education

Why We Love Lemon Balm

Published on June 03, 2022


By Gaia Herbs

Gaia Herbs

Lemon balm is a multi-purpose herb that we love at Gaia Herbs — we even grow it on our Certified Organic farm!

The delightfully fragrant smell of lemon balm emotionally transports us to sunshine and relaxing summer days.

Originally native to southern Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, Iran, and Central Asia, Lemon Balm has since become native to the Americas. REF#1806

Also known as Melissa officinalis, lemon balm is a member of the mint family (lamiaceae), making it a cousin to peppermint.

Historically, lemon balm leaves have been used as a culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal herb. With its mild lemon scent and flavor, it tastes great freshly picked from the earth, or in a piping hot cup of tea.

Its calming properties as a nervine provide assistance for anyone who experiences ongoing stress. REF#1807

High in flavonoids and rosmarinic acid, a powerful antioxidant, lemon balm extract is also known for its ability to support calmness. REF#1808 

This herb has been traditionally as a herbal medicine and may help ease digestive discomfort, which may include indigestion, bloating, and nausea. This herb may also ease menstrual discomfort related to PMS and support the nervous system. REF#1809

What Are Lemon Balm Supplements?

Lemon balm supplements are made from the leaves of the lemon balm plant. 

Lemon balm essential oils contain terpenes, which are phytochemicals contained in the plant’s leaves. These chemicals play a large role in the soothing effects of lemon balm. 

Lemon balm also contains eugenol, which can help calm temporary muscular discomfort. REF#1807

You can also purchase lemon balm capsules, tinctures, and topicals.

What Does Lemon Balm Look Like?

Lemon balm is a bushy perennial plant that grows approximately two feet tall. REF#1807

Its wrinkly leaves are heart-shaped or oval, growing in pairs off a square stem. These leaves are usually smooth but can sometimes even be slightly hairy.

The lemon balm plant produces tiny white, light yellow, or light purple flowers that appear in clusters. These flowers are a great snectar sourcefor honeybees and other pollinator insects.

What Are the Health Benefits of Lemon Balm?

  • Lemon balm has numerous health benefits and has been used as a herbal medication for centuries.

During the Middle Ages, lemon balm was used to help ease feelings of stress, encourage sleep, support appetite, and soothe pain and discomfort from indigestion. 

Prior to the Middle Ages, lemon balm was steeped in wine to help lift a person’s spirits, support natural wound healing, and soothe an array of insect bites and stings.*

Today, using lemon balm has many health benefits, and this herb is a common favorite among herbalists. 

There are numerous studies that show the benefits of lemon balm combined with other calming herbs such as Valerian, Hops, and Chamomile, which can help ease feelings of anxiety and support normal sleep.*

Another study was completed that looked at the effects of lemon balm-containing foods on health, mood, and stress levels.REF#1812

The study had participants consume lemon balm in drinks and yogurt. The participants then had to complete a stress test that featured different stress-inducing tasks, including multitasking and public speaking.

The study concluded that certain doses of lemon balm may ease feelings of stress and overwhelm in patients.*

Lemon balm may also support cognitive function, which can help support your health and wellness through aging.

Possible Medical Interactions

There is a chance that lemon balm may interact with certain sedatives and thyroid medications.* 

If you are currently taking any medication for insomnia, anxiety, or thyroid, you should ask a healthcare professional before taking a lemon balm supplement.

Although unclear, it is also advised to avoid taking lemon balm if you are currently taking medication for HIV.*

While there is no evidence that lemon balm is passed through breastmilk, it is recommended that breastfeeding mothers seek medical advice from their doctor before use. REF#1807

If you have a preexisting health condition or your symptoms are impacting your quality of life, then we recommend scheduling an appointment with your primary care doctor right away, as there could be a more serious underlying issue.

What Are the Side Effects of Using Lemon Balm?

