Heshmati J, Morvaridzadeh M, Sepidarkish M, et al. Learn more. Acta Pol Pharm. For people Daniel Fast: Benefits for Your Spiritual, Emotional and Physical Health, 15 Fermented Foods for a Healthy Gut and Overall Health, 9 Proven Black Seed Oil Benefits that Boost Your Health, L-Glutamine Benefits Leaky Gut & Metabolism, Chia Seeds Benefits: The Omega-3, Protein-Packed Superfood, Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits for Weight Loss, Skin Health, Cholesterol & More, Polyphenols and Amino Acids: Why Coffee With Milk May Combat Inflammation, Probiotics: Top Benefits, Foods and Supplements. A few written works praise the lemon balm plant for its mood-lightening effects, such as Persian writer and thinker Avicenna, who referred to it as that which maketh the heart merry and joyful. It was also mentioned by Homer in The Odyssey; Nicholas Culpeper (a popular English botanist, physician and herbalist); and in the 1696 London Dispensary, which told readers that, An essence of Balm, given in Canary wine, every morning, will renew youth, strengthen the brain, relieve languishing nature and prevent baldness..
2020;20(1):207. Lemon balm might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. View abstract. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.): An evidence-based systematic review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. 2008;15(9):734-40. In other cases, symptoms can take hours to develop. WebTraditionally, lemon balm was used as a mild sedative and anxiolytic, though several herbal apothecaries of the time created balm with general beneficial effects upon the brain and in particular with specific improvements to memory ( Kennedy et al., 2002b ). 2003;60(6):467-470. Pharmacokinetics and immunomodulatory effect of lipophilic Echinacea extract formulated in softgel capsules. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 2015 Nov;97(Pt A):8-14. doi: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2015.09.021.
Planta Med 2002;68(2):178-180. Soh, N. L. and Walter, G. Complementary medicine for psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. The same 2014 study also looked at the effects of lemon balm in improving cognitive function. Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):18627. Crude lemon balm herb is typically dosed at 1.5 to 4.5 g/day.
Keskn, D., Oskay, D., and Oskay, M. Antimicrobial activity of selected plant spices marketed in the West Anatolia. View abstract. 1998;39(3):166-169. 2011;88(3):481-488.
Mencherini, T., Picerno, P., Russo, P., Meloni, M., and Aquino, R. Composition of the fresh leaves and stems of Melissa officinalis and evaluation of skin irritation in a reconstituted human epidermis model. Kennedy DO, Wake G, Savelev S, et al., Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of single doses of Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm) with human CNS nicotinic and muscarinic receptor-binding properties. Be sure to patch test the cream on the inside of your forearm before applying it to the cold sore.
Wake, G., Court, J., Pickering, A., Lewis, R., Wilkins, R., and Perry, E. CNS acetylcholine receptor activity in European medicinal plants traditionally used to improve failing memory. In vitro anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity of essential oils of ten medicinal plants. View abstract.
If you dont want to grow it yourself, you can find lemon balm tea and supplements online. 2012;11(2):1049-57.
The efficacy of an herbal medicine, Carmint, on the relief of abdominal pain and bloating in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a pilot study. Ranjbar M, Salehi A, Rezaeizadeh H, et al.
Participants who took lemon balm self-reported an increased sense of calmness and reduced feelings of alertness.
Psychosom Med. Studies suggest that lemon balm essential oil has the ability to protect the heart and liver, in part by lowering high triglycerides and improving cholesterol synthesis in the liver. Lemon balm has the potential to cause the following side effects: You may be able to minimize side effects, such as stomach upset, by ingesting lemon balm alongside food. Kim, M. Y., Park, B. Y., Lee, H. S., Park, E. K., Hahm, J. C., Lee, J., Hong, Y., Choi, S., Park, D., Lee, H., and Yoon, M. The anti-angiogenic herbal composition Ob-X inhibits adipose tissue growth in obese mice. Yamasaki, K., Nakano, M., Kawahata, T., Mori, H., Otake, T., Ueba, N., Oishi, I., Inami, R., Yamane, M., Nakamura, M., Murata, H., and Nakanishi, T. Anti-HIV-1 activity of herbs in Labiatae. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. Shake and infuse for 2 weeks, strain, and add to soda water or hot teas. A 2015 study researched the effect of lemon balm in reducing the intensity of cramps in 100 high school girls. Symptoms may appear immediately after touching a citrus fruit, its juice, or products containing either. Melzer J, Schrader E, Brattstrm A, et al. Medicinal plant extracts for the treatment of dementia: a review of their pharmacology, efficacy and tolerability. 1991 Apr;57:105-9. View abstract.
