Lemon balm was used in ancient Greece and Rome topically for the treatment of wounds. In the 17th Century the English

Herbalist Culpeper claimed it could improve mood and stimulate clear thinking. Clinical trials have highlighted that lemon balm extracts standardised to rosmarinic acid have demonstrated clear benefits in regards to memory and cognitive performance. As well as aiding with cognitive function, lemon balm can also improve mood and feelings of stress. One of the primary ways lemon balm is thought to reduce feelings of stress and enhance mood is by improving brain levels of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which has anti-anxiety and calming effects, without being a sedative.

Does Lemon Balm help with Mood and Stress? 

Lemon balm has been researched for its stress reliving and mood enhancing effects. 2An early investigation found that a single 600mg dose of lemon balm extract could reduce negative mood effects of a stressful task and significantly improve feelings of calmness and alertness. 

In a recent study lemon balm extract was given at a dose of 300 mg twice daily to a group of stressed people with mild-to-moderate anxiety and sleep disturbances. This study found that lemon balm reduced anxiety by 18%, reduced anxiety-associated symptoms by 15% and lowered insomnia by 42%. Most people responded to the treatment (95%), of which 70% achieved full remission for anxiety and 85% achieved full remission for insomnia.

Lemon balm reduces anxiety-associated symptoms.

Lemon balm is a lemon-scented herb that comes from the same family as mint. This herb naturally contains various active compounds such as rosmarinic acid, flavonoids and triterpenes.

Can Lemon Balm help with COGNITION?

The cognitive effects of lemon balm extract have been well documented in modern research. A randomised, placebo control trial reviewed the effects of 600mg of lemon balm extract on healthy individuals over a 7 day period. Cognitive performance was assessed via computer battery tests. With 600mg supplementation, significant differences were noted for word recognition, spatial memory and reaction time compared to placebo at 2.5 – 4 hours after administration.

Lemon balm tincture was investigated for its effects on patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. This was a four month placebo controlled parallel group study undertaken in patients between 65 and 80 years of age with confirmed Alzheimer’s disease. Subjects received 60 drops a day of the tincture which was a 1:1 extract in 45% alcohol. The results showed that at four months the Melissa officianlis tincture supplementation produced a significantly better outcome on cognitive function compared to placebo with improved agitation levels and no reported side effects.

Lemon Balm for FEMALE HEALTH 

Research has been conducted in Iran investigating the effect of Lemon balm on Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) symptoms. In a double blind, randomised control trial, 100 High school girls either received 1200mg lemon balm whole herb or placebo for 3 months. Results showed a significant reduction in the intensity of PMS symptoms including physical, social and psychological aspects. It is likely that improved mood and social outcomes were due to the herb’s ability to improve GABA levels.

The effects of lemon balm have also been studied on women experiencing sexual dysfunction. In a double blind RCT, 500mg of an aqueous extract of lemon balm twice daily compared to placebo for four weeks significantly improved measures of desire, arousal, satisfaction and pain compared to the placebo group.

Melissa officinalis has also been studied with beneficial effects found in women experiencing after birth pain. In a RCT, women with after pain were randomised into 2 groups, one receiving 250mg of medicated pain relief and the other 395mg of lemon balm every 6 hours for 24 hours post delivery. After 3 hours of taking the first dose, a significant difference was reported in the severity of pain between the two groups with those taking the lemon balm capsules being more effective at pain relief compared to the medication.

RECOMMENDED USE: Take 15 – 30 drops, 2 -3 times daily in a little fruit juice or water.