Some possible side effects of using lemon balm may include, but aren’t limited to: REF#1811

  • Hypersensitivity reactions
  • Sedation
  • Skin irritation (topical use)
  • Increased cold sore symptoms (topical use)
  • Nausea and vomiting (oral use)
  • Stomach pain (oral use)
  • Wheezing and chest discomfort (oral use)

Our Favorite Herbal Products With Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm, Certified Organic

Our Certified Organic Lemon Balm helps to provide a sense of balance for those who experience ongoing stress on a daily basis. 

This herbal liquid extract uses 100% Gaia-grown™ Lemon Balm and is USDA Organic, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free.

Nootropic Focus

Nootropic Focus™ offers all the powerful benefits of Nootropics as nature intended, using a revitalizing blend of traditional herbs including Lemon Balm, Saffron, and Spearmint to nourish your mind so you can keep up with life’s demands. 

It’s a great choice for busy parents balancing work and home duties or for active professionals who want to sharpen their concentration.

Calm A.S.A.P.

Designed to help promote feelings of tranquility, Calm A.S.A.P. can help you embrace calm over worry.

Containing Oats, American Skullcap, Lavender, and Holy Basil, which are extracted fresh for optimal potency, this product can help soothe your nerves 

This award-winning formula was created to help relieve occasional feelings of stress during life’s uncertain times.*

Adrenal Health® Nightly Restore

Sleep is an important time for your body to rest and repair from the day before. 

Adrenal Health® Nightly Restore helps nourish the adrenals while you rest and maintains the body’s systems that support a healthy response to stress.* 

This formula contains a blend of Lemon Balm, Ashwagandha, Magnolia Bark, and Cordyceps to help provide adrenal support for those who may be feeling tired and run down.*

TurmericBoost® Uplift

Our TurmericBoost Uplift is another great product containing a synergistic blend of Turmeric with Black Pepper to help reduce occasional inflammation due to normal daily wear and tear.*

Lemon Balm and Gotu Kola are also added to this powder blend for a centered, peaceful feeling and positive outlook.

This powder can help you feel your best and is a delicious addition to smoothies, juice, or dairy or non-dairy milk.

Relax Gummies

Our Relax Gummies can provide a calming effect, support feelings of relaxation, and help support emotional well-being.*

Containing Lemon Balm, Passionflower, and Holy Basil, this product contains adaptogens that can help support your body’s ability to deal with stress.*

Thanks to apple, blueberry, and lemon oil, these gummies are delicious and contain no refined sugar or artificial sweeteners.

When Life Gives You Lemons, Choose Lemon Balm!

Our busy days can leave us feeling stressed and uncomfortable. Bring back a sense of calm and keep your positive outlook with lemon balm.

 

REFERENCES:

  • 1. Rezazadeh, Amir, "Medicinal Plant of This Week: Lemon Balm - UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County", UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County, November 9, 2020.
  • 2. Mount Sinai Health System, "Lemon Balm", n.d..
  • 3. Drozd, J., & Anuszewska, E. (2003), "The effect of the Melissa officinalis extract on immune response in mice", Acta poloniae pharmaceutica, 60(6), 467–470.
  • 4. Miraj S, Rafieian-Kopaei, Kiani S, "Melissa officinalis L: A Review Study With an Antioxidant Prospective", J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017 Jul;22(3):385-394. doi: 10.1177/2156587216663433. Epub 2016 Sep 11. PMID: 27620926; PMCID: PMC5871149..
  • 5. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, "Lemon Balm", Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) - NCBI Bookshelf, April 19, 2021..
  • 6. Scholey, Andrew, Amy Gibbs, Chris Neale, Naomi Perry, Anastasia Ossoukhova, Vanessa Bilog, Marni Kras, Claudia Scholz, Mathias Sass, and Sybille Buchwald-Werner., "Anti-Stress Effects of Lemon Balm-Containing Foods", Nutrients 6, no. 11 (October 30, 2014): 4805–21.