Lemon balm, known scientifically as Melissa officinalis, has been recognized for its benefits for centuries, particularly in regions such as North Africa, Western Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. This remarkable herb has proven to be advantageous not only for culinary purposes but also for its medicinal properties. Due to its calming effects and delightful citrus fragrance, lemon balm has gained significant attention within the healthcare sector globally. Beyond its mood-enhancing and cognitive-boosting qualities, lemon balm tea is also renowned for its skin-protective benefits, making it a key ingredient in numerous skincare formulations.
The intention of this article is to delve into the potential advantages that lemon balm tea offers for skin health, while also addressing any associated side effects.
Understanding Lemon Balm Tea
Lemon balm, or Melissa officinalis, is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae. Traditionally, older populations in Asia and Europe have utilized this herb primarily for flavoring dishes, alleviating symptoms from poisonous insect bites, and aiding digestion. Furthermore, it is native to various regions in North America and Africa. Beyond its ability to enhance mood and support cognitive functions, lemon balm is effective in reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep quality, stimulating appetite, and alleviating discomfort related to indigestion, including gas, bloating, and colic.
Research has demonstrated that lemon balm can also address various less severe gastrointestinal issues. Phytochemical studies reveal that lemon balm contains bioactive compounds such as triterpenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and volatile oils, which are recognized for their sedative and calming effects on the body.
The Skin Benefits of Lemon Balm Tea:
The advantages of lemon balm extend far beyond its benefits to general health; its positive effects on the skin are particularly noteworthy. Understanding these benefits and validating the application of lemon balm extract for skin care is essential, as it can help maintain a radiant complexion and combat premature aging.
Protection Against Ultraviolet Radiation
One of the remarkable benefits of lemon balm tea is its ability to mitigate the harmful impacts of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the skin. UVB rays, which are invisible rays emitted by the sun, can lead to sunburn, skin darkening, and thickening of the outer skin layer.
Numerous studies have indicated that lemon balm tea is rich in antioxidants, including caffeic and rosmarinic acids. These compounds can effectively inhibit oxidative stress induced by UVB exposure and protect human DNA in skin cells.
In essence, lemon balm tea promotes melanogenesis, a process that acts as a protective barrier against UV-induced skin damage. Furthermore, it penetrates the upper and deeper layers of the skin, providing continuous protection from the adverse effects of UV rays.
Inhibition of Glycation Reactions
Many individuals may not realize that skin glycation occurs when sugar molecules in the body bond with collagen proteins in the skin, leading to arterial stiffness and skin rigidity.
Over time, this process contributes to the formation of Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs), which accelerate skin aging and contribute to skin toughness. However, research has shown that lemon balm tea can function as a natural antiglycation agent, helping to eliminate glycation-related tissue damage in both blood vessels and skin. This conclusion was supported by a range of tests conducted on selected participants in the study.
Treatment for Cold Sores
Among its many benefits, lemon balm tea has demonstrated effectiveness in treating and preventing cold sores, which are viral infections characterized by painful, fluid-filled blisters around the lips or mouth.
A study conducted in 1999 revealed that applying lemon balm tea extract to the affected area four times daily for five days significantly reduces symptoms and accelerates recovery. Furthermore, the research suggested that lemon balm cream may prevent future outbreaks when applied correctly.
Antihistamine Properties
In addition to its skin benefits, lemon balm possesses antihistamine properties. Recent research has confirmed that the components of lemon balm tea exhibit notable antihistamine effects on the body.
This natural remedy can alleviate symptoms associated with itching, hay fever, pain, boils, hives, conjunctivitis, and reactions to insect stings. For best results, it is recommended to apply lemon balm extract directly to the affected areas.
Relief for Atopic Dermatitis
Lemon balm's active antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties can significantly reduce the incidence of atopic dermatitis. This efficacy was demonstrated in a study conducted by Lee et al. (2008), where patients with dermatitis who applied a lemon balm extract emulsion experienced a notable reduction in erythema and skin moisture loss within six to eight weeks.
Moreover, the anti-inflammatory characteristics of lemon balm may help alleviate inflammation within the body, which often contributes to skin disorders such as eczema and acne. When applied appropriately, lemon balm tea can enhance skin radiance, improve complexion, and promote overall skin health.
Antimicrobial Effects Against Bacteria, Fungi, and Viruses
Research has established that lemon balm is rich in natural antimicrobial agents, such as citronellal and geranial. These compounds effectively combat various bacterial and fungal infections, making them beneficial for treating skin ailments while promoting overall skin health when applied topically.
Additionally, extensive studies have shown that lemon balm tea can inhibit and counteract the spread of viruses, including the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), through various modes of action.
Alleviation of Stress-Induced Skin Issues
Lemon balm tea is also known for its stress-relieving properties, which can mitigate the detrimental effects of chronic stress on the skin. Chronic stress tends to exacerbate inflammatory responses, leading to premature aging
