How does it work? It is proposed that lemon balm may work by increasing gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) levels in the brain. GABA is a mood regulator which works by stopping neurons from becoming overexcited, and low levels of GABA can lead to restlessness and anxiety.
Does lemon balm calm nerves?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a member of the mint family, is considered a calming herb. It was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and ease pain and discomfort from indigestion (including gas and bloating, as well as colic).
Why is lemon balm good for anxiety?
As an herb that has an affinity for the nervous system, lemon balm is a go-to herb for anxiety and depression. Not only does it bring your stress response back into balance in the moment, it is known for its ability to support a healthy fight-or-flight response long-term.
Does lemon balm help with panic attacks?
Preliminary research shows lemon balm can reduce some symptoms of anxiety, such as nervousness and excitability. Lemon balm is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for short-term use, but can cause nausea and abdominal pain.
How long can you take lemon balm for anxiety?
When taken as a supplement, lemon balm should be safe at doses of 500 mg per day for no more than 4 to 6 months. Topical.
Can lemon balm be taken long term?
Lemon balm supplements are possibly safe when used at a dose of up to 500 mg daily for up to 6 months. Side effects are generally mild and might include increased appetite, nausea, dizziness, and wheezing. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if lemon balm is safe to use for more than 6 months.
Is lemon balm psychoactive?
These psychoactive properties, along with lemon balm’s safety profile over a wide dose range, may provide a unique pharmacological alternative for specific psychiatric disorders.
Does lemon balm relax muscles?
Relaxing muscles
Some studies indicate that lemon balm is effective in helping relax smooth muscles due to its antispasmodic effects.
Is lemon balm good for your heart?
Lemon balm (melissa officinalis) is a perennial herb that’s grown all over the world. People have used this plant for centuries as an herbal treatment and natural medicine to treat various ailments. Scientific research has shown it can be effective in protecting the heart and liver from common diseases.
What is the best and safest anti anxiety medication?
As of this writing, some of the anxiety medications with the fewest reported side effects and least risk of side effects include:
- Most Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium)
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
- Citalopram (Celexa – SSRI)
- Paroxetine (Paxil – SSRI)
Does lemon balm lower blood pressure?
In this study in people with essential hypertension, supplementation with lemon balm extract led to a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This Study Summary was published on January 4, 2022.
Does lemon balm actually work?
Lemon balm is said to soothe symptoms of stress, help you to relax, and boost your mood. A 2004 study found that taking lemon balm eased the negative mood effects of laboratory-induced psychological stress. Participants who took lemon balm self-reported an increased sense of calmness and reduced feelings of alertness.
How does lemon balm affect the thyroid?
Test tube studies have found that lemon balm blocks attachment of antibodies to the thyroid cells that cause Grave’s disease (hyperthyroidism). The brain’s signal to the thyroid (thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH) is also blocked from further stimulating the excessively active thyroid gland in this disease.
What does lemon balm interact with?
Lemon Balm has no known severe, serious, moderate, or mild interactions with other drugs. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use.
Does lemon balm tea lower cortisol?
Lemon balm tea works to reduce the stress hormone cortisol and doesn’t cause drowsiness. It can also boost alertness and concentration. Of all herbal varieties, it’s a great choice if you need to reset (without caffeine) halfway through the day.
Is lemon balm good for liver?
Lemon balm and its major constituent, rosmarinic acid (RA), effectively improve the liver injury and obesity; however, their therapeutic effects on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are unknown.
Does lemon balm help with inflammation?
Lemon balm is also a popular natural treatment for several common skin conditions. As an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, it helps to reduce the swelling and reddening of the skin that is common in conditions including acne, shingles, chicken pox, eczema and psoriasis.
Does lemon balm lower heart rate?
Results: The extract (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) significantly reduced the heart rate (264 ± 5, 259 ± 5 and 281 ± 3 versus 377 ± 13 in control group, p < 0.01).
Is lemon balm an antidepressant?
Based on meta-analysis results, lemon balm significantly improved mean anxiety and depression scores compared with the placebo (SMD: -0.98; 95% CI: -1.63 to -0.33; p = 0.003), (SMD: -0.47; 95% CI: -0.73 to -0.21; p = 0.0005) respectively, without serious side effects.
Is lemon balm an antiviral?
Lemon balm, with its antiviral properties, appears to speed the healing of cold sores and reduce symptoms when applied topically as a cream. has antiviral properties. A cream containing an extract of lemon balm has been shown in double-blind trials to speed the healing of cold sores.
When should I take lemon balm?
Continued
- Treating Insomnia. Research has shown that when combined with herbs like valerian, lemon balm helps improve sleep.
- Easing Digestive Problems. Compounds in lemon balm may relieve gastrointestinal problems, such as bloating and indigestion.
- Healing Cold Sores.
- Ease Menstrual Pain.