Lemon balm is one of the most common natural remedies that help people stay calm, enhance mood & sleep, reduce stress, and ultimately help prevent metabolic disorders.
In recent years, researchers have increasingly realized that poor sleep, anxiety, and chronic stress are independent risk factors for various non-infectious diseases. Continuous stress and insufficient sleep cause inflammation, mood changes, dietary changes, and more, which may increase the risk of chronic ailments.
Hence, one of the simplest ways to stay healthy is by staying calm and sleeping well. Using herbals like lemon balm to counter stress and anxiety is a better option due to their safety profile. Moreover, unlike chemical drugs, they do not negatively affect other brain functions.
What Is Lemon Balm?
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial herb in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. It’s commonly grown in gardens and cultivated fields. The plant has a lemony scent and flavor, making it a popular choice for culinary applications like teas and medicinal use1.
Lemon balm extract is rich in essential oils, antioxidants, terpenes, and various aromatic compounds. It can be taken internally, added to teas, or even used as a part of aroma therapy. Taking lemon balm supplements has some distinct benefits, as it is one of the easier ways to use it regularly.
Health Benefits
Lemon balm has many health benefits, though it is more commonly used to manage mood disorders and enhance sleep quality.
Reduces Anxiety
Lemon balm is a mood stabilizer. So, it is equally good for anxious and depressed minds. This is good news considering that emotional health disorders are rising. Moreover, many people are living with bipolar mood disorders.
Since lemon balm is now commonly used to manage mood issues, it has also become subject to increased scientific scrutiny. In one of the recent studies of 44 patients, researchers found that it is quite good at reducing anxiety and depression without causing sleepiness or any other side effects2.
Lemon balm may even work better when combined with other natural supplements and rosmarinic acid.
Improve Mood and Sleep
Of course, there are many medications to manage mood disorders and treat insomnia. However, due to safety concerns, sedatives are not a good choice for regular use. Pharmacological drugs might help fall asleep but alter sleep architecture, causing headaches and mood issues.
Using natural remedies to enhance mood and manage sleep issues is a good choice. What is good about lemon balm is that it does not cause any sedation. Instead, it stabilizes mood, enhances cognitive performance, and improves circadian rhythm. Therefore, it is a more natural and safe way of managing sleep issues2. One of the good ways to use lemon balm is Zenkgo Herbal Mood Plus supplement, which contains lemon balm and other herbals for stabilizing mood and enhancing sleep quality.
Promotes Digestives Health
Lemon balm may help improve digestive health in multiple ways. People who suffer from anxiety know that one of the signs of the condition is stomach upset. Lemon balm may help calm nerves, normalize gastric motility, and reduce acid production. Additionally, it may also help prevent stomach pains, and some of its effects might be due to enhanced parasympathetic activity3.
Lemon balm is especially good for those who experience digestive disorders secondary to mood issues. Additionally, science also needs to explore its role in irritable bowel disease, one of the most common gut issues.
Lemon balm may also have some beneficial impact on gut microflora, which may ultimately lead to better digestive health.
Useful Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory
Lemon balm is also good for overall health and may help prevent various chronic health issues. This is because it not only calms nerves but also reduces inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory action is due to its high content of antioxidants or polyphenolic compounds4.
May Improve Cardiovascular Health
Stress, poor sleep, and inflammation lead to poor heart health. Prolonged use of lemon balm may help reduce the risk of heart health issues. It may enhance parasympathetic activity and even help lower blood pressure. There is now some evidence from animal studies that lemon balm may directly impact the heart’s electrical system and may help regularize heartbeats5.
Conclusion
The Mediterranean region has long been associated with longevity. The secret of longevity of people in this area is that they consume many local herbs. One such herb that is native to that area is lemon balm. It has both culinary and medicinal value. Therefore, use this wonderful herb regularly to reduce stress, enhance mood, and sleep better. Using Zenkgo Herbal Mood Plus supplement may be one of the good ways to stay calm and enhance mood.
References
- Turhan H. 23 - Lemon balm. In: Peter KV, ed. Handbook of Herbs and Spices. Woodhead Publishing Series in Food Science, Technology and Nutrition. Woodhead Publishing; 2006:390-399. doi:10.1533/9781845691717.3.390
- Safari M, Asadi A, Aryaeian N, et al. The effects of melissa officinalis on depression and anxiety in type 2 diabetes patients with depression: a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2023;23(1):140. doi:10.1186/s12906-023-03978-x
- Gasbarrini G, Zaccone V, Covino M, Gallo A. Effectiveness of a “cold dessert”, with or without the addition of a mixture of digestive herbs, in subjects with “functional dyspepsia.” J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2010;24(1):93-98.
- Miraj S, Rafieian-Kopaei, Kiani S. Melissa officinalis L: A Review Study With an Antioxidant Prospective. J Evid-Based Complement Altern Med. 2017;22(3):385-394. doi:10.1177/2156587216663433
- Joukar S, Asadipour H. Evaluation of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm) Effects on Heart Electrical System. Res Cardiovasc Med. 2015;4(2):e27013. doi:10.5812/cardiovascmed.4(2)2015.27013