When taken by mouth: Lemon balm is likely safe when consumed in amounts found in foods. 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.
What does lemon balm do for your body?
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).
Who should not drink lemon balm tea?
Stop consuming lemon balm tea two weeks before any surgical procedures to avoid negative side effects. You should not drink lemon balm tea if you are taking thyroid medications or have a thyroid problem. Lemon balm tea may alter thyroid hormone levels and interfere with thyroid therapies.
Does lemon balm raise blood pressure?
Lemon balm may lower your blood pressure and therefore should be used with caution if you are taking medications with similar properties. It can also lower your blood sugar levels and people with diabetes should use lemon balm with care.
Is lemon balm a sedative?
Today, lemon balm is used in traditional medicine as both a sleep aid and digestive tonic. It can be consumed as tea, taken as a supplement or extract, or rubbed on the skin in balms and lotion. Lemon balm essential oil is also popular in aromatherapy, where it’s used to relieve stress and keep you calm.
Does lemon balm affect the thyroid?
Thyroid disease: Don’t use lemon balm. There is a concern that lemon balm may change thyroid function, reduce thyroid hormone levels, and interfere with thyroid hormone-replacement therapy.
Is lemon balm good for acid reflux?
For heartburn or if trying to wean off acid meds, chew 600-800 mg 20 minutes before meals for 6-8 weeks, then try to reduce the dose to 300-400 mg as needed. -Many other herbs can help to soothe the gut, including peppermint, chamomile, caraway, milk thistle, and lemon balm.
How long does it take for lemon balm to work for anxiety?
In one study, lemon balm extract was administered to individuals with mild-to-moderate anxiety for 15 days. This resulted in full remission of anxiety in 70% of the patients, and lemon balm also demonstrated benefits for sleep, with 85% of the patients experiencing a significant improvement in insomnia.
Is lemon balm good for lungs?
The essential oil made from lemon balm is high in compounds called triterpenes, which are rapidly absorbed through the lungs and have a calming effect on the body through aroma therapy. Essential oil created from the leaves can also eaten and used as an antioxidant (Marangui et al., 2004).
Does lemon balm affect blood sugar?
Lemon balm might decrease blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking lemon balm along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low.
Does lemon balm have caffeine?
Examples of popular herbal teas that are 100% caffeine free include: Chamomile. Mint (including peppermint and spearmint) Lemon balm.
Does lemon balm cause withdrawal?
A case study involving one person with specific symptoms indicated that lemon balm has the potential to cause withdrawal-like symptoms. The authors indicated that the person showed clear withdrawal symptoms coinciding with no longer using lemon balm.
Does lemon balm interact with medications?
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.