Psychopharmakotherapie 1996;3:123-130. WebWhats included: 10 Servings of NoonBrew Superfood Tea. And a few studies have found that lemon balm may help improve cognitive function and decrease agitation in people with Alzheimer disease.
The group who took the lemon balm reported a significant reduction in symptoms. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2004;20:1279-87. 2018 Jan 15;39:85-92.
Lee J, Chae K, Ha J, et al. 2002;59(2):139-43. Buchner KH, Hellings H, Huber M, and et al. Curr.Opin.Psychiatry 2008;21(4):350-355. Theres some evidence that lemon balm products, including kombucha (a fermented drink that contains probiotics), have antibacterial qualities that may help naturally fight infectious bacteria.
Efficacy of a standardized extract of Matricariae chamomilla L., Melissa officinalis L. and tyndallized Lactobacillus acidophilus (HA122) in infantile colic: an open randomized controlled trial. Melissa officinalis extract in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease: a double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial. 2004;56(5):677-681. Side effects of lemon balm can include headache, nausea, bloating, gas, vomiting, indigestion, dizziness, stomach pain, painful urination, anxiety, agitation, and allergic reactions. For example, theres some evidence this herb helps improve hyperactivity, concentration problems and impulsiveness in elementary school children. Gaby AR. Theres a wide range of phytochemistry that has been isolated from it which have Naderi Dastjerdi M, Darooneh T, Nasiri M, Moatar F, Esmaeili S, Ozgoli G. Investigating the effect of Melissa officinalis on after-pains: A randomized single-blind clinical trial. Rojas, J., Sols, H., and Palacios, O.
It can retain its peak quality and freshness for almost six months in the fridge. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. TSH- and prolactin-suppressing properties of Lithospermum officinale and other plants. Lemon balm is available in many forms, including supplements, combination products, lotions, ointments, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Bird Flu Deaths Prompt U.S. to Test Vaccine in Poultry, COVID Treatment in Development Appears Promising, Marriage May Help Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check, Getting Outdoors Might Help You Take Fewer Meds, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, Getting Help for a Loved One With Psychosis: It's Complicated, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Like other herbs, lemon balm can be used to make your own soap, lip balm, room spray, and many other homemade goods. J Pharm Pharmacol. Traditional Iranian medicine has used it as a therapy for some time to treat heart palpitations, and science seems to back up this use. The results of these computerized tasks suggest that participants who ingested lemon balm performed better than those who didnt.
You can take a single dose of 600 mg in acute episodes of stress. It is also a great wildflower to attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Phytomedicine. Be sure to patch test the cream on the inside of your forearm before applying it to the cold sore. We avoid using tertiary references. 2015;164:378-384. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.02.007. It grows best in cool weather. Widy-Tyszkiewicz, E and Schminda, R. A randomized double blind study of sedative effects of phytotherapeutic containing valerian, hops, balm and motherwort versus placebo. WebLemon balm is a bushy herbaceous perennial that grows to about 0.6 metre (2 feet) tall.
Some creams used in Europe, which contain high levels of lemon balm, are not available in the United States. Kennedy DO, Wake G, Savelev S, et al. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182. If you dont experience any irritation or inflammation within 24 hours, it should be safe to use. Santini F, Vitti P, Ceccarini G, et al. Muller SF, Klement S. A combination of valerian and lemon balm is effective in the treatment of restlessness and dyssomnia in children. View abstract. Muller SF, Klement S. A combination of valerian and lemon balm is effective in the treatment of restlessness and dyssomnia in children. Might fight anxiety and improve mood, concentration and sleep. View abstract. 2008;112(3):843-7. J Altern Complement Med 1998;4(4):419-428. Still, more research is needed to validate these findings.
Lemon balm also contains eugenol, which calms muscle spasms, numbs tissues, and kills bacteria. Lemon balm is one of the easiest herbs to grow. Anti-stress effects of lemon balm-containing foods. One way it can help soothe digestive issues is by preventing gastric ulcers, although this has not been studied at length yet. You should make a note of any improvements you notice or side effects.
