Lemon Balm

Christopher Hobbs:

“Lemon balm is refreshing and relaxing, settling both the stomach and the nerves. Herbalists recommend it for calming a nervous heart and counteracting tension and insomnia, as well as for relaxing spasms of the stomach and intestines. As a tea sipped after meals, it can also ease heartburn and relieve digestive upsets, such as a feeling of pressure or distension in the abdomen. The essential oil of lemon balm is used for melancholy and depression.

Lemon balm has antiviral properties, and in the case of such viral conditions as herpes outbreaks, you can drink the tea throughout the day and before bedtime. The phenolic fraction (a group of chemicals that have strong antioxidant properties), which can be extracted from the plant by gently simmering the whole herb for 40-60 minute, is effective at relieving the pain and duration of herpes sores. Commercial creams made of a watery extract of the plant are also used to treat herpes lesions.

The cooled tea infusion of the herb, which has an appealing flavor, can be given to infants and young children by the spoonful to relieve colic and restlessness.

Lemon Balm has a taste of SPICY and a temperature of COOL.”

Historical Uses

• Lemon balm has been used since antiquity, particularly in Greek and Roman cultures. Ancient texts mention its use for treating anxiety, indigestion, and insomnia. It was also used in medieval Europe for its calming and mood-enhancing effects.

Modern Clinical Uses by Herbalists and Naturopaths

• Calming and Anxiety Reduction: Herbalists often recommend lemon balm for reducing stress, anxiety, and promoting relaxation.
• Digestive Support: It’s commonly used for digestive issues, such as bloating and indigestion.
• Sleep Aid: Due to its mild sedative properties, it’s used to support sleep, particularly when combined with other calming herbs like chamomile.

Chemistry and Pharmacology

• Active Compounds: Lemon balm contains essential oils (such as citronellal, geranial, and neral), flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and terpenes.
• Mechanism of Action: It has mild sedative and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, likely due to the modulation of GABA receptors and its ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (an enzyme involved in neurotransmitter breakdown).
• Antioxidant and Antiviral Effects: Studies show that lemon balm has some antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, though these are less pronounced than its calming effects.

Clinical Trials

• Anxiety and Cognitive Function: Several studies suggest lemon balm extracts help reduce anxiety and improve cognitive function, particularly in those with mild to moderate anxiety.
• Sleep Improvement: Clinical trials have shown that lemon balm, often in combination with valerian, can help improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia.
• Cognitive Enhancement: Some studies have found lemon balm extract to improve memory and alertness in both healthy individuals and those with mild cognitive impairment.
• Safety Trials: Lemon balm has generally been shown to be well-tolerated in clinical trials, with minimal adverse effects.

Summary

Lemon balm is a versatile herb with a long history of use for anxiety, sleep issues, and digestive complaints. Modern clinical use by herbalists focuses on its calming effects, while research supports its potential benefits in managing stress, anxiety, and improving sleep. Safety is generally good, with few side effects, though it should be used with caution in specific populations. Clinical trials have affirmed its effectiveness for mood and sleep, with some evidence supporting its cognitive benefits.

Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs