Lemon balm is a plant with a long history of use as a relaxing herb.
Historically, lemon balm has been used as a topical remedy for wounds and venomous bites.
Modern research shows that this herb may be beneficial for mental health, brain function, and heart health. It has also been shown to have antiviral properties.
In this article, we will look at the health benefits of lemon balm, its safety, and its history.
Table of Contents
What is Lemon Balm?
Lemon balm is a perennial plant. It was originally native to south-central Europe and the Mediterranean, but it can now be found growing wild throughout the United States and much of the rest of the world.
The Latin name for this herb is Melissa officinalis. It’s part of the Lamiaceae (mint) family of plants.
Lemon balm is primarily known for its uplifting and calming effects. It’s commonly made into a tea and used to soothe the mind and prepare the body for sleep. It’s also used as a natural sleep aid supplement.
Research reveals lemon balm’s health benefits, such as reducing PMS symptoms, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, helping relieve colic, as well as having antiviral properties.
Health Benefits of Lemon Balm:
There are many purported health benefits of lemon balm. This is a popular herb that has a good amount of human clinical research verifying its benefits.
1. May Improve Overall Sleep & Reduce Anxiety
Numerous studies show that lemon balm may help improve sleep and reduce anxiety. In fact, it’s one of the best herbs for anxiety.
An eight-week study of 80 participants demonstrated that supplementing with lemon balm was beneficial for patients experiencing sleeping issues and anxiety. The results showed improved sleep quality, sleep efficiency, sleep duration, and decreased stress, depression, and anxiety.
Another study conducted on hospitalized burn patients showed improved sleep quality and decreased anxiety and depression when given lemon balm tea twice per day.
Several clinical studies have tested lemon balm in combination with other herbs as a treatment to improve sleep, anxiety, and depression.
A clinical trial involving 918 children under the age of 12 showed that the combination of lemon balm and valerian root is an effective and safe solution for restlessness and dyssomnia.
Another study using lemon balm and valerian evaluated menopausal women who experienced sleeping issues. Results indicated that this herbal combination could help promote sleep and improve overall sleep quality.
The combination of lemon balm extract with the addition of asparagus extract, saffron extract, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc in a study showed significant improvements in several sleep areas, including falling asleep, night-time awakening, overall sleep quality, feeling refreshed upon waking, and daytime functioning.
The combination of lemon balm and Persian lavender in a study revealed that it could help improve depression and anxiety for insomniacs while decreasing the overall severity of insomnia.
Summary:
Research indicates that lemon balm may be able to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. Additional large-scale clinical trials would be helpful for isolating the exact dose of lemon balm for anxiety and sleep.
2. May Support Cognitive Health
Research shows that lemon balm can significantly improve mood, calmness, and alertness.
Postpartum blues occur during the postpartum period, when mothers may experience depressive symptoms and low mood, which can lead to postpartum depression.
A clinical trial examined the incidence of postpartum blues on 60 women with cesarean section. Results showed that 500mg of lemon balm three times per day for ten days from the first-day post-cesarean section can significantly reduce the occurrence of postpartum blues.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
In a four-month clinical study involving participa