Ac., CYT, 12 Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba (Plus Side Effects & Dosage), you want to administer lemon balm to an infant or child under the age of 12. Cerny AS and Schmid K. Tolerability and efficacy of valerian/lemon balm in healthy volunteers; a double-blind placebo-controlled, multicentre study. Hncianu M, Aprotosoaie AC, Gille E, Poiat A, Tuchilu C, Spac A, Stnescu U. Does lemon balm work for weight loss? An overview of badranjboya (. [Double blind study as evidence of the therapeutic effect of Melissengeist on psycho-vegetative syndromes]. Lemon balm may also protect against neurodegenerative disorders caused by overexposure to manganese, according to some research. Int J Food Sci Nutr. Other lemon balm benefits include having antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
(2015). Learn how its used and what the research says. 2020;34(12):3113-3123. J Food Prot. Awad, R., Muhammad, A., Durst, T., Trudeau, V. L., and Arnason, J. T. Bioassay-guided fractionation of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) using an in vitro measure of GABA transaminase activity. Child behaviour modulation during first dental visit after administration of lemon balm, Poster Sessions. J Pharm.Pharmacol. 2006 Dec;3(4):441-5.
How to use: Drink a cup of tea brewed with valerian and lemon balm before bed. / Evaluacin in vitro de la actividad anti Trypanosoma cruzi de aceites esenciales de diez plantas medicinales.1. HIV medications: It is not clear whether lemon balm interacts with antiretroviral agents. Planta Med. View abstract.
Using lemon balm oil, extract, tea and other products can improve mood, concentration and sleep quality while reducing anxiety. Dimitrova, Z., Dimov, B., Manolova, N., Pancheva, S., Ilieva, D., and Shishkov, S. Antiherpes effect of Melissa officinalis L. extracts. Lindahl O, Lindwall L. Double blind study of a valerian preparation. Phytother Res. 1992;14:15-19. How to use: Apply a lemon balm cream to the affected area several times per day. It grows best in cool weather. J Caring Sci. Leaf extract in the treatment of volunteers suffering from mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders and sleep disturbances. CNS Drugs. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Anti-stress effects of lemon balm-containing foods. We include products we think are useful for our readers. 2006;72(15):1378-82. Some studies suggest that topical ointments containing lemon balm may help heal cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Wolbling RH and Milbradt R. [Clinical manifestations and treatment of Herpes simplex infections]. Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm). Researchers gave an oral extract of the plant to animals in a 2016 study and found it resulted in a reduction of heart rate and blood pressure plus they found indications of resistance to heart injury in lower doses. Results of a double-blind placebo controlled comparative study]. If you purchase pure lemon balm oil, you should dilute it. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2009;19(1):66-170. Herrmann, E. C., Jr. and Kucera, L. S. Antiviral substances in plants of the mint family (labiatae). Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a member of the mint family, is considered a calming herb. Phytomedicine 1999;6:225-30.
View abstract. Phytomedicine 1994;1:25-31. 2010;104:180-188. 2009 Sep;23:1303-8. Larrondo, J. V., Agut, M., and Calvo-Torras, M. A. Antimicrobial activity of essences from labiates. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. View abstract. Acta Pol.Pharm. In one study, lemon balm showed adequate activity against Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus auerus. Although this was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, it had a small sample size of 18 people. Because it has anti-inflammatory effects, can help you cope with stress, improves digestion and supports metabolic health, it may be useful for maintaining a healthy weight. 7-14-2010;58(13):7856-7863.
Dressing H, Kohler S, and Muller WE. View abstract. View abstract. Treatment of functional dyspepsia with a herbal preparation. These properties often operate in ways that circumvent the normal resistances that illnesses form to many medications and remedies. Neurotropic action of the hydroalcoholic extract of Melissa officinalis in the mouse. Kennedy DO, Little W, Haskell CF, et al. Lemon Balm Tea Lemon balm tea is Stop using lemon balm at least 2 weeks before a scheduled are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies. Madisch A, Holtmann G, Mayr G, et al. Not enough is known about the safety of lemon balm when used long-term. Speak to your health care provider for appropriate dosage for the child's age. The 600 mg dose of lemon balm increased mood and significantly increased calmness and alertness. Thyroid conditions affect more than 12 percent of the population of the United States, and one of the two common thyroid conditions,hyperthyroidism, can benefit from lemon balm. View abstract. Lemon balm is a hardy plant that thrives in cooler temperatures, making it an ideal choice for growing in less temperate regions.
