls of blood vessels which can block blood flow
5. Increase the Immune System
Lemon balm can also be used as an immune booster or to increase the immune system in the body. This is because the lemon balm leaves contain citronellol compounds which give lemon balm a slightly sour taste.
It is this citronellol compound that plays a role in increasing the responsiveness of the immune system to foreign pantogens that enter the body to increase, so that the body can overcome the disease earlier.
Lemon Balm Side Effects On Health
Although lemon balm is known to have quite a number of benefits, lemon balm can also cause side effects on the body. Here are some of the side effects of lemon balm on health:
1. Causes of Kidney Stones
Consuming too much lemon balm leaves continuously can cause side effects of kidney stones on the body. This is because in the lemon balm leaves there is a high content of oxalic acid compounds.
High levels of oxalic acid, if consumed continuously, can cause bonds with other compounds to form solid compounds that cannot be dissolved and cannot be digested by the body. As a result, these compounds will settle in the kidneys and result in the appearance of kidney stone disease
2. Anti Nutrition
Lemon balm leaves can also cause anti-nutritional side effects in the body if consumed in excess. This is because there are compounds such as acid oksalat and tannins which can result in binding to other compounds.
Compounds that have bound to oxalic acid and tannins in the body cannot be reused for nutritional fulfillment in the body. This is what can cause the body to experience nutritional deficiencies
