My lemon balm plant, pictured here, has gone crazy in my herb garden. This left me wondering how many uses there might be for it. To my surprise, it tied in to my writing about reflexology for anxiety.
First, what is anxiety? My dictionary app defines it as distress or uneasiness of mind caused by fear of danger or misfortune…. synonyms include restlessness, nervousness, worriment, fretfulness, and even butterflies, pins and needles, and ants in the pants… Most of us have experienced some or all of that at one time or another. It may have even robbed you of a night or two of sleep. That’s where reflexology and/or lemon balm may be your solution!
Lemon Balm (or known by its botanical name as Melissa Officinalis) derives its name from the Greek word for Honey Bee. It was, in fact, planted in Europe to attract honey bees. I learned that piece of trivia from Health.com where Lemon Balm earned a spot as one of 19 Natural Remedies for Anxiety. According to the article by Robert A. Barnett,
You’re anxious, worried, freaked. You’re upset about (pick one): money, health, work, family, love. Your heart is beating fast, your breathing is shallow and rapid, your mind is imagining doom, and you wish you could just relax…now! Whether you have a full-blown anxiety disorder or are just freaking out, you may not want to try medication—at least not yet.
There are many safe nondrug remedies for anxiety, from mind-body techniques to supplements to calming teas. Some start working right away, while others may help lessen anxiety over time.”
So how do we use this nondrug potential remedy for anxiety called Lemon Balm? The Nerdy Farm Wife blog lists 12 Things to Do With Lemon Balm. There’s a recipe for a sleep time herbal syrup and one for lemon balm and honey butter, suggestions for salad toppings, ideas for including it in baked goods and in cosmetics, and more…
Some scientific information about and cautions on the use of Lemon Balm may be found in the article Panic Disorder and Lemon Balm at foundhealth’s website.
We’ve mentioned that all of us feel stress and anxiety from time to time. If these challenges become chronic, however, the ability of just getting through normal daily routines may be impaired. It is believed that the number one benefit of reflexology is stress reduction. Of course, this makes sense when you consider that reflexology helps to encourage all systems of the body to greater balance, health and wellness and may be an excellent choice for those facing stress and anxiety challenges.
A massage therapist shares her testimony of the effects of reflexology for anxiety at SelfGrowth.com. As she shares her own discovery of the incredible benefits she derived from reflexology for stress and anxiety, she concludes her article: “If you are struggling with anxiety, I strongly recommend reflexology as a good alternative treatment to help you out.”
One of my clients, ST, has found that stress and anxieties can melt away with the reflexologist’s touch. She says,
As a result of my reflexology sessions with Lynn, I have seen first hand both the immediate and long term benefits of continuous, regular care. Not only do I look forward to the perfect calm and relaxation that a treatment guarantees, but I know that I am keeping my body in tune and healthy.”
For further information, you’ll also find articles at websites of recognizable names like Dr. Oz and LiveStrong.
NOTE: This is for informational purposes only. No diagnosis, treatment, prescription for any health condition is intended or implied. Please consult your medical professional.