Lemon balm may potentially interact with the following medications: Sedatives and thyroid medications: Lemon balm may interact with sedatives and thyroid medications. Results of a double-blind placebo controlled comparative study. OTHER NAME(S): Balm, Balm Mint, Blsamo de Limn, Common Balm, Cu. Akbarzadeh M, et al. J Ethnopharmacol 2008;115:263-70.
To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Meat.Sci. Shown to possess antiviral properties, lemon balm extract has been found to have antiviral activity against the herpes simplex virus in laboratory studies. For example, a study published in Phytotherapy Research found that lemon balm extract inhibited the penetration of herpes simplex virus type 1 (the virus that causes cold sores) into cells. 2007 Sep;85(9):933-42. Lemon balm is also available in homeopathic remedies and as aromatherapy (essential oil). View abstract. Borho, B. Biologische Therapie von funktionellen Magenerkrankungen. Lemon balm contains substances called tannins, which may be responsible for many of the herb's antiviral effects. Hudson, OH: LexiComp; 2000:469. Being underweight can be just as frustrating as being overweight. Fixed herbal drug combination with and without butterbur (Ze 185) for the treatment of patients with somatoform disorders: randomized, placebo-controlled pharmaco-clinical trial. It is also sold as tea, and in capsules, extracts, tinctures, and oil. To get the most benefits its best to purchase a high-quality oil that contains pure extract. Martinelli M, Ummarino D, Giugliano FP, et al.
Ginkgo biloba has been widely cultivated across the globe for a variety of uses, most of which are medicinal. In fact, researchers at the Free University of Berlin stated, ethanolic lemon balm extract can potentially be used to prevent or concomitantly treat type 2 diabetes, because they were so impressed by the convincing data. Summary. St-Onge MP, Jones PJ.
How to use: Drink a cup of lemon balm tea at the first sign of nausea. In another double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 18 healthy volunteers received 2 separate single doses of a standardized lemon balm extract (300 mg and 600 mg) or placebo for 7 days. Various lemon balm benefits have been employed in traditional medicine, especially in European countries such as Austria. Ann Mtg Digestive Disease Week 1999 May. You can take a higher dose if you feel a headache developing. Although this is promising, more research is needed to truly determine its efficacy. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. A plant extract and its modified preparation in functional dyspepsia. J Med Food. Hohmann, J., Zupko, I., Redei, D., Csanyi, M., Falkay, G., Mathe, I., and Janicsak, G. Protective effects of the aerial parts of Salvia officinalis, Melissa Officinalis and Lavandula angustifolia and their constituents against enzyme-dependent and enzyme-independent lipid peroxidation. J Ethnopharmacol 1-4-2005;96(1-2):145-150. 2010;17(6):397-403. Kennedy DO, Scholey AB, Tildesley NT, Perry EK, Wesnes KA. 2011 Jul-Aug;14:870-5. Compounds are extracted from the leaves and used to make lemon balm oil, tincture, salves and various medicines. (Lond) 2010;34(5):820-830. In addition to drawing on its relaxing properties, this home remedy is thought to target inflammation in the body. Further studies are needed to expand on these findings.
View abstract.
Ann N.Y.Acad Sci 7-30-1965;130(1):474-482.
J Ethnopharmacol. Some people even use it as part of homemade cosmetics. See additional information.
Antiviral activity of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) extract (29600). New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, The Blavatnik Family Chelsea Medical Center, Heart - Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, Mount Sinai Center for Asian Equity and Professional Development, Preparing for Surgery and Major Procedures, Herbs with Similar Warnings as: Lemon Balm.
(1999). Other symptoms, such as pain and scabbing, did not improve. Mimica-Dukic, N., Bozin, B., Sokovic, M., and Simin, N. Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) essential oil. (2010).
Effect of Melissa officinalis capsule on the intensity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms in high school girl students. 2008;5:27.
View abstract. Its a not a magic bullet, but help with weight loss might be a potential secondary effect.
How to use: Add 1 teaspoon (tsp) of lemon balm powder to a bowl of ice cream or smoothie and enjoy. 2008;22(16):1433-40.