Citroenmelisse (Melissa officinalis) (2024)

FAQs

Who should not drink lemon balm tea? ›

Thyroid disease: Lemon balm may change thyroid function, reduce thyroid hormone levels, and interfere with thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Avoid lemon balm if you have thyroid disease.

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.

Lemon balm is a spreading herb with a strong citrusy fragrance. It can be used for teas and cooking and is frequently used for essential oil. Gardeners should be aware that it can be aggressive and should be carefully contained.

Highlights. Twenty-six compounds are reported here for the first time as constituents of M. officinalis essential oil. Oral application of lemon balm essential oil causes significant changes in mice behavior, and liver and kidney functions.

Lemon balm extracts are generally recognized as safe and have not been linked to serum aminotransferase elevations during treatment or to instances of clinically apparent acute liver injury.

The results. Compared to the placebo, lemon balm extract reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This finding occurred regardless of the order of the interventions (i.e., lemon balm first, then placebo or placebo first, then lemon balm).

Key Takeaways for Lemon Balm and Anxiety

Its multifaceted benefits, including modulating neurotransmitters like GABA and reducing cortisol levels, provide functional medicine practitioners with a tool that addresses various manifestations of anxiety, aligning seamlessly with the nuanced approach of functional medicine.

Conclusion: The lower dose of extract, by improving the balance of the redox system and by reducing the heart rate, may increase the heart resistance to injury. However, the higher doses of extract may intensify the injury of ischemic heart.

Spiritual Cleansing: In some spiritual practices, lemon balm is used for its cleansing properties. It is believed to have the ability to cleanse negative energy and promote positivity. It can be burned as incense or used in smudging ceremonies to purify a space and promote positivity.

As a general rule of thumb, treat lemon balm as you would any other fresh herb. It works especially well in place of mint, offering bright, fragrant notes. Add whole lemon balm leaves to green salads, or chiffonade the leaves and scatter them over a fruit salad for added zesty flavor.

What not to plant next to lemon balm? ›

Good companion plants and what not to plant next to lemon balm. Lemon balm is compatible with almost all perennial herbs, such as thyme and mint. Good companion plants should have the same site requirements. It is not recommended to grow alongside wormwood and annual herbs, especially basil.

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).

Avoid using lemon balm concurrently with other sedative agents. Stop using lemon balm at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery because it can increase the sedative effects of the medications used during and after surgery.

Does lemon balm work for weight loss? 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. It's a not a magic bullet, but help with weight loss might be a potential secondary effect.

While more studies are needed to determine how lemon balm tea may help individuals, it does appear that the tea is safe for most people to consume. A person should consult their doctor if they have an underlying condition, such as a thyroid issue, before regularly consuming lemon balm tea.